Premium

Shark Tank judge Ritesh Agarwal visits Mahakumbh Mela 2025 with son, shares how childhood visit inspired him to start OYO

In a now-viral video, Agarwal shared how he came to a Kumbh Mela in early 2000s and stayed at a distant relative's place.

OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal visited Mahakumbh with his son Aryan

Even though the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 wrapped up on February 26, the experiences and stories shared by those who attended continue to flow. Among the many visitors was OYO founder and Shark Tank judge Ritesh Agarwal, who visited the grand spiritual gathering in Prayagraj with his son.

Reflecting on his journey, Agarwal shared a heart-felt Instagram post, recalling his first visit to a Kumbh Mela over two decades ago. Then, his family stayed with distant relatives—people they had never met before. That experience left a lasting impression on him and planted the seed for his future in the hospitality industry.

In his post, he shared a video with a caption, “Standing at Mahakumbh with Ary for the first time, I was overwhelmed by a flood of memories from my own first visit. I remember feeling so small, yet part of something so much bigger. Today, I stood beside him, hoping he finds his own answers, his own faith, and his own path. This isn’t just a tradition; it’s a legacy. A legacy of belief, hope, and the courage to dream,” he wrote.

Watch the video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ritesh Agarwal (@riteshagar)

Story continues below this ad

The video has garnered over a million views, with the comments section overflowing with praise for Agarwal’s humility.

A user commented, “You are very humble … down to earth person.” Another user said, “Very relatable narative you have shared. Everyone of us have a story.”

Agarwal and his wife, Geetanshi Sood, became parents to their son, Aryan, in 2023.

Also Read | ‘Gopi Bahu in Prayagraj’: Woman at Mahakumbh video calls husband, dips mobile phone to give him ‘snan’

Mahakumbh Mela 2025

The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj came to a grand conclusion on Wednesday, February 26, with the final holy dip on Mahashivratri. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the event saw an astonishing turnout of over 66 crore devotees. Among those who took part in the sacred ritual at the Sangam were prominent leaders, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and several chief ministers, along with governors from different states. The gathering also drew international dignitaries like the King of Bhutan, foreign diplomats, top industrialists, and well-known film personalities.

Disquiet in film board: ‘Censorship raj’, no meeting in 6 years, no reports, term lapsed

2 hr ago

A controversial decision-making process has set off divisions within the CBFC, and cast a long regulatory shadow on the Indian film industry as it aspires to be a global player . The Indian Express spoke to several top filmmakers and board members to find that a not-so-silent storm is brewing within the fraternity — and inside the CBFC, too — over what many call a “one-man show”.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS