Pilgrims to get Triveni’s holy water in elegant bottles

Prayagraj: Anticipating a record turnout of over 40 crore devotees at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025, the UP govt has launched a unique initiative to enrich their spiritual journey. Understanding the cherished tradition of carrying sacred Triveni water home, special arrangements have been made to provide it at railway and bus stations. Women from self-help groups will manage this thoughtful service, ensuring convenience for crores of pilgrims.The sacred land of Prayagraj is renowned for its confluence of three holy rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. This unique union gives the water of this sacred site its special significance. During festivals like Magh Mela, Kumbh and Maha Kumbh, devotees flock here to bathe in the holy waters and take some of the Triveni's sacred water back home. However, due to the massive crowds at the Maha Kumbh, many devotees are unable to get the Triveni water. In view of this situation, the govt has undertaken this initiative.The holy water of Triveni will be available in bottles and urns at all bus terminals and railway stations in the city. Deputy commissioner of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Rajeev Kumar Singh said that this special arrangement is being made under govt directives to cater to the needs of the Maha Kumbh pilgrims. Before the Maha Kumbh, women from self-help groups in Prayagraj will make Ganga water available at railway stations, bus stands and religious sites. Singh said this start-up initiative aims to empower women from self-help groups by fostering self-reliance.Under the NRLM, over a thousand women from self-help groups will receive training for this initiative. They will be taught how to sell Ganga water (Gangajal) at railway stations, bus stands and other religious locations. If their performance is commendable, more women will be included in the programme, further enhancing their self-reliance. The water of the Triveni Sangam will be offered in metal urns and bottles, elegantly encased in designer baskets made of ‘moonj' for added beauty and safety. Moonj, recognised as the ‘One District One Product' (ODOP) of Prayagraj, has been specially chosen for this purpose. Women artisans from Mahewa village in Naini, known for crafting moonj products, have created these designer baskets. The Triveni water will be available in packaging sizes of one litre, half a litre, and 250 ml. This initiative will not only provide the holy water but also promote the branding of the district's ODOP.