A recent LinkedIn post by Namanbir Singh, Founder of SHIELD-INDIA, has sparked a debate about the authenticity and pricing of sacred water being sold online from the Maha Kumbh Mela. Singh questioned the sale of “MahaKumbh Sangam Gangajal” by Blinkit at Rs. 69, highlighting potential loopholes and raising concerns about faith-based commercialization. He suggested that verifying the authenticity of the water is nearly impossible and that companies may be using a tactic of adding a single drop of authentic Sangam water to regular water and branding the entire product as holy.
Singh broke down the costs and highlighted the stark price difference between a 1-litre Bisleri bottle, which costs Rs. 20, and Blinkit’s Sangam Jal, which is priced at Rs. 99 for just 100 ml. He estimated that if sold to 1 lakh devotees, Blinkit could generate almost Rs. 1 crore in revenue. Singh’s post has ignited a broader conversation about the commercialization of faith, with companies arguing that they are making spiritual experiences more accessible, while skeptics question the ethics behind profiting from religious sentiments.
Several e-commerce giants, including BigBasket and Amazon, have also jumped on the bandwagon, selling sacred water and other religious products online. BigBasket’s “Svasti Maha Kumbh Pavitra Triveni Sangam Jal” promises water directly from the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, while Amazon is selling “Mahakumbh – Triveni Jal (100 ml) + Mitti” from the holy site for Rs. 121. The debate raises questions about the balance between making spiritual experiences accessible and exploiting faith for profit.
Singh’s post has sparked a debate about the authenticity and pricing of sacred water, with many questioning the motives of companies selling these products. While some argue that these services offer convenience and make spiritual experiences more accessible, others see it as a way to exploit faith for profit. As the debate rages on, devotees and consumers are left to decide whether these services offer genuine value or are simply a way to make money from religious sentiments. Ultimately, the issue highlights the need for transparency and authenticity in the sale of sacred products, and for companies to prioritize the spiritual needs of their customers over profits.