14 Jan 2025 – Reckitt, the world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company, through its flagship campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India, is committed to creating a memorable Swachh and Swasth Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in partnership with Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation (formerly AJYS), Plan India and Jagran Pehel (a Division of Shri Puran Chandra Gupta Smarak Trust). This initiative strengthens Reckitt’s mission to transform public health and hygiene at the world’s largest religious gathering, contributing to the nation’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 Agenda by establishing hygiene as the foundation for good health.
Since 2016, Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI) has been a trusted partner of the Kumbh Mela with impactful interventions in Ardh Kumbh Melas and Magh Melas across Varanasi, Nashik and Ujjain. Over the years, Kumbh has witnessed a surge of pilgrims, and this year, as the Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to draw 45 crore devotees, DBSI is focused on embedding hygiene practices into this sacred event’s spiritual and cultural fabric.
In collaboration with the Akhadas, the campaign will provide millions of soaps to devotees at food-serving areas to ensure handwashing before and after meals, fostering healthier practices across the Mela grounds. Additionally, DBSI will support nearly 15,000 sanitation workers by providing training programs and making soaps accessible to them. These efforts aim to ensure that both devotees and sanitation workers experience a healthier and cleaner Kumbh.
Recognizing the diversity and scale of the Maha Kumbh, Dettol Banega Swasth India is deploying health and hygiene volunteers across all 25 sectors of the Kumbh, offering on-ground support and guidance to the pilgrims. Special focus is also being given to millions of Kalpvasis (devotees staying for the entire 45 days of the Mela), who will receive soaps and hygiene awareness messages to encourage consistent hygiene practices during their stays. Adding to the cultural experience, the campaign will also engage devotees through traditional Nukkad Nataks, delivering powerful messages on the vital role of handwashing in maintaining good health.
Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia said, “At Reckitt, we believe that health and well-being of communities are the foundation of true progress. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 provides a unique opportunity to embed hygiene practices into one of India’s most culturally significant events. We are delighted to take ahead our long-standing partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and GIWA to reaffirm our commitment to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, ensuring that hygiene is the cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier India.”
Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President, of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh and Co-Founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, said, “I have been associated with Banega Swasth India and thrilled to witness its impactful presence at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. By leveraging engaging initiatives such as street plays, puppet shows, and distributing planters, we aim to empower individuals to become ambassadors of change, driving a collective movement towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable society.”
Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, of Plan India stated, “Our collaboration with Dettol Banega Swasth India is a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change in communities. At the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we are proud to contribute to this monumental effort to instill hygiene practices among millions of devotees. By reaching out to diverse communities, we are reinforcing the importance of hand hygiene and driving positive behavioral change for a healthier tomorrow.”
Bidhu Bhushan Panda, Chairperson, AJ Foundation, said, “We are proud to collaborate with Banega Swasth India at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, amplifying critical messages on health and hygiene. As a vibrant celebration of unity and spiritual growth, the Maha Kumbh embodies humanity’s collective commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we aim to inspire awareness, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy that resonates with all participants.”
Sameer Gupta, Treasurer, Jagran Pehel, “Jagran Pehel is deeply honored to support DBSI at Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest religious gathering in the world. Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a gathering; it is a profound celebration of faith, devotion, and unity. Through our far-reaching impact and meaningful advocacy, we are committed to uplifting the spirit of this sacred event and championing initiatives that enhance its purpose and legacy for millions of devotees.”
Reckitt’s Dettol Banega Swasth India remains committed to advancing public health and hygiene in India. By aligning spiritual values with hygiene consciousness and partnering with diverse stakeholders, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will inspire millions during the event, driving the nation closer to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
