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Line 123: + + + − It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at KM on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and spirituality with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma + + + + + + + Line 139:
Line 152: + + + − Bhajan and Kirtan are the gurgling, perennial streams of spirituality that flow through SD. Once bathed in their cleansing waters, all ego and self-centeredness is washed away, humans rise revitalised and ready to commune with eternity. + − − There’s plenty for the seeker at the KM. It is a literary fountainhead. It is an opportunity to learn about the literary traditions of numerous schools of thought; of appreciating diverse means of acquiring knowledge, of study, of growth. Many organisations set up exhibitions, showcasing India’s glorious history of truth-seeking, from days of yore to the present day. − − The KM, along many other things, is an economic treatise. In ancient India, organisation of fairs, festivities and pilgrimages was a proven method to keep the wheels of economy well-oiled. This is because such events provided plenty of opportunities to create avenues of employment. Though this angle of the KM has not been thoroughly researched yet, it is easy to presume that the KM, being a massive venture, lasting over a month, plenty of employment opportunities would surface here, benefitting big and small tradesmen, artists, artisans, farmers. Across the world, cultural and economic growth is seen as mutually contradictory or at best, misaligned. But in India, there has always been a healthy and symbiotic relationship between the two. Over the ages, kings and emperors and wealthy businessmen have patronised the arts and invested heavily in them. Thus as the arts flourished and culture blossomed, economic recession never plagued this land. − − KM is a gigantic platform on which multicultural India’s diverse art forms and folk traditions are showcased to an enthralled audience. Artists from the length and breadth of the country, meet, mix and mingle. Thus art grows, spreads and thrives. − − In fact, the gathering at KM has always busted many stablished western principals. Western principles related to the psyche and behaviour of crowd, all collapse like a pack of cards. − − A cursory glance at the crime rate during the KM month reveals shocking statistics. The percentage of number of crimes drop miraculously, inspite of the countless opportunities there would be in this ocean of humanity. − − One wonders – is it Godly intervention? Is it the purity that wafts through the KM? Millions of people take their food and drinking water during the Kumbh but there have not been major reports of ill health. Temporary sanitation facilities are set up for the lakhs who visit. Forget an outbreak of epidemic... even minor illness is a rarity. − − Infact, this phenomenon continues to baffle the world... especially, medical science. The answer lies in India’s ancient and unique enunciation of Clean and Unclean; Pure and Impure. Cleanliness here goes beyond the absence of anything dirty. It also goes beyond mere hygiene. Roughly, it means a state or condition cleansed of anything that sullies or soils - a condition not limited to the surroundings or the body but extending to the mind, the heart, and the soul. − − − The KM is a flag bearer of an ancient yet ever-evolving philosophy. A philosophy that endows sublimity and purity in each of nature’s creations. A philosophy that goes beyond a simplistic definition of life, it strives to probe deeper and extract the true meaning of life. It extols the profundity of life and also its innocence.
Kumbh Mela (कुम्भ मेला) (view source)
Revision as of 20:05, 15 January 2019
, 20:05, 15 January 2019Edited Content
In a world torn asunder by blatant individualism, that fragments families, and throws one into painful isolation, the hallowed grounds of the KM can be learning grounds – grounds where individuals can resurrect belief in humanity and human relationships.
In a world torn asunder by blatant individualism, that fragments families, and throws one into painful isolation, the hallowed grounds of the KM can be learning grounds – grounds where individuals can resurrect belief in humanity and human relationships.
KM is a gigantic platform on which multicultural India’s diverse art forms and folk traditions are showcased to an enthralled audience. Artists from the length and breadth of the country, meet, mix and mingle. Thus art grows, spreads and thrives.
== Kumbh - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness ==
== Kumbh - A testimony to Social Inclusiveness ==
Here the fair is for all. Be it the feeding tents, visits to temples, dips in holy rivers or being in the tutelage of saints – all participate, all are welcome. This is social inclusiveness at its best.
Here the fair is for all. Be it the feeding tents, visits to temples, dips in holy rivers or being in the tutelage of saints – all participate, all are welcome. This is social inclusiveness at its best.
In fact, the gathering at KM has always busted many stablished western principals. Western principles related to the psyche and behaviour of crowd, all collapse like a pack of cards.
== Kumbh - A celebration of Nature ==
== Kumbh - A celebration of Nature ==
At the Kumbh we can witness yet another defining uniqueness of Hinduism. It perceives divinity in every particle of creation. In nature, every speck cradles within itself, a spark of this divinity. No wonder then, that the Hindu worships nature. In kumbh it is very obvious that millions of people bow before trees, rivers and forces of nature with the same reverence they bow before gods, scriptures and sages.
At the Kumbh we can witness yet another defining uniqueness of Hinduism. It perceives divinity in every particle of creation. In nature, every speck cradles within itself, a spark of this divinity. No wonder then, that the Hindu worships nature. In kumbh it is very obvious that millions of people bow before trees, rivers and forces of nature with the same reverence they bow before gods, scriptures and sages.
== Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==
== Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==
It can intrigue an external observer that without any central authority, publicity and formal invitation, how millions come together at KM on specific date and place. Even more magical is the fact, that they spend an entire month together, in peaceful coexistence, without conflict or discord and sharing their knowledge, experience and worldview with each other. After completion of the Kumbh they return to their native places blissfully, with adding treasure of knowledge, austerity and spirituality with them. This shows the sacred and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela; and also the unflinching devotion of the devotees to Sanatana Dharma
As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student... everyone contributes according their capacity.
As obvious by its sheer size, management of the Mela is a herculean task. The responsibility of boarding, lodging, feeding, transporting the millions who will visit the hallowed grounds is a miniature picture of management. At the Kumbh, this responsibility is shared by the administration and the society. At the designated location, every member of the society contributes – be it a child, an adult or the elderly. People from every walk of life, come forth to do their bit, in making the event a thumping success. Be it a villager or city-dweller, a labour, farmer or businessman, an employee or a student... everyone contributes according their capacity.
It staggers the world to imagine that such a mammoth exercise can be executed with near flawless finesse. The perfect tuning of the efforts of the government and administration and religio-social organisations, is an example of robust administration, mutual collaboration and deep understanding of India. It is an opportunity for the management professionals to explore that with amalgamation of traditional methods, common sense and modern technology; how India creates an entire new world.
It staggers the world to imagine that such a mammoth exercise can be executed with near flawless finesse. The perfect tuning of the efforts of the government and administration and religio-social organisations, is an example of robust administration, mutual collaboration and deep understanding of India. It is an opportunity for the management professionals to explore that with amalgamation of traditional methods, common sense and modern technology; how India creates an entire new world.
== Kumbh Mela - The Economic Dimension ==
The KM, along many other things, is an economic treatise. In ancient India, organisation of fairs, festivities and pilgrimages was a proven method to keep the wheels of economy well-oiled. This is because such events provided plenty of opportunities to create avenues of employment. Though this angle of the KM has not been thoroughly researched yet, it is easy to presume that the KM, being a massive venture, lasting over a month, plenty of employment opportunities would surface here, benefitting big and small tradesmen, artists, artisans, farmers. Across the world, cultural and economic growth is seen as mutually contradictory or at best, misaligned. But in India, there has always been a healthy and symbiotic relationship between the two. Over the ages, kings and emperors and wealthy businessmen have patronised the arts and invested heavily in them. Thus as the arts flourished and culture blossomed, economic recession never plagued this land.
== Other Unique Aspects of Kumbh Mela ==
== Other Unique Aspects of Kumbh Mela ==
There’s plenty for the seeker at the KM. It is a literary fountainhead. It is an opportunity to learn about the literary traditions of numerous schools of thought; of appreciating diverse means of acquiring knowledge, of study, of growth. Many organisations set up exhibitions, showcasing India’s glorious history of truth-seeking, from days of yore to the present day.
In SD, search for truth is a noble quest and all are free to choose any path in that direction. SD is not a controlling or restrictive faith but a liberating one. It bestows upon its believers the freedom of choice – be that of the Guru or scripture or deity. The seeker can undertake the study of the Shastras, meditate or become follower of seers and wise men. The ways are myriad; and the choice free.
In SD, search for truth is a noble quest and all are free to choose any path in that direction. SD is not a controlling or restrictive faith but a liberating one. It bestows upon its believers the freedom of choice – be that of the Guru or scripture or deity. The seeker can undertake the study of the Shastras, meditate or become follower of seers and wise men. The ways are myriad; and the choice free.
KM is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.
KM is a celebration of individual choice which allows the natural unfoldment of a human being.
One wonders – is it Godly intervention? Is it the purity that wafts through the KM? Millions of people take their food and drinking water during the Kumbh but there have not been major reports of ill health. Temporary sanitation facilities are set up for the lakhs who visit. Forget an outbreak of epidemic... even minor illness is a rarity.
Infact, this phenomenon continues to baffle the world... especially, medical science. The answer lies in India’s ancient and unique enunciation of Clean and Unclean; Pure and Impure. Cleanliness here goes beyond the absence of anything dirty. It also goes beyond mere hygiene. Roughly, it means a state or condition cleansed of anything that sullies or soils - a condition not limited to the surroundings or the body but extending to the mind, the heart, and the soul.
Some other aspects of Kumbh Mela are as follows:
=== The Katha Pravachan Parampara ===
=== The Katha Pravachan Parampara ===
=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===
=== Kumbh Mela and the Seva Bhaav ===
At the KM the spirit of Seva (Service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
At the KM the spirit of Seva (Service) is evident everywhere – in the unending supplies at the feeding tents, where all are humbly requested to partake of the offering and to visit again. Daan-Dakshina is given to saints and seers, in the effusive and generous hospitality accorded to every visitor.
=== Kumbh Mela and Crime Rates ===
A cursory glance at the crime rate during the KM month reveals shocking statistics. The percentage of number of crimes drop miraculously, inspite of the countless opportunities there would be in this ocean of humanity.
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== Concluding Remarks ==
The KM is truly an amazing event the world gets to witness. It views life in its entirety. Not through the narrow lens of cold reason or irrational logic. It refuses to dissect life into airtight compartments. It sees life as a continuum and hence, its worldview is holistic, rather than fragmented. This worldview helps to enrich all aspects of life and motivates towards higher goals called Dharma, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.
The KM is truly an amazing event the world gets to witness. It views life in its entirety. Not through the narrow lens of cold reason or irrational logic. It refuses to dissect life into airtight compartments. It sees life as a continuum and hence, its worldview is holistic, rather than fragmented. This worldview helps to enrich all aspects of life and motivates towards higher goals called Dharma, Arth, Kaam and Moksha.
The KM is grand manifestation of Indian view, which perceives a human life in physical, intellectual and spiritual form and offers environment to nourish all forms of life.
The KM is grand manifestation of Indian view, which perceives a human life in physical, intellectual and spiritual form and offers environment to nourish all forms of life.
KM can be termed a mirror image of an ancient civilisation; where knowledge was revered; where conscience was the ultimate arbitrator; where life got an opportunity to grow and expand, unfettered and untarnished.
KM can be termed a mirror image of an ancient civilisation; where knowledge was revered; where conscience was the ultimate arbitrator; where life got an opportunity to grow and expand, unfettered and untarnished.
Mere logic would not suffice to truly understand and appreciate the kumbh mela. It requires a patient eye and a yearning heart. It involves an empathetic understanding of the process of the maturing of civilisations and also the insight about the deeper and complex relationship between the individual and the society. <ref>'''Content Taken from the Documentary "Kumbh- Eternal Journey of Indian Civilization". Written and Directed by Harshit Jain. Produced by India Inspires and Indus University, Ahmedabad.''' </ref>
Mere logic would not suffice to truly understand and appreciate the kumbh mela. It requires a patient eye and a yearning heart. It involves an empathetic understanding of the process of the maturing of civilisations and also the insight about the deeper and complex relationship between the individual and the society. <ref>'''Content Taken from the Documentary "Kumbh- Eternal Journey of Indian Civilization". Written and Directed by Harshit Jain. Produced by India Inspires and Indus University, Ahmedabad.''' </ref>