At the core of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a spiritual change is grabbing all the attention. Two young girls from a well-known family are getting ready for a journey that parallels the faith-driven dip of many Sadhvis as the Maha Kumbh 2025 takes place in Prayagraj.

Cousins 16 and 13 respectively, Tashvi and Nishvi have surprised their family and society by choosing the ascetic life. The Vohera family, well-established in the clothing and pipe manufacturing business, initially struggled to understand the depth of both the girls’ faith. 

From a very young age, the girls have traveled to various places, like the UAE, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong. However, experiences have only strengthened their decision to leave materialism and pursue the path of spiritualism.

The decision to follow this path was not a spur-of-the-moment choice. Over a year in Gurukul, the girls immersed themselves in the lifestyle of ascetics, shaping their understanding of what spiritualism is. This period of reflection and practice also convinced their family of their sincerity and readiness for the journey's onset.

On January 26, in a ceremony in Palitana, they will join nine other 'Mumukshus' to be initiated under the guidance of Acharya Nityasensuri and Acharya Jayaratnasuri. Tashvi will become a Bhikshu, while Nishvi will take on the role of a Sadhvi.

Ankit, Nishvi's father, said that his wife and mother had before considered the way of initiation but could not do it due to various circumstances. Therefore when the little girl Nishvi shared her wish for initiation to the spiritual path the family’s reaction was a mix of surprise and reflection from the family.

Tashvi's parents also first struggled with their daughter's choice, said Nikunj who is Tashvi's father. The year that the girls spent at Gurukul was hard for them but seeing their enthusiasm and commitment for their chosen career, the family wholeheartedly supported their choice.

Both cousins have shown a powerful religious bent from an early age; they have faithfully fasted and carried out rituals with devotion. Their choice is driven by their lack of interest in a materialist way of living and their view of acquiring spiritual knowledge as a true source of happiness. Moving from a family of 37 members living in a three-storey house to becoming part of a vast community of Sadhvis in Gujarat is a transition they view as a step toward spiritual fulfillment.

For the Vohera family, this is a historic moment—for the first time in 70 years. The sight of their daughters donning white robes shows a deep spiritual commitment, one that carries the hopes and blessings of their family.