Dettol takes Swachh Mission to Maha Kumbh 2025

Reckitt, a global company in health and hygiene, is working to make the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 a cleaner and healthier event. Through its initiative, Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI), Reckitt is partnering with Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), AJ Foundation, Plan India, and Jagran Pehel to promote hygiene practices among devotees. This initiative aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, focusing on hygiene as a key part of public health.

Since its inception in 2016, DBSI has partnered with the Kumbh Mela, driving impactful interventions at Ardh Kumbh Melas and Magh Melas across Varanasi, Nashik, and Ujjain. With the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 expected to draw over 45 crore devotees, DBSI aims to integrate hygiene into the spiritual and cultural essence of this sacred gathering.

Hygiene Initiatives at Maha Kumbh 2025

• Soap Distribution: Collaborating with Akhadas, DBSI will distribute millions of soaps at food-serving areas to encourage handwashing before and after meals.
• Support for Sanitation Workers: Nearly 15,000 sanitation workers will receive training and access to soaps, ensuring cleaner surroundings for all.
• On-Ground Hygiene Volunteers: DBSI will deploy health and hygiene volunteers across all 25 sectors of the Mela, providing guidance and support to pilgrims.
• Engagement with Kalpvasis: Devotees staying for the full 45 days will receive soaps and hygiene awareness messages, fostering consistent hygiene practices.
• Interactive Cultural Engagements: Initiatives like Nukkad Nataks (street plays) will promote handwashing as a vital step towards better health.
Voices of Support

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, said: "The Maha Kumbh Mela offers a unique platform to embed hygiene practices into India’s cultural fabric. Partnering with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and GIWA, we reaffirm our commitment to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, promoting a cleaner, healthier India."

Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Co-Founder of GIWA, remarked: "Banega Swasth India’s presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is transformative. Through activities like street plays and puppet shows, we aim to inspire individuals to become ambassadors of cleanliness and sustainability."

Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan India, noted: "Our collaboration reinforces the importance of hygiene in driving behavioral change for a healthier tomorrow. Together, we are creating a lasting impact for millions of devotees."

Bidhu Bhushan Panda, Chairperson, AJ Foundation, added: "The Maha Kumbh is a symbol of unity and spiritual growth. Through this initiative, we aim to amplify the importance of health and hygiene, leaving a legacy of positive change."

Sameer Gupta, Treasurer, Jagran Pehel, emphasized: "The Maha Kumbh Mela is a profound celebration of faith and devotion. Our advocacy and support for DBSI amplify the sacredness of the event, inspiring healthier practices for millions of participants."

Reckitt’s Dettol Banega Swasth India continues to advance public health and hygiene in India. By bridging spirituality with hygiene awareness, the campaign strives to inspire millions and bring the nation closer to its vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is poised to serve as a testament to the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.

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