Maha Kumbh 2025: Sadhus turn heads with high-end cars like vintage Rolls-Royce, Audis, and more

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has taken an extravagant turn, combining age-old spirituality with modern luxury. Among the vibrant tents and traditional processions, luxury vehicles like vintage Rolls-Royce cars, sleek Audi Q7s, and high-end Range Rovers have captured the attention of visitors. Valued between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 20 crore, these cars are a striking sight on the temporary lanes of the mela grounds, adding a sophisticated touch to India’s revered religious festival.

Social Media Buzz and Sadhus’ Luxury
Videos and reels from the festival showcasing saints in these vehicles are making waves on social media. However, most sadhus and akharas are reluctant to comment on their lavish rides. According to the akharas, these vehicles often belong to senior members like peetadheeshwars, maha mandaleshwars, and mahants, while a few are owned by their disciples or rented for the occasion.

VIP Streets and Grand Processions
The luxury cars are most prominently seen on Triveni Marg and Kali Marg, designated as the "VIP" streets of the festival's sprawling tent city. These vehicles first caught attention during the ‘peshwai,’ the grand procession that marks the akharas’ arrival. This ceremonial parade featured chariots, elephants, horses, and martial arts performances. Notably, Mahamandaleshwar Pavitranand Giri of Juna Akhara arrived in a 1965 Rolls-Royce, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara made her entrance on a silver throne.

High-End Cars and Vanity Vans
Beyond the Rolls-Royce, cars like Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, and SUVs such as Scorpio and Safari are commonly seen. Some vehicles are rented, costing up to Rs 5 lakh a day. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust member Swami Vasudevanand owns two Rolls-Royce cars worth Rs 20 crore, while Jagadguru Rambhadracharya’s saffron Audi costs over Rs 50 lakh. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati arrived in a Rs 1.5 crore vanity van, gifted by an industrialist.

A Modern Spin on Tradition
While many vehicles sport white or saffron hues and display nameplates indicating their owners’ titles, they also symbolize the modern conveniences embraced by the saints. The blend of luxury and tradition enhances the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, drawing admiration from visitors and showcasing the evolving face of this historic festival.