Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela has drawn millions of devotees, sadhus, and tourists to the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. While pilgrims come to take a dip for spiritual cleansing, an enterprising individual has found an unusual way to earn money—by using magnets to extract coins from the riverbed.
A Unique Source of Income
Every morning, before the rush of pilgrims, a local man arrives at the riverbank armed with a strong magnet tied to a rope. He tosses it into the water, pulling up coins that devotees have offered to the river as part of their rituals.
“I have been doing this for the past five years, but during Mahakumbh, the earnings increase significantly. On a regular day, I make around ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, but during Mahakumbh, I earn ₹4,000 or more daily,” he shared.
How the Magnet Technique Works
Using a powerful neodymium magnet, he drags the device along the riverbed, where it attracts iron-based coins. Once he collects a sufficient amount, he separates them from the mud and dries them before exchanging them at local shops or banks.
“Many people throw ₹1, ₹2, and ₹5 coins into the river, believing it is an offering to the gods. Over time, these coins settle at the bottom. I only take what is already discarded,” he explained.
Religious Views and Ethical Concerns
The activity has sparked mixed reactions. Some local priests and religious scholars feel that retrieving coins from the river is disrespectful to the tradition of offerings. “These coins are meant as prayers, and removing them is like taking blessings back,” said a pandit at the Sangam ghat.
However, others argue that these coins would otherwise corrode, leading to pollution of the river. Some environmentalists even support the practice, claiming that it helps clean the riverbed. “Instead of letting the metal rust in the water, it is better if it is removed and recycled,” said an environmental activist.
Authorities Yet to Intervene
The local administration is aware of such practices but has not taken strict action. Since the activity is not stealing from anyone directly, it exists in a legal grey area. Ganga Sabha, an organization dedicated to the river’s cleanliness, has suggested that instead of throwing coins, devotees should donate money to charities or temples.
Meanwhile, the man plans to continue his work throughout the Mahakumbh, which will last for several weeks. “I have a family to support, and this is my only means of income. As long as people throw coins, I will keep collecting them,” he said.
A Reflection of Resourcefulness
This story is an example of Indian ingenuity—finding opportunities even in unlikely places. The method may be unconventional, but it highlights the intersection of faith, livelihood, and environmental concerns at one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings.
As lakhs of devotees continue to visit Sangam, the coins will keep flowing into the river, and for this individual, that means another day of earning a living—one magnet toss at a time.
