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== Kumbh Mela - Some Salient Aspects ==

== Kumbh Mela - Some Salient Aspects ==

Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest, grandest, most spectacular event. Drawing 50 million people from all corners of this vast land  

Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest, grandest, most spectacular event{{Citation needed}} . Drawing 50 million people{{Citation needed}}  from all corners of this vast land  

Kumbh Mela is a confluence of sages and ascetics.

Kumbh Mela is a confluence of sages and ascetics.

On an average the Mela is held every three years across four different locations. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year.

On an average the Mela is held every three years across four different locations. Hence, each location becomes the chosen location after a span of 12 years. Once the location is declared, a temporary township emerges there - almost out of thin air - ready to house the surging crowds that would descend there during the month long fair. The Kumbh township is a mobile citadel that moves from one location to another, taking within its folds, the devout whose numbers keep growing with every passing year.

Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela has been the prerogative of Akharaas, that is, special sects to which sages and saints bear allegiance. Nearly all of the designated 13 Akharaas trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya. Each Akhara is distinct in its philosophy, practices of worship, choice of chief deity etc.  Inspite of this diversity, all Akharaas subscribe to a common mission – the upholding and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. Their coming together at the Kumbh Mela bears testimony to this common purpose.

Traditionally, the Kumbh Mela has been the prerogative of Akharaas, that is, special sects to which sages and saints bear allegiance. Nearly all of the designated 13 Akharaas trace their origins to Adi Shankaracharya{{Citation needed}}. Each Akhara is distinct in its philosophy, practices of worship, choice of chief deity etc.  Inspite of this diversity, all Akharaas subscribe to a common mission – the upholding and propagation of Sanatana Dharma. Their coming together at the Kumbh Mela bears testimony to this common purpose.

On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – naked ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.

On prescribed dates during the Kumbh Mela, special bathing rituals are held on the ghats or banks of holy rivers. These are called Shahi or Amrit Snan; and are undoubtedly the most spectacular and anticipated events during the Mela. Sages and monks gather at the ghats for a holy dip, giving the devotees a rare and precious opportunity to see them up close. Naga sadhus – naked ascetics whose only covering is ash or Bhasma - hold out a message to the onlookers. Everything is prey to the scourge of Time and ultimately will return to ashes. After the bathing of sages, it is auspicious to take bath in the holy water.

But what is the origin of the Kumbh Mela? When did this huge event first make its presence felt in the Indian mainland? How did it become one of the torch bearers of Sanatana Dharma in this huge nation? The first documented reference to the Kumbh Mela can be found in a sixth century treatise.

But what is the origin of the Kumbh Mela? When did this huge event first make its presence felt in the Indian mainland? How did it become one of the torch bearers of Sanatana Dharma in this huge nation?  

 

The first documented reference to the Kumbh Mela can be found in a sixth century treatise. Renowned world traveller and chronicler Huen Tsang documents his visit to the city of Prayaag. Tsang mentions a massive congregation of humans, on the banks of the Ganga every six years. During the event the ruler King Harshvardhan, would give away his all in charity, returning to his palace in only the clothes that covered him. It is fairly probable that the event referred to here is the Ardh Kumbh held every six years at Prayaag.

Renowned world traveller and chronicler Huen Tsang documents his visit to the city of Prayaag. Tsang mentions a massive congregation of humans, on the banks of the Ganga every six years. During the event the ruler King Harshvardhan, would give away his all in charity, returning to his palace in only the clothes that covered him. It’s fairly probable that the event referred to here is the Ardh Kumbh held every six years at Prayaag’.

The timing and venue of Kumbh Mela is determined on the basis of astronomical events. It is believed that during these planetary alignments, spiritual energy is at its peak, making Kumbh Mela a truly divine event.

The timing and venue of Kumbh Mela is determined on the basis of astronomical events. It is believed that during these planetary alignments, spiritual energy is at its peak, making Kumbh Mela a truly divine event.

Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.  

Calculations are made by studying the positions of three celestial bodies Sun, Moon and Jupiter in different rashis or zodiac signs.  

These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound spiritual and physical associations. In Sanatana Dharma Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.

These astrological phenomena are deeply symbolic – the three celestial bodies have profound spiritual and physical associations. In Sanatana Dharma Sun symbolises the Aatman; Moon the Mann; and Jupiter the Dharma{{Citation needed}}. When Dharma is practiced it purifies the chitt or mann which in turn elevates the soul and opens the door for self-realisation. It is the main cause which attracts saadhaks to the kumbh mela from all over the world.

=== Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===

=== Importance of Rivers in Sanatana Tradition ===

Rivers have always been revered in Sanatana Dharma. River banks have traditionally been venues for organising religious festivities. Infact, many pilgrimage sites called Teerth are located on the banks of rivers.  Teerth means that place that transports or takes one across the symbolic river of life. In doing so, one is set free from worldly bondages.  Kumbh by virtue of being held on river banks becomes the locus of attaining liberation.

Rivers have always been revered in Sanatana Dharma. River banks have traditionally been venues for organising religious festivities. Infact, many pilgrimage sites called Teerth are located on the banks of rivers.  Teerth means that place that transports or takes one across the symbolic river of life{{Citation needed}}. In doing so, one is set free from worldly bondages.  Kumbh by virtue of being held on river banks becomes the locus of attaining liberation.

At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatan tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.

At the Kumbh Mela bathing in the holy waters of rivers holds deep significance. In Sanatan tradition Rivers are life-giving and are worshipped as worldly manifestations of the Goddess. Sanatana Dharma extols the maternal aspect of rivers and considers a dip in their waters as purifying and elevating. It also maintains a sense of duty towards the rivers for their preservation. At one level this cleanses the body and soul of ills; and at another level reaffirms the Hindus’ duty to keep rivers clean, and preserve their life-giving energy.

Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in Sanatana Dharma they are treated as the highest authority in society.

Kumbh Mela is a rare opportunity to understand the tradition of saints and sages of India. They are the flagbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. Their unceasing penance has ensured the continuance of this legacy and the establishment of Dharma. That is why in Sanatana Dharma they are treated as the highest authority in society.

These great men may look different on the outside but essentially they are similar in the core values they uphold. They are all seekers of truth. Under the tutelage of these saints at the Kumbh Mela, ordinary men can find answers to the questions that have been plaguing them; and a deeper synthesis with their wiSanatana Dharmaom could show the path to a meaningful life.

These great men may look different on the outside but essentially they are similar in the core values they uphold. They are all seekers of truth. Under the tutelage of these saints at the Kumbh Mela, ordinary men can find answers to the questions that have been plaguing them; and a deeper synthesis with their wisdom on Sanatana Dharma could show the path to a meaningful life.

These mystics are India’s spiritual heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.

These mystics are India’s spiritual heroes, exerting a deep influence on the mind and psyche of India’s millions. The saints willingly abdicate the charms of the material world; and dedicate themselves to the pursuit of self-evolution. This is a beautiful and pragmatic rendition of the microcosm, in its journey towards the macrocosm. When the upholders of the Sant Parampara congregate at the Kumbh Mela, it truly becomes a site of great relevance; and indeed boundless reverence.

Amidst the diversity...... An underlying unity.....

Amidst the diversity...... An underlying unity.....

Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north…east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of spirituality, wiSanatana Dharmaom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh is world renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Even more astounding is the beautiful diversity that it encompasses. From south to north…east to west, from Himalaya to Sahyadri, Ganga to Kaveri, streams of spirituality, wisdom and awareness merge in this Divine Kumbh Mela.

The entire country manifests itself in the Kumbh which can be termed a national herald. In many ways Kumbh denotes the essence of India. It flows through the very core of the Indian way of life – reaffirming and revitalizing it. It would not be an exaggeration to term it as the driving force behind Sanatana Dharma. Kumbh Mela is the highest expression through which a Nation celebrates its civilizational continuity.

The entire country manifests itself in the Kumbh which can be termed a national herald. In many ways Kumbh denotes the essence of India. It flows through the very core of the Indian way of life – reaffirming and revitalizing it. It would not be an exaggeration to term it as the driving force behind Sanatana Dharma. Kumbh Mela is the highest expression through which a Nation celebrates its civilizational continuity.

It is an amazing experience that during the kumbh, entire city turns host. Faces wear smiles and hospitality becomes a dharma. Invitations are despatched to friends and relatives, months before the event. In happy anticipation of the fair and the visitors it will bring along, everyone prepares to live up to the sanctity of the saying “atithi devo bhava” – guests are next to God. Hence, before the Kumbh Mela nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests.  This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to Kumbh Mela. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive.  

It is an amazing experience that during the kumbh, entire city turns host. Faces wear smiles and hospitality becomes a dharma. Invitations are despatched to friends and relatives, months before the event. In happy anticipation of the fair and the visitors it will bring along, everyone prepares to live up to the sanctity of the saying “atithi devo bhava” – guests are next to God. Hence, before the Kumbh Mela nothing can be left undone in the welcome of the guests.  This hospitality is not reserved for the known but for every pilgrim to Kumbh Mela. This effectively reasserts Indian society’s venerable tradition of respecting human ties, and the inexhaustible zeal to keep them alive.  

Planning and organising an event as diverse as the Kumbh Mela is no mean task. Observers are often in disbelief at what goes into this exercise. Every few years, after astrological calculations a location is selected and within days a temporary city arises like a hulking giant, ready to engorge the millions who will visit it. This city-within-city has a life span of merely a month and in this month its citizenry is in millions. At the end of the month, it quickly dissolves with a silent promise that it will rise again, at another location, to reveal the mystery that is the Kumbh Mela.  

Planning and organising an event as diverse as the Kumbh Mela is no mean task. Observers are often in disbelief at what goes into this exercise. Every few years, after astrological calculations a location is selected and within days a temporary city arises like a hulking giant, ready to engorge the millions who will visit it. This city-within-city has a life span of merely a month and in this month its citizenry is in millions{{Citation needed}}. At the end of the month, it quickly dissolves with a silent promise that it will rise again, at another location, to reveal the mystery that is the Kumbh Mela.  

This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the Kumbh Mela in 2016. A rather small city of a population of 5 lakh, hosted a mindboggling 5 crore visitors – an unbelievable 100% greater than its population.

This temporary citadel-of-sorts is a study in hospitality. An example would be the city of Ujjain that hosted the Kumbh Mela in 2016. A rather small city of a population of 5 lakh, hosted a mindboggling 5 crore visitors – an unbelievable 100% greater than its population{{Citation needed}} .

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.     

The influence of these tales is deep and pervasive. The average Hindu draws inspiration from them, establishes personal standards of right and wrong. Thus, his conduct, his choices, his decisions are tempered by the learning he has gathered through these Pravachans. In Kumbh Mela you can easily find thousands of common people, who will share the deepest knowledge or profound principles of Dharm in normal chit-chat.

The influence of these tales is deep and pervasive. The average Hindu draws inspiration from them, establishes personal standards of right and wrong. Thus, his conduct, his choices, his decisions are tempered by the learning he has gathered through these Pravachans. In Kumbh Mela you can easily find thousands of common people, who will share the deepest knowledge or profound principles of Dharm in normal chit-chat.

It is the success of ‘katha pravachan parampara’ that Indian society has maintained its wiSanatana Dharmaom for thousands of years. It’s the excellence and competence of kathakars (story tellers) who transmitted deeper knowledge of shastras to the life of common people. When transmuted into music, these sermons acquire a lyrical quality, becoming Bhajans or Kirtans – poetic expressions of Truth. Set to music often as choral singing, they elevate participants to another plane. One can only marvel at the artistry of the storytellers, who could so beautifully bind Dharma, Knowledge and Truth into simple stories for general consumption and mass communication.

It is the success of ‘katha pravachan parampara’ that Indian society has maintained its wisdom for thousands of years. It’s the excellence and competence of kathakars (story tellers) who transmitted deeper knowledge of shastras to the life of common people. When transmuted into music, these sermons acquire a lyrical quality, becoming Bhajans or Kirtans – poetic expressions of Truth. Set to music often as choral singing, they elevate participants to another plane. One can only marvel at the artistry of the storytellers, who could so beautifully bind Dharma, Knowledge and Truth into simple stories for general consumption and mass communication.

=== Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara ===

=== Kumbh Mela and Daan Parampara ===

=== Kumbh Mela and Crime Rates ===

=== Kumbh Mela and Crime Rates ===

A cursory glance at the crime rate during the Kumbh Mela 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.

A cursory glance at the crime rate during the Kumbh Mela month reveals shocking statistics. The percentage of number of crimes drop miraculously{{Citation needed}} , inspite of the countless opportunities there would be in this ocean of humanity.

== Concluding Remarks ==

== Concluding Remarks ==