When Photographs Became a Pilgrimage, Aamir Khan Said – "I Felt the Mahakumbh Right Here"

Recently, Aamir Khan had a wonderful day at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. In the presence of Aamir Khan, Shobhaa De, Dr. Rajesh M Parikh, and photographer Namas Bhojani, Aamir was amazed by the photo book based on Mahakumbh 2025.

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 book launch captures faith

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India is not just a country, but a confluence of emotions, faith, and belief. When this confluence is witnessed at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the whole world is left in awe. The spirit of this Mahakumbh 2025 has been captured on camera to create a very special experience, titled 'The Power of Faith: The Mahakumbh Mela 2025'. This unique book was recently launched grandly at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai.

Film actor Aamir Khan and renowned writer Shobhaa De were specially present on this occasion. The book includes stunning photographs taken by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Rajesh M Parikh and Pulitzer Prize-nominated photographer Namas Bhojani.

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When these photographs adorned the walls of the Jehangir Art Gallery, it felt as if the entire Mahakumbh had come to Mumbai. The penance of the sadhus, the faith in the eyes of the devotees, the Ganges flowing on the ghats, and millions of people immersed in devotion – every picture was telling a story.

Aamir Khan looked emotional after seeing these pictures. He said that he himself could not go to the Mahakumbh, but these pictures transported him there. Aamir said that these photographs clearly show the different emotions of India and the power of faith. He acknowledged that these are not just pictures, but an experience.

Writer Shobhaa De continued the conversation in a very interesting way. She asked Dr. Parikhand Namas Bhojani about the hard work behind the book, the difficult circumstances, and the moments that ordinary people might never get to see. Shobhaa De also shared her past Mahakumbh experiences on this occasion. She recounted meeting a Naga sadhu years ago, who was once a prominent figure in nuclear physics but had renounced everything to follow a spiritual path. Shobhaa De said that the sadhu's simplicity and profound wisdom have influenced her to this day. Whenever she faces life's big questions, she remembers that sadhu.

The special thing about this book is that it views the Mahakumbh not as a religious spectacle, but from a human perspective. It features faces, not just a crowd; silent devotion, not just noise. The photographs include children, the elderly, women, sadhus, artists, and ordinary people.

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It was also revealed that this book will be taken to several cities across the country in the coming months as an exhibition, so that those who could not attend the Mahakumbh can experience it through these photographs. There are also plans to showcase this exhibition at some international art festivals.

The government and cultural institutions are also undertaking several new initiatives for Mahakumbh 2025. A digital archive is being created, where photographs, stories, and experiences related to the Mahakumbh will be preserved forever. This will be a great gift for future generations.

In today's fast-paced and stressful times, such books and photographs reassure us that faith and humanity are still alive. The participation of artists like Aamir Khan in such events proves that even film stars are deeply connected to India's roots.

These photographs of the Mahakumbh are not just something to look at, but a means to experience the greatness of India. This book is also for those who have never been to Prayagraj but want to understand the soul of India.