The Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, India, has taken on a luxurious twist with high-end and unique cars belonging to older saints from prominent akharas being spotted during the “peshwai” procession. The cars, ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 20 crore, include vintage Rolls-Royce, Audi Q7, Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, and Defender, among others. The luxury vehicles are not only making a statement but also adding a touch of sophistication to the revered festival.

Many of the saints claim that the luxury vehicles belong to their seniors, holding high positions in the akharas, while some are owned by their disciples. The cars are being used to make a grand entrance during the “peshwai” procession, which features cars, chariots, elephants, horses, acrobatics, and martial arts.

Some notable mentions include Mahamandaleshwar Pavitranand Giri of the Juna Akhara arriving in a 1965 model Rolls-Royce, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara sitting on a large silver throne during the “Devtva Yatra”. Other high-end cars spotted include a saffron-colored Audi worth over Rs 50 lakh belonging to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, head of Tulsi Peeth, and a Land Rover Defender belonging to the Shri Panch Agni Akhara.

The luxury cars are not only being used for the procession but also for daily use by the saints and their disciples. Many of the vehicles sport wide nameplates proudly announcing the posts of the sadhus or the organizations to which they belong. The presence of these luxury cars has elevated the allure of the Maha Kumbh, adding a modern touch to age-old traditions and captivating visitors.