In an enlightening session at the Kabir Festival 2025, science educators RS Bajpai and Raj Kamal Srivastava captivated audiences by demystifying phenomena often mistaken for miracles. The event, held at UP Sangeet Natak Akademi in Lucknow, featured their popular "Mad Lab Mysteries - Jadu Nahin Vigyan Hai" demonstration that combined entertainment with scientific education.
The Science Behind Apparent Miracles
The educators focused on two commonly misunderstood occurrences that many interpret as supernatural interventions. Their first demonstration involved a hawan kund bursting into flames without any visible ignition source. Rather than attributing this to divine intervention, they revealed the simple chemical reaction behind the phenomenon.
By mixing potassium permanganate with glycerin, the duo showed how spontaneous ignition occurs within seconds as heat rapidly builds up. The dramatic demonstration clearly illustrated that what appears miraculous actually follows predictable scientific principles. The chemical reaction generates sufficient heat to ignite materials in the hawan kund, creating the illusion of flames appearing magically.
Debunking Divine Protection Myths
The second myth addressed involved the seemingly impossible act of removing hot ash from fire pits with bare hands. Many interpret this feat as evidence of divine protection or supernatural ability. However, the science educators provided a straightforward explanation rooted in basic physics.
They explained that ash serves as a poor conductor of heat, and when handled quickly and skillfully, it prevents burns by not transferring heat effectively to the skin. The demonstration showed that understanding fundamental scientific principles can explain what otherwise appears miraculous.
Educators Urge Scientific Temper
RS Bajpai emphasized the importance of seeking rational explanations before accepting phenomena as miracles. "When you understand the principle, the illusion vanishes instantly. I urge people to seek explanations before accepting miracles," he stated during the session.
His colleague Raj Kamal Srivastava clarified that their approach doesn't challenge faith but encourages critical thinking. "Science does not challenge faith, it challenges blind acceptance. If something appears supernatural, the first step should be to investigate, not surrender logic," Srivastava explained to the engaged audience.
Festival Celebrates Art and Music
Beyond the scientific demonstrations, the Kabir Festival 2025 featured vibrant cultural programs that delighted attendees. A high-energy musical jamming session saw Rooh the Band paying soulful tributes to singer Zubeen Garg and actor Guru Dutt. The performance created an electric atmosphere as the audience erupted in joy, singing along and dancing in front of the stage.
The musical event successfully blended nostalgia with contemporary rhythms, creating one of the festival's most cherished moments. The session united listeners across generations through unforgettable melodies and vibrant performances.
Community Art Project Fosters Collective Creativity
The festival also hosted a Community Art Project that symbolized collective creativity through participant contributions. Visitors of all ages were encouraged to add colors, shapes, or messages to an evolving large-scale artwork. This interactive installation transformed into a vibrant collaboration rooted in shared expression and cultural harmony.
The final artwork stood as a living portrait of collective imagination, demonstrating how individual contributions can create something beautiful and meaningful when combined. The project perfectly complemented the festival's theme of seeking truth through both science and art.
