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K. Sandeep Kumar

K Sandeep Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor and Prayagraj Bureau in-charge of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over two decades, he has written extensively on politics, education, science and technology research, defence and human interest issues in Uttar Pradesh.

Articles by K. Sandeep Kumar

Ex-Bollywood star Mamta Kulkarni becomes Maha Mandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada

Known for her bold and glamorous roles in the 1990s, Mamta’s transition from the glitzy world of Bollywood to a spiritual leader took place with the ‘sanyas diksha’ (monkhood initiation) at Sangam

Mamta Kulkarni will now be known by her new name: Shri Yamai Mamata Nand Giri. (HT)

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Updated on Jan 25, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mauni Amavasya preps: Zonal ghats designated for bathing, no VIP motorboats and more

Specific routes and ghats have been assigned for pilgrims from different regions to minimize crowding.

Newly-initiated Naga Sadhus, or Hindu holy men, take a dip in the sacred waters of the river Ganges after participating in religious rituals during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 24, 2025. (Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)

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Updated on Jan 25, 2025 05:56 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar

Donations embrace the ‘smart path’ in digital Mahakumbh-2025

From religious institutions to sadhus, a large number of them have come up with QR codes to enable pilgrims, patrons, and tourists to make donations to them through the smart digital route.

QR code pasted atop a donation box in the temple of Lord Jagannath at Sector 19 of the mela area. (HT)

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Updated on Jan 24, 2025 05:04 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh: Atonement rooms prepare pilgrims for sacred fire rituals

Yagnas, an ancient Hindu practice, involve offering ghee, grains, and other materials into a sacred fire. These offerings, believed to bring blessings and purification, are a symbolic connection between devotees and divine forces.

Yagna being performed at the camp of a sadhu in mela area during Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (HT Photo)

Lucknow

Published on Jan 21, 2025 09:33 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Sadhus who left behind success for spirituality

Many former professionals, including athletes and engineers, have embraced asceticism at the Kumbh Mela, dedicating their lives to Sanatan Dharma.

Mahamandaleshwar Chetna had cleared the UPSC Mains Civil Services Examination. She says she took sanyas initiation when she understood that she can serve the world better as a sanyasin. (HT)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 20, 2025 07:24 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh: Products from pan-UP drawing crowd in ODOP Expo, sale of ₹35 crore expected

Stalls of major products of almost all 75 districts of the state have been set up in the exhibition.

A stall at ODOP expo at Mahakumbh, in Prayagraj. (ANIL KUMAR MAURYA/HT)

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Updated on Jan 19, 2025 07:04 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: 800 sadhus initiated as Naga ascetics by Juna Akhada, perform ‘Pind Daan’ for generations

This ceremony extended from Saturday morning until past midnight, culminating in each sadhu receiving certificates after being initiated by the Akhada head, Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, at midnight.

Sadhus of Juna Akhada during the initiation ceremony to become Naga ascetics on banks of Ganga near Sangam during Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj on Saturday. (ANIL KUMAR MAURYA/HT)

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Updated on Jan 19, 2025 06:56 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh-2025: Over 1,000 women set to be ordained, gain entry into Akhadas

At Mahakumbh 2025, over 1,000 women ascetics will receive 'sanyas diksha,' marking a historic shift in Sanatan Dharma's traditions.

Women sadhus of Juna Akhada at Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (HT photo)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 19, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

2,500-year-old Persian technique powers Mahakumbh’s lifeline

Mahakumbh 2025 features innovative pontoon bridges, spanning 4,000 hectares, connecting 25 sectors, blending ancient techniques with modern engineering.

The pontoon bridges interconnecting the tent city at Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 18, 2025 07:50 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar

For Naga sadhus, their weapons are symbols of ‘peace’

Naga sadhus showcase sacred weapons at Mahakumbh Mela, symbolizing peace and security, while honoring ancient traditions and bravery of Akhadas.

Ancient weapons near the Dharam dhwaja at Juna Akhada’s camp in Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 18, 2025 07:34 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Jangam sadhus enchant as ‘wandering shrines of Lord Shiva’

A visit by ‘Jangam’ sudhus to a household is considered equivalent to a visit from Lord Shiva himself, and they are regarded as superior to fixed lingas (stone idols installed in temples).

Jangam sadhus (in white attire) at a camp in Mahakumbh Nagar on banks of Sangam in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 16, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar

12,000 Naga sadhus to be ordained at Mahakumbh

Rituals involve three days of spiritual austerities for aspirant sadhus ahead of the ordination ceremony; Juna, Niranjani and Mahanirvani Akhadas begin preparations

Hundreds of sadhus attending the ordination ceremony of the Juna Akhada in the freezing cold during Kumbh Mela-2019 (HT File Photo)

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Updated on Jan 16, 2025 05:00 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh: The mystic world of Naga sadhus and their 17 ‘shringar’

Naga sadhus prepare for Amrit Snan by performing a unique 17 shringar, involving cleansing and smearing ash, before bathing in the Ganga.

Naga Sadhus in procession before the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh-2025 on occasion of Makar Sankranti on Jan 14. (Deepak Gupta/HT)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 15, 2025 05:42 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Sadhus earns titles like ‘Jagadguru’, others for their knowledge, meditation

At Mahakumbh-2025, many sadhus display titles like 'Jagadguru' and 'Shankaracharya', reflecting their knowledge and penance, enhancing devotees' faith.

Vehicles of sadhus bearing their titles with pride in tent city of Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 14, 2025 10:34 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Makar Sankranti@Mahakumbh: Trans sadhus take dip, pray for happiness, prosperity of nation

The Kinnar Akhada, along with their hundreds of trans community members, arrived in a procession of 51 ‘chariots’ at Sangam Nose

Sadhus of Kinnar Akhada and members of trans community led by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi taking a dip at Sangam during Amit Snan in Prayagraj on Tuesday (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Published on Jan 14, 2025 09:45 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Over 1.65 crore take holy dip on Paush Purnima:Mahakumbh begins amid flood of fervour, shower of petals

Spurred by zest and undeterred by the early morning chill, pilgrims from across the country and abroad bathe at Sangam

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Updated on Jan 14, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByKenneth John K Sandeep Kumar Rajeev Mullick, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Mahakumbh Paush Purnima Snan: Transgender high priest leads members of trans community to take holy dip

Swami Kaushaliyanand Giri aka Tina Ma, Maha Mandaleshwar (Uttar Pradesh) of Kinnar Akhada and member of Uttar Pradesh Kinnar Welfare Board, led a large group of her disciples and members of the trans community in a holy dip.

Maha Mandaleshwar (UP) of Kinnar Akhada Swami Kaushaliyanand Giri aka Tina Ma along with her disciples and members of the trans community taking a dip in Ganga on Paush Purnima at Ram Ghat in tent city on Monday. (HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Jan 13, 2025 06:38 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Sea of pilgrims throng Sangam for holy dip as Maha Kumbh 2025 begins

The enthusiasm of the devotees on the first day indicates Maha Kumbh 2025 may see a bigger crowd of devotees than what the UP government anticipated.

Devotees take the holy dip at Mahakumbh 2025. (HT Photo)

India News

Updated on Jan 13, 2025 12:32 PM IST

ByRajeev Mullick, K Sandeep Kumar

A celebration of spiritual grandeur

Spread across a 4,000-hectare area, the sanitation system includes 10 walk-behind sweeping machines, over 150,000 toilets, 25,000 dustbins, and 5,000 urinals.

Devotees at Mahakumbh on Day 1(Prayagraj District Administration via ANI)

India News

Published on Jan 13, 2025 08:49 AM IST

ByRajeev Mullick, K Sandeep Kumar, Kenneth John, Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh: Batuks from Varanasi getting hands-on training at Akhada camp

Over 450 Vedic and Sanskrit scholars staying among the seers to learn how to perform rituals and conduct themselves

In the Mahanirwani akhada camp, there are 450 of his fellow ‘batuks’ (students) performing different tasks and helping senior sadhus while learning how to serve food, how to talk and interact. (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 12, 2025 07:24 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Ancient, painstaking recipe of Naga sadhus’ sacred ash

The method of preparation used is an ancient one, said Swami Hari Giri, the secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad (Hari Giri faction) and a patron of Shri Panch Dasnaam Juna Akhada

A naga sadhu at his camp in tent city of Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj (Anil Kumar Maurya/HT)

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Updated on Jan 11, 2025 09:14 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj)

Steve Jobs’ wife Laurene to camp at Sangam banks

Other prominent personalities expected to attend the mega event include Sudha Murthy, Savitri Jindal, Hema Malini, Vivek Oberoi, Naveen Jindal, Anup Jalota

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Updated on Jan 10, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Tales of Hatha Yogis, embracing physical challenges as acts of extreme devotion

Many great ascetics and ‘Hatha Yogis’ have also arrived at the world’s largest fair, set to kick off on January 13

Aawahan Akhara Mahant Mahakal Giri (Ht Photo)

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Updated on Jan 08, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh: Seers embrace spiritual identity as Aadhaar cards reflect gurus, not parents!

At Mahakumbh-2025, sadhus and sanyasis use guru names on IDs instead of parents, reflecting their spiritual commitment and traditions.

Saints camping in tent city of Mahakumbh-2025 with photos of their gurus above them in Prayagraj (HT Photo)

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Updated on Jan 06, 2025 08:36 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

‘One bag, One Thali’ initiative launched for plastic free Mahakumbh

Mahakumbh-2025 aims for zero waste with 'One Bag, One Thali' initiative, distributing steel plates and cloth bags to promote cleanliness and environmental care.

Volunteers distributing steel plates and cloth bags in the mela area ahead of Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Jan 04, 2025 07:08 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj):

Aghori seer ‘Chhote Dadubut’ draws crowds at Mahakumbh

The world's largest spiritual fair at Sangam from January 13 features Swami Ganga Puri, a unique 3-foot-8-inch seer devoted to Aghor Sadhna.

Smallest Sadhu Shri Ganga puri allias Chhote Maharaj (3feet 8inch hight) of Juna Akhara walks at Sangam (HT)

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Updated on Jan 04, 2025 05:34 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Tiles, bricks made from debris helping reshape Sangam city ahead of Mahakumbh

Prayagraj Municipal Corporation uses recycled construction waste for Mahakumbh-2025 projects, promoting eco-friendly materials and reducing waste.

The PMC C&D Plant at Baswar in Prayagraj (HT Photo)

Other Cities

Updated on Dec 29, 2024 06:04 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Kids in over 40k govt schools in U.P. to learn coding, programming

Uttar Pradesh students in classes 6-8 will learn Scratch and Python from 2024-25, but lack computers poses a challenge for practical teaching.

Other Cities

Updated on Dec 28, 2024 08:24 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Mahakumbh: Russian-Ukrainian women seers unite to spread Sanatan Dharma amidst war

“We are united in our mission to spread the Sanatan dharma. Nothing else matters,” said Giri, the Maha Mandaleshwar (high priest) of the Juna Akhara, who is in Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh-2025.

Swami Ananda Leela Giri of Juna Akhara in Prayagraj (HT Photo)

Lucknow

Published on Dec 21, 2024 10:15 PM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Prayagraj

Hoardings with info-loaded QR codes to help visitors during Mahakumbh

QR codes of dist administration, emergency services, hotels and food outlets provided in govt advertisement hoardings installed in fair area

A hoarding in Mahakumbh-2025 mela area bearing the QR codes (HT Photo)

Other Cities

Updated on Dec 21, 2024 06:22 AM IST

ByK Sandeep Kumar, Mahakumbh Nagar (prayagraj):

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K. Sandeep Kumar

K Sandeep Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor and Prayagraj Bureau in-charge of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over two decades, he has written extensively on politics, education, science and technology research, defence and human interest issues in Uttar Pradesh.

Known for her bold and glamorous roles in the 1990s, Mamta’s transition from the glitzy world of Bollywood to a spiritual leader took place with the ‘sanyas diksha’ (monkhood initiation) at Sangam

Specific routes and ghats have been assigned for pilgrims from different regions to minimize crowding.

From religious institutions to sadhus, a large number of them have come up with QR codes to enable pilgrims, patrons, and tourists to make donations to them through the smart digital route.

Yagnas, an ancient Hindu practice, involve offering ghee, grains, and other materials into a sacred fire. These offerings, believed to bring blessings and purification, are a symbolic connection between devotees and divine forces.

Many former professionals, including athletes and engineers, have embraced asceticism at the Kumbh Mela, dedicating their lives to Sanatan Dharma.

Stalls of major products of almost all 75 districts of the state have been set up in the exhibition.

This ceremony extended from Saturday morning until past midnight, culminating in each sadhu receiving certificates after being initiated by the Akhada head, Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, at midnight.

At Mahakumbh 2025, over 1,000 women ascetics will receive 'sanyas diksha,' marking a historic shift in Sanatan Dharma's traditions.

Mahakumbh 2025 features innovative pontoon bridges, spanning 4,000 hectares, connecting 25 sectors, blending ancient techniques with modern engineering.

Naga sadhus showcase sacred weapons at Mahakumbh Mela, symbolizing peace and security, while honoring ancient traditions and bravery of Akhadas.

A visit by ‘Jangam’ sudhus to a household is considered equivalent to a visit from Lord Shiva himself, and they are regarded as superior to fixed lingas (stone idols installed in temples).

Rituals involve three days of spiritual austerities for aspirant sadhus ahead of the ordination ceremony; Juna, Niranjani and Mahanirvani Akhadas begin preparations

Naga sadhus prepare for Amrit Snan by performing a unique 17 shringar, involving cleansing and smearing ash, before bathing in the Ganga.

At Mahakumbh-2025, many sadhus display titles like 'Jagadguru' and 'Shankaracharya', reflecting their knowledge and penance, enhancing devotees' faith.

The Kinnar Akhada, along with their hundreds of trans community members, arrived in a procession of 51 ‘chariots’ at Sangam Nose

Spurred by zest and undeterred by the early morning chill, pilgrims from across the country and abroad bathe at Sangam

Swami Kaushaliyanand Giri aka Tina Ma, Maha Mandaleshwar (Uttar Pradesh) of Kinnar Akhada and member of Uttar Pradesh Kinnar Welfare Board, led a large group of her disciples and members of the trans community in a holy dip.

The enthusiasm of the devotees on the first day indicates Maha Kumbh 2025 may see a bigger crowd of devotees than what the UP government anticipated.

Spread across a 4,000-hectare area, the sanitation system includes 10 walk-behind sweeping machines, over 150,000 toilets, 25,000 dustbins, and 5,000 urinals.

Over 450 Vedic and Sanskrit scholars staying among the seers to learn how to perform rituals and conduct themselves

The method of preparation used is an ancient one, said Swami Hari Giri, the secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad (Hari Giri faction) and a patron of Shri Panch Dasnaam Juna Akhada

Other prominent personalities expected to attend the mega event include Sudha Murthy, Savitri Jindal, Hema Malini, Vivek Oberoi, Naveen Jindal, Anup Jalota

Many great ascetics and ‘Hatha Yogis’ have also arrived at the world’s largest fair, set to kick off on January 13

At Mahakumbh-2025, sadhus and sanyasis use guru names on IDs instead of parents, reflecting their spiritual commitment and traditions.

Mahakumbh-2025 aims for zero waste with 'One Bag, One Thali' initiative, distributing steel plates and cloth bags to promote cleanliness and environmental care.

The world's largest spiritual fair at Sangam from January 13 features Swami Ganga Puri, a unique 3-foot-8-inch seer devoted to Aghor Sadhna.

Prayagraj Municipal Corporation uses recycled construction waste for Mahakumbh-2025 projects, promoting eco-friendly materials and reducing waste.

Uttar Pradesh students in classes 6-8 will learn Scratch and Python from 2024-25, but lack computers poses a challenge for practical teaching.

“We are united in our mission to spread the Sanatan dharma. Nothing else matters,” said Giri, the Maha Mandaleshwar (high priest) of the Juna Akhara, who is in Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh-2025.

QR codes of dist administration, emergency services, hotels and food outlets provided in govt advertisement hoardings installed in fair area

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