Photo by Visual Voir on Unsplash
A Family's Bold Bet Pays Off
In the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the recent Mahakumbh Mela 2025, one family of boatmen achieved something remarkable. Inspired by the good earnings of boat operators during the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, they decided to take a big risk. Pintu Mahara, the leader of the family had wanted to provide boat services to the millions of people expected to visit the religious festival.
Taking a Big Chance: Loans and Sacrifice
Pintu knew he needed many boats to serve the crowds. He managed to get over 70 boats, which was a huge undertaking. To make this happen, he took out a bank loan and even used his family's gold jewelry as collateral. This meant they were putting a lot on the line, risking their savings and valuables. But Pintu believed in his plan and was confident that the Mahakumbh would be a success.
The Reward for Dedication: A "Success Story"
"Life was tough," Pintu explained. "We had to borrow money and mortgage gold to get the boats. Six months of hard work paid off as our boats became an integral part of the Mahakumbh experience, ferrying thousands of devotees."
Their hard work truly paid off. For 45 days, during the grand religious gathering, Pintu and his family worked tirelessly. They transported countless devotees across the river, becoming a vital part of the Mahakumbh experience. The boats were constantly busy, and the family’s efforts were recognized and celebrated.
Blessings and Prosperity: A Dream Realized
Pintu shared that after the Mauni Amavasya, a significant day during the Mahakumbh, he felt a wave of good fortune. "After Mauni Amavasya, I felt the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Yogi, the Mahakumbh became a grand success, making Prayagraj famous worldwide. Our business flourished, and we earned not just money, but the blessings of the people,” he added. He credited the success of the Mahakumbh to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi, saying it brought fame to Prayagraj. More importantly, he felt they earned the blessings of the people they served.
Overcoming Challenges: Commitment Despite Hardship
The work was physically demanding. Many of Pintu’s team members became sick due to the heavy workload. But despite these challenges, Pintu and his family remained dedicated. They were determined to provide the best service possible, even when it was difficult.
A Lesson in Faith and Entrepreneurship
Pintu Mahara’s story is a powerful example of how faith, hard work, and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit can lead to success. He took a significant risk, relying on his belief in the Mahakumbh and his ability to serve the people. His family’s experience shows that even with difficulties, determination and commitment can bring rewards and blessings.
A Boatman’s Triumph: Hard Work, Gratitude, and Success at Mahakumbh 2025
Photo by PRATEEK JAISWAL on Unsplash
A Mother's Gratitude for a Well-Earned Success
Pintu's mother expressed deep gratitude and happiness over their remarkable achievement. Reflecting on their journey, she acknowledged the dedication and effort they put in, attributing their success to the blessings of Ganga Maiyya (Mother Ganges). "We worked hard, and Ganga Maiyya listened to us," she said, emphasizing her faith and appreciation for the divine intervention that guided them.
Pintu’s Leadership and the Team’s Dedication
Under Pintu’s leadership, a team of more than 300 individuals played a crucial role in assisting devotees during the Mahakumbh. Their responsibilities included arranging boat rides by ensuring smooth bathing experiences and offering various other services to pilgrims. Beyond their paid duties, they also extended free services to make the pilgrimage more fulfilling and spiritually enriching for visitors. Their dedication not only ensured a seamless experience for devotees but also reinforced the significance of selfless service during such sacred gatherings.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Next Mahakumbh
With the successful conclusion of Mahakumbh 2025, Pintu is already looking forward to the next grand congregation, which will take place 12 years later. His aspirations remain strong, and he hopes to participate again, working under the leadership of the current government to continue providing essential services to pilgrims. His ambition reflects a long-term commitment to both his profession and the spiritual importance of the event.
The Economic Impact: A Boatman’s Prosperity
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently shared an inspiring success story from the Mahakumbh, highlighting how a boatman’s family significantly benefited financially from the event. Speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, he revealed that a single family, which owned multiple boats, earned an astonishing sum of Rs 30 crore within the 45-day festival period. Breaking down these figures, he explained that each boat generated approximately Rs 23 lakh over the course of the festival, which translates to a daily income of around Rs 50,000–52,000.
Dismissing Allegations of Exploitation
During his address, CM Yogi also dismissed allegations raised by the opposition Samajwadi Party, which claimed that boatmen were exploited during the event. By presenting these figures, the Chief Minister aimed to counter such accusations, illustrating that boatmen, instead of facing hardships, actually prospered through their participation in the festival’s economic activities.
A Historic and Well-Organized Mahakumbh
Mahakumbh 2025, held on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, was not only a spiritual milestone but also a testament to meticulous planning and execution. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 66 crore devotees, making it one of the most historic and well-organized gatherings in recent times. Beginning on January 13, coinciding with Paush Purnima, and concluding on February 26, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, the festival attracted pilgrims and tourists from across India and beyond, reinforcing its reputation as the world’s largest religious gathering.
The story of Pintu and his team reflects the spirit of dedication, hard work, and faith that defines Mahakumbh. From providing essential services to pilgrims to achieving financial success, their journey highlights the transformative power of devotion and enterprise. As preparations for the next Mahakumbh begin in the distant future, such stories serve as reminders of the immense impact this divine gathering has on individuals and communities alike.
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