6 Tips to Protect Your Eyes at Kumbh Mela 2025

Prayagraj: Rush of devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan)

Of the Kumbh Mela 2025 More than 45 million pilgrims took the holy dip that began on Paush Poornima on January 13 this year, breaking all previous records. At the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati rivers, the holy Triveni Sangam continues to attract pilgrims, saints and devotees from across the world. It is estimated that more than 50 million people will visit the city on February 26, the last day of the biggest Kumbh in 144 years. Although it can be a spiritually enlightening event, the Kumbh Mela can be harmful to the eyes due to overcrowded water bodies, pollution and infections. The following important eye care tips will ensure a safe and relaxing pilgrimage:
1. Choose a cleaner ghat
This year's Kumbh has around eight bathing ghats. Despite the administration's best efforts to keep all ghats clean, accumulation of pollutants and dirt may occur in some areas due to large number of visitors. To protect your eyes, find a cleaner ghat and dive in cleaner parts of the river, away from large crowds and floating garbage. If the water is cloudy or contains visible contaminants, consider reducing eye exposure.
2. Wear protective sunglasses
You can wear swimming goggles when bathing in the holy river. This prevents contaminants from getting into your eyes and protects you from contaminated water and potential irritants. To avoid infection, contact lens wearers should remove them before traveling.
3. Avoid rubbing your eyes
If you experience eye irritation after bathing, do not rub your eyes as this may increase the irritation or introduce bacteria into your eyes. Instead, gently rinse your eyes with clean water. If itching or redness persists, see an ophthalmologist immediately.
4. Use lubricating eye drops
To avoid dryness and irritation after contact with water, use preservative-free artificial tears. For this, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist instead of using over-the-counter eye drops.
5. Pay attention to hand hygiene
Always remember good hygiene when traveling to Prayagraj. Continue to wash your hands frequently. Additionally, you can use cleaning products such as hand sanitizer.
6. Stay hydrated and eat healthy
The seasons are changing again and some areas are already announcing that summer is here. Therefore, continue to ensure adequate hydration by drinking water regularly. This also helps keep your eyes hydrated. To maintain eye health, eat vitamin A-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and carrots.
This Kumbh is the rarest of all rare events as it occurs after 144 years, which is equivalent to the achievement of 12 Kumbhs. Everyone should make the effort to get there and take the holy dip, but by following these important guidelines you can protect and maintain the health of your eyes. If you have eye problems, see an ophthalmologist immediately and avoid self-medication.
(Dr. Jay Goyal, Eye Surgeon, LASIK, Retina Specialist and Director, Surya Eye Hospital, Mumbai)

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