New Delhi: Reckitt, through its flagship campaign Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI), is committed to creating a Swachh and Swasth Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The initiative is in partnership with the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation, Plan India, and Jagran Pehel. This collaboration strengthens Reckitt’s mission of transforming public health and hygiene at the largest religious gathering in the world while contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Since 2016, Dettol Banega Swasth India has been a trusted partner of the Kumbh Mela, supporting the Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas across Varanasi, Nashik, and Ujjain. This year, with an expected 45 crore devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela, DBSI’s focus will be on embedding hygiene practices into the event’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
As part of the campaign, in collaboration with the Akhadas, millions of soaps will be distributed at food-serving areas to encourage handwashing before and after meals. The initiative will also support nearly 15,000 sanitation workers by providing training programs and making soaps accessible to them, ensuring both pilgrims and sanitation workers benefit from cleaner practices.
Recognizing the scale of the Maha Kumbh, Dettol Banega Swasth India will deploy health and hygiene volunteers across the 25 sectors of the Mela to offer on-ground support to the pilgrims. Special focus will be placed on the Kalpvasis, devotees who stay for the entire 45 days, who will receive hygiene products and awareness messages to ensure consistent hygiene practices throughout their stay. Traditional Nukkad Nataks (street plays) will also engage the masses, conveying the importance of handwashing for 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, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh and Co-Founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, commented, “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, said, “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 drive positive behavioural change for a healthier tomorrow.”
Bidhu Bhushan Panda, Chairperson, AJ Foundation, added, “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, said, “Jagran Pehel is honored to support DBSI at Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest religious gathering. We are committed to enhancing the legacy of this sacred event by championing initiatives that contribute to its purpose and impact on millions of devotees.”
Reckitt’s Dettol Banega Swasth India continues its commitment 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 of devotees and contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat 2047.
