'Anaaj Wale Baba': What this Hatha Yoga practitioner is growing on his head at Maha Kumbh

PRAYAGRAJ: At the Mahakumbh Mela, Anaaj Wale Baba, whose real name is Amarjeet, has garnered significant attention from visitors. Originally from Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh, he has become a notable figure due to his unique practice of cultivating various crops, including wheat, millet, gram, and peas, directly on his head.

Over the previous five years, this distinctive approach has been employed by Baba to raise environmental consciousness. Being a practitioner of Hatha Yoga, he considers this endeavour as his contribution towards advocating peace and emphasising the significance of vegetation, particularly in light of ongoing deforestation that continues to damage our planet.

"I decided to do this after seeing how cutting trees is affecting our world. Wherever I go, I encourage people to plant more greenery," said Baba. He even waters the crops on his head regularly to keep them thriving, leaving visitors astonished.

Presently residing near Kila Ghat during Kalpavas, Anaaj Wale Baba has emerged as a significant attraction at the fair. Visitors are astounded by his commitment and are curious about his ability to cultivate crops on his head. Following the mela's conclusion, Baba intends to head back to Sonbhadra to pursue his objective of fostering greenery and tranquility.

The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela will host the grandest Maha Yajna to pay tribute to 'Gau Mata' whilst advocating for her status as India's National Mother.

This sacred ceremony, intended to eliminate cow slaughter practices across the nation, will be conducted at Jyotish Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's camp. It stands as the largest Yajna assembly at the Kumbh Mela grounds, with 1100 priests conducting daily Yajnas throughout a month.

The Mahakumbh, occurring every 12 years, is set to commence on January 13 and end on February 26 in Prayagraj. The event anticipates welcoming over 45 crore devotees. Throughout the Mahakumbh, worshippers will congregate at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet, to perform sacred ablutions believed to cleanse sins and achieve moksha.