India is the land of festivals, religious, secular, and cultural. Among these myriad festivals, the Maha Kumbh Mela stands tall as the emperor of them all. A mammoth event that unfolds once in 12 years, Maha Kumbh is both a religious celebration and a cultural festival. Held in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in the state of Uttar Pradesh this year, the festival is now ongoing, having begun on January 13, 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. The 45-day event will come to a close on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri.
Millions of Hindu pilgrims from India and abroad descend on Prayagraj to cleanse themselves of their sins and gain Moksha by taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam – the place where the sacred rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet. These sacred baths are called Shahi Snans. Even foreigners come to experience this breathtaking spectacle of the largest religious gathering in the world, a soul-stirring display of devotion and faith that is unparalleled in its scale and significance, especially in a world where technology has dethroned the ancient gods from their golden pedestals and human hearts and minds.
The Maha Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims from all walks of life. It is a motley crowd ranging from top corporate honchos to naked Naga sadhus and Aghoris who wear garlands of skulls. A huge massive tented township, comprising huts, cottages, platforms, civic amenities, administrative and security arrangements comes up on the site and it is managed by the state government, local authorities and the police.
Legend behind Maha Kumbh Mela
The gods and demons were always at war, and the demons were not an easy lot to defeat. To ensure an upper hand over the demons, the gods needed Amrit, the elixir of immortality. But to obtain it, they needed the demons’ help. Promising to share the elixir with them, the gods managed to enlist the support of the demons in this endeavor. Together, they churned the Milky Ocean. During the churning, the pot (Kumbh) of nectar emerged from the ocean. Before the demons could lay their hands on it, Lord Vishnu, in the beguiling form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel, distracted them and made off with the pot. While fleeing, a few drops of Amrit fell on the ground at 4 places – Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik – which became sacred.
During each Mela, at the climactic moment, the rivers at these holy sites turn into vessels of Amrit, goes the belief.
Prayagraj, where the current Maha Kumbh Mela is taking place, is home to one of the holiest sites in India – Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The festival is celebrated in a 12-year cycle. Each of the 4 sites takes turns to host the event. The Mela is based on the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. This year’s Maha Kumbh is very rare due to a unique alignment that takes place once in 144 years.
History of Kumbh Mela
History credits the Kumbh Mela’s origins to the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara, who organized gatherings of learned ascetics where discussion and debate took place. Xuanzang, the famous Chinese traveler, documented the Kumbh Mela’s splendor while visiting India during 629–645 CE. He speaks about Emperor Harsha’s generosity at the Triveni Sangam, where he gave gifts and made donations to ascetics and scholars. Harsha also organized a grand quinquennial assembly in Prayag. On this occasion, he gave away all his possessions.
These gatherings date back to the periods of the Maurya and Gupta kingdoms (4th century BCE - 6th century CE). In the medieval period, the Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers were its patrons in the south, while in north India, the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate patronized it. Emperor Akbar supposedly participated in the celebrations. It is said that in 1565, Akbar honored the Naga Sadhus by allowing them to lead the royal entry into the Mela.
During the colonial period, the British also documented the Mela. After independence, the Maha Kumbh Mela gained more importance, symbolizing national unity and India’s cultural heritage. In 2017, it won UNESCO’s recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Rituals of Maha Kumbh Mela
The main ritual is Shahi Snan, a sacred bath by holy men like Naga sadhus and spiritual leaders in the holy rivers. It is believed to remove all sins and grant Moksha (salvation). People who bathe after these holy men stand to gain from their spiritual energy and accumulated virtues.
Singing of devotional songs, hymns, and bhajans is also part of the celebration.
Yoga and meditation programs are offered for those who seek overall well-being.
Well-known scholars and spiritual leaders deliver sermons and philosophical talks that cover topics like life, religion, and spirituality.
Cultural programs include traditional music, dance, and craft exhibitions.
Conclusion
Maha Kumbh Mela is a festival that offers a deeply immersive experience of Hindu religion and culture. No one who witnesses the power of faith and devotion on display here can remain unmoved. The quest for redemption and spiritual rejuvenation is universal, and there is a good chance that taking a dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam can help you find them.
0 Comments