Sacred Waters, Eternal Faith: The Magnificence of Kumbh Mela

Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, translates to ‘the eternal practice or path’. This path has evolved over millennia, adapting to dramatic changes while staying true to its original Vedic spirit of unity. With the world changing at an ever-increasing pace, Hindu traditions and practices continue to evolve as before, marrying the traditional and the modern in a beautiful harmony.The Kumbh Mela, often called humanity’s greatest gathering, exemplifies this dynamic nature. Nityananda Misra’s ‘Kumbha: The Traditionally Modern Mela’ explores the historical, spiritual, and modern dimensions of the Kumbh Mela. Held every twelve years at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, each site is tied to a sacred river: Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, Haridwar’s Ganga, Nashik’s Godavari, and Ujjain’s Shipra. The Ardha Kumbh occurs every six years at Prayagraj and Haridwar, offering another spiritual opportunity. Misra highlights how this event harmonises ancient traditions with modern innovations, attracting millions of global pilgrims.The timing of the Kumbh is determined when Jupiter aligns favourably in specific zodiac signs, as this is believed to enhance the spiritual efficacy of the event. In Sanskrit, Jupiter is called ‘Guru’, meaning a spiritual teacher or guide. As per Puranic texts, Jupiter is the guru of all deities, symbolising wisdom and spiritual growth. This celestial alignment ensures the festival resonates deeply with its symbolic and spiritual undertones.The diverse world of sadhus at Kumbh is awe-inspiring. From Shaiva Dashanamis and Vaishnavas to Nirmala Sikhs, they embody the timeless glory of Sanatana Dharma. Some captivate with hatha yoga, while others demonstrate profound scriptural knowledge or physical ascetic feats. The Kumbh offers pilgrims a chance to learn from these revered sages and witness their spiritual dedication. New-age spiritual movements like ISKCON, Art of Living, and Brahmakumaris enrich the Mela through workshops and discourses, blending tradition and modernity. Cultural expressions like bhajans, classical music, and folk arts highlight the festival’s inclusivity.Remarkable efforts go into organising the temporary megacity of Kumbh Nagari, complete with sanitation, healthcare, and security for millions of pilgrims. Advanced technologies and the involvement of religious organisations create a harmonious blend of faith and governance, showcasing India’s ability to host such a vast event. Meanwhile, commerce and technology play significant roles, generating substantial revenue and providing innovative solutions, from telemedicine to AI-powered crowd management. This year’s Kumbh Mela is expected to provide Rs. 25,000 Cr boost to Uttar Pradesh’s economy..The current year’s Purnakumbh at Prayagraj features advanced security measures, including 2,700 AI-powered cameras, underwater drones for monitoring, a spectacular drone show with over 2,000 drones depicting Puranic stories, and an AI chatbot providing real-time updates. A special highlight is the participation of saints from Russia and Ukraine, uniting in prayers for peace, emphasising Kumbh’s universal spirit.The Mela’s inclusivity transcends boundaries, welcoming people from all social, regional, and linguistic backgrounds. Foreigners, including solo women travelers, join this sacred event, experiencing the essence of Sanatana Dharma. The Kumbh fosters unity and coexistence, embodying universal human values.The Kumbha Mela is believed to be held at locations where the divine nectar of immortality fell, making it an immortal festival. It has withstood Islamic invasions, colonial rule, world wars, and even internal conflicts. Despite tragedies like cholera epidemics, stampedes, and natural disasters, the Mela endures. It has witnessed historic moments, such as the immersion of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s ashes in 1966, and persisted through challenges like the Emergency and rumors of catastrophe in 1989. Despite all these, life at the Kumbh Mela has never stopped. The Kumbha Mela has been called ‘the greatest show on earth’, and it is also the greatest example of the principle that come what may, ‘the show must go on’.