The Maha Kumbh Mela commences in Prayagraj form today, January 13, marking the start of a six-week spiritual journey for millions of devotees. With an anticipated participation of over 400 million people, it stands as the largest human gathering on Earth, attracting visitors from across India and the globe.
A festival of mythology and spirituality
The Kumbh Mela, held every three years across four sacred cities in India, becomes the Maha Kumbh once every 12 years, a more auspicious event due to its timing. The term ‘Kumbh’ refers to the mythical pitcher of nectar believed to grant immortality. Hindu mythology recounts how this elixir, churned from the cosmic ocean during the Sagar Manthan, spilled at four sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, making them sacred pilgrimage locations.
The Shahi Snan
Central to the festival is the ‘Shahi Snaan’ or royal bath, where millions of devotees take a dip in the holy rivers, seeking purification and spiritual blessings. Akharas, representing various Hindu sects, lead grand processions to the rivers, accompanied by saffron-clad saints, ascetics, and hermits. Despite the winter chill, devotees brave the icy waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, embracing this ancient ritual.
Why is Maha Kumbh global attraction?
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not confined to India alone. Global icons like Richard Gere, David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama have visited the festival in the past. In 2017, UNESCO recognised the Kumbh Mela as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further amplifying its global importance. International tourists and spiritual seekers also flock to witness this unparalleled cultural event.
Further to this, people walking on or towards the path of spirituality see this gigantic event as a way of connecting themselves to the higher power. The holy significance the city of Prayagraj will have for the next six weeks will be powerful for anyone seeking solace through devotion.
Preparations made for the devotees attending
Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is at the heart of the Maha Kumbh Mela. To accommodate the devotees visiting, authorities have constructed 150,000 temporary tents and invested approximately Rs 64 billion ($765 million) in infrastructure. The event requires monumental planning, with electricity connections expanded by 450,000 units and power consumption rivaling that of 100,000 urban apartments in a single month. According to Reuters, Maha Kumbh is estimated to attract population three times to that of Russia.
Indian Railways has stepped up by introducing 98 special trains that will make 3,300 trips to transport pilgrims. These services supplement regular train operations, ensuring smooth transit for the millions attending. On the security front, 40,000 police personnel, including cybercrime specialists, have been deployed to ensure public safety. AI-powered surveillance systems have also been implemented to manage the crowd effectively.
As Prayagraj becomes the focal point of this grand event, it highlights India’s deep-rooted traditions and its ability to organise one of the world’s most extraordinary gatherings.
