‘Kaante Wale Baba’ Leaves Devotees in Awe at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh):
As the Maha Kumbh commences in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, the multitude at the sacred Sangam continues to captivate onlookers as ascetics and holy men, with distinctive names, display their skills.
Starting from Small and Key Holder Baba to Madman and Magnificent Baba, now ‘Thorn Wale Baba’, also known as Ramesh Kumar Manjhi, has emerged as a significant attraction at Maha Kumbh.
Lying on thorns, ‘Thorn Wale Baba’ astounds devotees at Prayagraj.
“I serve the mentor. Mentor imparted knowledge to us and gave us complete strength. It is all the glory of the divine that enables me to do this (recline on thorns)… I have been performing this act every year for the past 40-50 years… I engage in it because it benefits my physique… It never causes me harm… I contribute half of the ‘dakshina’ I receive and utilize the remainder to cover my expenses…, he informed ANI.
#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | Ramesh Kumar Manjhi alias Thorn Wale Baba lays down on thorns at #MahaKumbh2025 in Prayagraj. pic.twitter.com/4emU9LwZv9
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
Meanwhile, a 21-person delegation from 10 countries arrived at Arail Tent City in Prayagraj on Wednesday evening. The delegation is set to partake in a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam.
The delegation, invited by the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, will take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on January 16.
The visiting group comprises representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This highlights the international interest in this religious event, which serves as a testament to India’s diverse cultural and spiritual legacy.
During their stay, the delegation will engage in a cultural walk to explore the abundant cultural and historical heritage of Prayagraj. They will also experience a bird’s eye view of the Mahakumbh area through a helicopter ride. Dinner and lodging arrangements have been made at the tent city for their convenience.
Maha Kumbh, which kicked off on January 13, will run until February 26. The upcoming significant bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).