Understanding the Lived Experience of Forgiveness Among Pilgrims ( Kalpwasis ) at Maha Kumbh

Abstract

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a mega-religious fair, offers a novel perspective to analyse the relationship between ritual behaviour and the psychology of transcendence. While many sociological interpretations exist regarding the meaning of these religious gatherings, little is known about the individual psychological process of the meaning of divine forgiveness, or its place in the psychology of Kalpwasis (the name of individuals performing long, strenuous month-long ascetical vows, the process and meaning of which is focus). Indeed, much of psychological research on forgiveness draws solely on individualist Western models and does not accommodate the concept of divine forgiveness, or accommodate metaphysical, otherworldly belief systems of alternative religious orientations. This study, consequently, describes and explains the concept of divine forgiveness and empathy of the Kalpwasis , the influence of spirituality and ritualistic asceticism on their psychosocial relation. In accordance with the descriptive phenomenological research approach, the experience of 10 male Kalpwasis (60–85 years of age) during the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 was described. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed according to thematic analysis. In essence, three interwoven elements were identified that describe the Kalpwasis ’ experience of forgiveness as a ‘spiritual ecology’: (a) ritually facilitated catharsis purification through holy bathing ( shahi snan ) releases one from their karma; (b) moral courage (the strength derived from severe self-control) and (c) interpersonal empathy (an affective relation to all beings, created through a spiritual and social sharing of ascetic practice). Instead of offering a complete theory, this study identifies an emerging ‘meta-moral’ perspective that arises directly from the lived experiences and ritual practices of Kalpwasis . This perspective combines physical rituals, emotional release and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. The findings suggest that forgiveness may function as a meta-moral process. Overall, they show that group-based rituals are much more effective at fostering forgiveness than an individual, inward-focused approach alone.