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== Kumbh Mela - Introduction ==

== Kumbh Mela - Introduction ==

[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|Saadhus at Kumbh Mela]]

[[File:KumbhMela.jpeg|frame|'''Saadhus at Kumbh Mela''' ]]

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. It is primarily a confluence of sages and ascetics. Without any formal invitations these saints converge at the Mela site under the flags of their respective [[Akharaas]] and sects. 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. The Kumbh Mela beckons to them and they respond – emerging from their distant abodes in jungles, caves or mountains. The wanderers too, turn their steps towards the Kumbh Mela.  

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. It is primarily a confluence of sages and ascetics. Without any formal invitations these saints converge at the Mela site under the flags of their respective [[Akharaas]] and sects. 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. The Kumbh Mela beckons to them and they respond – emerging from their distant abodes in jungles, caves or mountains. The wanderers too, turn their steps towards the Kumbh Mela.  

== Kumbh Mela - Spiritual Dimension ==

== Kumbh Mela - Spiritual Dimension ==

[[File:KumbhMelaSadhu.jpeg|frame|599x599px|Saadhu at Prayaag]]

[[File:KumbhMelaSadhu.jpeg|frame|599x599px|'''Saadhu at Prayaag''']]

Kumbh mela is an unknown, mystical world, where spirituality reigns supreme. It is a collective quest for truth and for appreciating countless paths leading up to it. The Kumbh is a celebration of bliss. It is a wonderful opportunity to rise above the pain and suffering, a rare moment to embrace divinity; and participate in the festivity of human existence.  

Kumbh mela is an unknown, mystical world, where spirituality reigns supreme. It is a collective quest for truth and for appreciating countless paths leading up to it. The Kumbh is a celebration of bliss. It is a wonderful opportunity to rise above the pain and suffering, a rare moment to embrace divinity; and participate in the festivity of human existence.  

== Kumbh Mela and The Feminine ==

== Kumbh Mela and The Feminine ==

The Kumbh mela also reflects that the feminine principle has been regarded with the deepest reverence in Hinduism. Infact, the place of pre eminence that the feminine holds here, is difficult to find in any other civilization. Devi or Goddess worship and Shakti or Energy worship is widespread in Hinduism. All pursuits, esoteric or worldly, have an element of the feminine enshrined in them. Be it the arts, music, mantras or meditation, Hinduism perceives the female force in everything, and bows before it in gratitude and supplication.This veneration of the Goddess percolates down to the daily life of the Hindus too.  Women are accorded a special place in society.  

The Kumbh mela also reflects that the feminine principle has been regarded with the deepest reverence in Hinduism. Infact, the place of pre eminence that the feminine holds here, is difficult to find in any other civilization. Devi or Goddess worship and Shakti or Energy worship is widespread in Hinduism. All pursuits, esoteric or worldly, have an element of the feminine enshrined in them. Be it the arts, music, mantras or meditation, Hinduism perceives the female force in everything, and bows before it in gratitude and supplication.This veneration of the Goddess percolates down to the daily life of the Hindus too.  Women are accorded a special place in society.  

== Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==

== Kumbh Mela and its Logistics ==

On an average the Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. 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 Kumbh Mela is held every three years across four different locations: Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. 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.  

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 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 akin 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 akin 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.