Exploring the Linkages Between Beliefs, Practices and Well-being of Kalpvasis

Spiritual retreats, when integrated into daily life, present a unique context for examining how sustained religious practices shape individual beliefs, behaviours, and perceptions of well-being and purpose. This study explores the linkages between beliefs, practices, and well-being among Hindu devotees known as Kalpvasis, who participate in a spiritual retreat during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. A sequential mixed-method design was used, beginning with a qualitative phase followed by a quantitative phase. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews were used to understand the experiential perspectives of Kalpvasis and to explore their beliefs, practices, and rituals, as well as their implications for well-being. Semi-structured interviews with 82 Kalpvasis were analysed using thematic network analysis, revealing that religious beliefs (faith, service, personal growth, Purushartha) and values (spiritual, moral) were significant sources of well-being. Participants reported that Hindu cultural customs, rituals, and the Kalpvas experiences significantly enhanced their physical, mental, and spiritual health, while promoting social harmony. Building on these qualitative findings, Study 2 used standardised measures to examine the relationships among spiritual and religious beliefs, religious practices, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction among 194 Kalpvasis. Findings indicated that spiritual beliefs and practices strongly predicted well-being and life satisfaction, while religious beliefs positively influenced ritual engagement but were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Religious practices partially mediated the relationship between beliefs and well-being. These findings highlight the complex interplay between internal belief systems and external behaviours, offering insights into how spirituality and religiosity shape individual and collective well-being during large-scale spiritual gatherings.