Mahakumbh 2025: Sustainability at the World's Largest Gathering

• 21,500 jackets made from recycled plastic are distributed to sanitation workers, boatmen, and volunteers at the event.
• Special changing rooms, also made from recycled plastic, are provided for women for their safety and privacy.

The world's largest public and religious gathering—the Kumbh Mela—has officially started with much fervour at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Tens of thousands of people, including Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Kalpvasis, and Pilgrims from all over the world, will flock to India to take a holy dip in the Ganges (Ganga River) to wash off their sins and take part in myriad cultural activities.

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. It happens at one of the four locations in India: in Haridwar, Uttarakhand; Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh; Nashik, Maharashtra; and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

The Kumbh Mela 2025 is happening at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025. Since the event draws huge crowds to the banks of the Ganga River, waste management and sustainability also come to the fore.

However, this year, the pilgrimage kicked off on a sustainability note, ushering in the ceremonious gathering, which could also be seen from space.

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Coca-Cola India and its foundation Anandana have collaborated with the PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) to bring sustainability to the Maha Kumbh 2025. Their focus is on waste management and recycling to reduce the environmental impact of the world's largest Hindu festival.

Coca-Cola India's Maidaan Saaf Campaign is distributing 21,500 jackets made from recycled plastic. These jackets will be given to sanitation workers, boatmen, and volunteers working round the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of people partaking.

For women's safety and privacy, the company has set up 1,000 changing rooms made entirely from recycled multi-layered plastic waste along the 12km stretch of the mighty Ganges. The rooms are adorned with illustrations by famous Indian artists to educate the masses on the importance of waste recycling and segregation.

Devyani Rana, Vice President, Coca-Cola India said: "At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the power of innovation to drive meaningful change. These initiatives showcase how recycling can help transform discarded items into valuable resources. Through Maidaan Saaf, we aim to unite millions of visitors in collective action to help reduce waste, reinforcing our commitment to supporting waste management systems that help ensure product packaging has a second life.”

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There are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and Hydration Carts placed at different locations in Uttar Pradesh to effectively manage plastic waste. RVMs are positioned at high-traffic locations like major railway stations and food courts, which allow people to dispose of plastic bottles, while Hydration Carts are set up every 400 metres for attendees to quench their thirst 24/7. These carts have creative artwork exhorting people to adopt sustainable practices, including waste management and recycling methods.

Not only does their campaign exalt sustainability, but it also shows people how to turn waste into valuable resources via recycling. Through this initiative, the company aims to spread the message of sustainable practices and their benefits to everyone at the Kumbh Mela. As the occasion attracts many people, including foreigners, they hope this will create a positive change and set a precedent for the rest of the country and the world.

Vivek Vyas, CEO, PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF), social arm of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, added: "The Mahakumbh Mela is a sacred confluence of faith, culture, and tradition, attracting millions globally. This partnership with Coca-Cola India is a vital step toward embedding sustainable practices into this historic event.

"By introducing recycled plastic initiatives like changing rooms, life jackets, and hydration kiosks, we are setting a benchmark for a cleaner, safer, and eco-conscious Kumbh. These efforts resonate deeply with our vision of a Swachh (Clean) and Surakshit (Safe) Kumbh, where modern solutions meet traditional values to create a meaningful and lasting impact for generations to come."

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