Dettol Banega Swasth India Marks Presence at Kumbh Mela
Reckitt consumer health and hygiene company has taken its flagship campaign Dettol Banega Swasth India to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The company is aiming to create a memorable Swachh and Swasth Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 through this initiative. For this, it has partnered with Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation, 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, and contributing to India’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 Agenda by establishing hygiene as the foundation for good health.
The Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI) has been a trusted partner of the Kumbh Mela since 2016. It has undertaken 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 drawing crores of devotees, DBSI is focused on embedding hygiene practices into the spiritual and cultural fabric of this sacred event.
The DBSI campaign, in collaboration with the various Akhadas, is providing 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 is supporting 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 are receiving soaps and hygiene awareness messages to encourage consistent hygiene practices during their stays. Adding to the cultural experience, the campaign will 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, “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, 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, Plan India stated, “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 drive positive behavioural change for a healthier tomorrow.” Bidhu Bhushan Panda, Chairperson, AJ Foundation, said, “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 also expressed his enthusiasm and said, “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.