A Fair of Faith: The Kumbh Mela

The largest pilgrimage on earth: the Kumbh Mela, is the one national event of utmost faith where love, satsang, knowledge and grace is distributed to all without discrimination.

Mahatma Gandhi in his autobiography wrote of this mega event – “I have never tried to seek holiness or divinity as a pilgrim, but 1.7 million people cannot be hypocrites”

Mela is a meeting/fair; Kumbh is the Sanskrit word for ‘pitcher/pot’. In Indian astrology, it is the zodiac sign for Aquarius under which this extraordinary riverside festival is celebrated.

As the Hindu myth goes, the “Kumbh” containing the nectar of immortality - which appeared after Samudra Manthan (churning of the primordial ocean of milk) caused a long fight between the Gods and demons for its possession. During the course of this battle, Lord Vishnu flew away with the “Kumbh” spilling few drops of the elixir at four different places – the sights for celebration of this mammoth fair. The dates and timings of the mela at these sights is calculated in advance in accordance to a special combination of zodiacal position of the Sun, the Moon and Jupitar.

The antiquity of the mela is shrouded in mystery. The earliest references to it are found in texts dating 7th century AD.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every 144 years at Prayag/Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati (Sangam). The last Maha Kumbh was in 2001.

The Purna Kumbh Mela is organized every 12 years at Prayag, Haridwar (in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Ganga), Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh on the banks of river Shipra) and Nashik (along river Godavari in Maharashtra). This year the Purna Kumbh was hosted in Haridwar.

The Ardha Kumbh Mela happens every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayag.

Millions of pilgrims from India and abroad visit the Kumbh Mela in a spectacular display of faith. Traditionally it is known as the mela of the acetics and sadhus.

The significant ritual of this festival is the bathing at the banks of the holy rivers. This is considered to be an endeavor of great merit: cleansing both body and spirit. Although the main bathing dates differ from year-to-year, the important bathing days are :-

1.      14 January/Makarsankranti ~ the first main bathing day.

2.      Mauni Amavasya ~ new moon of the saints.

3.      Vasant Panchami ~ beginning of spring in North India.

4.      Magha Purnima ~ full moon in the month of Magha.

5.      Mahashivaratri ~ when Lord Shiva married Parvati.

6.      Somvati Amavasya ~ no moon day exceptionally auspicious.

7.      Rama Naumi ~ birth of Lord Rama.

8.      Chaitya Purnima ~ worship of representative of God of Death.

9.      Vaisakhi Amavasya ~ fast by Hindu married women for husband’s health and longevity.

10.  Vaisakhi Purnima ~ Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

At the most auspicious hour of the most auspicious day of the month long festival, thousands of Naga Sadhus (naked holy men) from various sects take the ceremonial bath. There is a colorful and magnificent procession of radiant saints on chariots and elephants at sunrise. Only after they are done, are the masses are allowed to take a dip. At this time, the sites of the mela are considered to be portals into immortality and ever-lasting union with God. One is said to be able to fully experience ‘Spiritual Divinity’.

- Anupam Mujumdar, student intern, Parihara.com