Flowing conversations for water conservation: WfW to hold Water Fest 2025 at Prayagraj

By A Representative 

In the wake of the recent tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where a stampede on January 29, 2025, resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and left many others injured,  the WforW Foundation is proceeding with the planned Water Fest 2025 on January 31 and February 1, 2025. 

The event, themed 'Flow and Say' (बहने दो, कहने दो), aims to foster open dialogues about water conservation and management.

The Water Fest 2025 seeks to create a platform where individuals can share their insights, concerns, and solutions related to water issues, promoting a collaborative approach to water conservation. The foundation believes that, especially in times of tragedy, it is essential to come together as a community to address pressing environmental challenges.

Bringing together water experts, environmentalists, students, and citizens to engage in meaningful conversations about water conservation and sustainable management, the festival draws inspiration from the idea that water and knowledge remain pure when they flow freely. Just as water moves across lands, connecting ecosystems and civilizations, knowledge about water should also flow freely across disciplines, regions, and beliefs. 

The event will encourage discussions on water conservation and its cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance, fostering a collective effort to address water-related challenges.

Allahabad-Prayagraj, the city of the Triveni Sangam—where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet—holds immense cultural and spiritual importance. Hosting Water Fest 2025 during Maha Kumbh Mela, where millions gather for a holy dip, provides a unique opportunity to spark vital conversations on water purity, pollution, and conservation.

The two-day event will feature interactive sessions, storytelling, and creative expressions, allowing participants to walk, talk, reflect, and act on water issues. On January 31, 2025, participants will take part in a Walk n Talk Water Matters session, where they will discuss water-related challenges at local, national, and global levels. Water Connects – My n River’s Life will encourage reflection on the parallels between life’s journey and a river’s course. In From Be Like Water to I Am Water, attendees will explore what it means to embody water’s adaptability and resilience.

On February 1, 2025, the event will continue with If River Could Speak and Seek, allowing participants to express rivers’ concerns through poetry, storytelling, and song. Me, Ma Ganga, and My River at My Place will encourage personal connections between participants and their local water bodies. My Water Footprint and Cleansing will provide a self-assessment opportunity, prompting behavioral changes for increased water conservation and reduced pollution.

These sessions will be conducted in a Pecha Kucha format, featuring diverse expressions such as speeches, arts, music, poetry, and dance, fostering a deeper appreciation of water.

Water Fest 2025 is being organized in collaboration with multiple NGOs under the theme ‘Kalash’. Key partners include Development Alternatives, Mangal Bhoomi Foundation, Centre for Policy Research, OISCA-ALAR, and HCL Foundation. The Sansera Foundation and Eco Development and Research Cell Ahmedabad are funding partners, while the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI-WRC) serves as the knowledge partner.

The WforW Foundation has successfully hosted previous editions of Water Fest. Water Fest 2023 ("I Am Water") was held at TISS Hyderabad, drawing 70+ participants daily. Water Fest 2024 ("Water Connects") took place at IIT-BHU Varanasi, with over 100 participants each day.

With an expected turnout of 200+ participants, Water Fest 2025 aims to bridge the gap between concerns and solutions while emphasizing that "water is everybody’s business."