A profound question about the human form of divinity has found its answer in a stunning new visual publication. Author and photographer Meenakshi Singh's journey culminated on Friday with the launch of her coffee table book, 'Expressions of Divinity Maha Kumbh 2025', at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
A Visual Pilgrimage to the Sangam
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing India, the book serves as a deep visual dive into one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings. It transports readers to sacred sites of Prayagraj, including Akshayavat, Patalpuri, Mankameshwar, Alopi Devi, and Nag Vasuki. The core of its narrative is the breathtaking spectacle of millions taking the holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
Moving beyond mere spectacle, Singh's lens finds divinity in human resilience and faith. The book portrays spiritual essence through the fierce courage of Naga Sadhus, the unwavering humility of countless pilgrims, and the steadfast strength of the boatmen navigating the holy waters. It frames divinity not as a distant concept, but as a quality embodied in humanity itself.
Lauded as a Cultural Document
The launch event was graced by Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath as the Chief Guest. He praised the publication, calling it "a cultural document of enduring significance." He emphasized that the Maha Kumbh is far more than a ritual; it is a millennia-old thread of civilizational continuity that binds people across language, region, age, and faith barriers.
Justice Nath noted that Singh's work successfully captures the Maha Kumbh not as an external event, but as a profound inner journey. The book celebrates the quiet power of collective faith, the personal quest of seekers, and the very emotional architecture that underpins true devotion.
Distinguished Gathering at the Launch
The event saw a notable gathering of dignitaries. Alongside Justice Vikram Nath, the attendees included Rajeev Krishna, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, and Alok Sharma, IPS, Director of the SPG (Special Protection Group).
The creator behind this project, Meenakshi Singh, is a former IRS officer who has channeled her passion into photography and social advocacy. She is a dedicated environmentalist and a strong voice for the empowerment of women and children. Her first photographic exhibition, titled 'Taj Mahal: Through the Twilights of Time,' showcased her ability to capture the evolving moods of an iconic monument, a skill now applied to the living, breathing phenomenon of the Maha Kumbh.
'Expressions of Divinity Maha Kumbh 2025' stands as a timeless testament, preserving the soul of the festival for generations to come. It invites readers to witness a spiritual mega-event through a lens that seeks and finds the sacred in every human face and story.
