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Meet Anaaj Wale Baba at Mahakumbh Mela 2025, who has been growing crops on his head

Baba's striking method involves growing crops like wheat, millet, gram, and peas on his head, a practice he has maintained for the past five years.

Discover the inspiring story of Anaaj Wale Baba, who promotes environmental sustainability through his unique practice of growing crops on his head. Learn how he is spreading an eco-message at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

Mahakumbh viral stories: Discover the inspiring story of Anaaj Wale Baba, who promotes environmental sustainability through his unique practice of growing crops on his head. Learn how he is spreading an eco-message at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. (Source: ANI/YouTube)

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, known for its spiritual fervour and unique attractions, has found a new eco-champion in Amarjeet, fondly called Anaaj Wale Baba. Hailing from the Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh, Baba has captivated the attention of millions with his unconventional yet impactful message of environmental sustainability.

Baba’s striking method involves growing crops like wheat, millet, gram, and peas on his head, a practice he has maintained for the past five years. This extraordinary effort is aimed at raising awareness about deforestation and promoting greenery. “I decided to do this after seeing how cutting trees is affecting our world. Wherever I go, I encourage people to plant more greenery,” Baba told ANI, emphasising his mission to inspire collective action for the planet.

Currently stationed near Kila Ghat for the sacred Kalpavas, Anaaj Wale Baba has become a crowd-puller at the Mahakumbh Mela. Visitors are awestruck not only by his ingenuity but also by the dedication it takes to nurture crops atop his head. Baba waters the plants regularly and ensures they thrive, turning his unique practice into a living example of commitment to nature.

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Knowledge nugget of the day: Maha Kumbh 2025

Priests perform Ganga Aarti at Sangam in Prayagraj on Friday. (PTI)

Anaaj Wale Baba sees this practice as a blend of his role as a Hatha Yogi and an environmental activist. For him, this combination reflects a harmonious balance between spirituality and ecological responsibility. After the Mela concludes, Baba plans to return to Sonbhadra and continue his mission to promote afforestation and environmental harmony.

The Maha Kumbh Mela also features other significant events promoting societal and environmental values. One such highlight is the Maha Yajna, led by Jyotish Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. This massive sacred fire ritual, involving 1,100 priests, is dedicated to honouring Gau Mata (Mother Cow) and advocating her recognition as the National Mother of India.

Scheduled from January 13 to February 26 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela is set to welcome over 45 crore devotees. The holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).

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