In a heartwarming display of enduring service, the legendary 'Bhoole Bhatke Shivir' (Lost and Found Camp) at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj has successfully reunited 73 missing and lost individuals with their families on the very first day of the annual fair. This remarkable feat marks a powerful start to the camp's 80th year of selfless operation.
A Legacy of Hope Spanning Eight Decades
The Bhoole Bhatke Shivir, founded in 1946 by the late Raja Ram Tiwari, has been a beacon of hope for countless families separated in the massive crowds of the Magh Mela, Ardh Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh. What began as a humble initiative has grown into an iconic institution, relying entirely on the dedication of its volunteers. Following the passing of founder Raja Ram Tiwari in August 2016 at age 88, his son, Umesh Kumar Tiwari, has taken the helm, ensuring his father's vision continues to guide pilgrims home.
Digital and Manual Efforts for a Modern Mela
Umesh Tiwari revealed to the Times of India that the volunteers began their mission from January 1st itself, reuniting an impressive 150 people in just three days leading up to the Paush Purnima snan day. "After witnessing the huge rush of devotees in Maha Kumbh-2025 and reuniting over 30,000 people, and anticipating a similar crowd pattern, we started working since the first day of this year," Tiwari explained, highlighting their proactive approach.
For the 44-day duration of the Magh Mela, a dedicated team of 20 volunteers from cities including Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Lucknow has been mobilized. The camp is now operating a dual strategy, combining traditional manual methods with modern digital tools. Volunteers are deployed across all seven sectors of the Mela grounds to actively locate disoriented pilgrims and bring them to the safety of the camp.
Leveraging Technology to Reconnect Families
Beyond the classic method of making frequent public announcements, the Shivir is aggressively using social media and messaging platforms to amplify its reach. Details and photographs of missing persons are circulated online, and dedicated groups on popular messaging apps are formed to quickly share information among volunteers and the public. This blend of old-school compassion and new-age connectivity is making their service more effective than ever.
The success of the Bhoole Bhatke Shivir stands as a testament to the power of community service and human kindness. As the Magh Mela continues, this eight-decade-old camp remains a vital, reassuring presence for millions of devotees, ensuring that faith and family are never truly lost in the crowd.
