On the pretext of the Kumbh Mela
With the massive Kumbh Mela of 2025 in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad) coming to an end now, I couldn’t resist writing about the impact of such a grand gathering of lakhs of people to take a dip in the holy Ganga.
This is not because I am too easily tempted to flaunt my spiritual side to even my near and dear ones; it is because of the recent change in the political leadership in India.
The Kumbh Mela is deeply connected to Hindus, who worship their rivers, especially the Ganga River. Hindus collect Ganga water and keep it in their homes.
There are places of worship along the banks of rivers all over India.
Rivers are an integral part of Indian culture and cannot be separated.
On every festival, they sprinkle Ganga water in and around their house, not only this, Hindus believe that by putting a drop of Ganga water in the mouth of a dying person, it is believed that after drinking the holy water, they will attain salvation.
Hindus scatter the mortal ashes of their loved ones into the sacred Ganges River.
Throughout India, there are numerous places of worship situated along the banks of its sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, Narmada, Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, and dozens of other rivers including mythological Saraswati. These rivers hold immense spiritual significance in Hinduism and are often seen as embodiments of divine energy. Temples, ghats, and pilgrimage sites line their shores, drawing devotees who come to perform rituals, offer prayers, and seek spiritual enlightenment. Consequently, these rivers are deeply intertwined with India’s cultural and religious fabric, serving as lifelines that nourish the land and its people’s traditions. The essence of Indian culture cannot be separated from the reverence held for its rivers.
India- a country where a plethora of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage is so deeply seeped in the veins that are still strongly deep-rooted and the problem is that Indians who were trying to compete with Western countries are now relocating their system all thanks to recent religious developments in the country.
India primarily consists of a large Hindu population, which respects a rich tradition of spiritual practices and beliefs.
Across this vibrant country, countless sacred sites abound, where divine worship extends beyond traditional temples to embrace the natural world. Majestic trees, flowing rivers, revered animals, ancient stones, and even celestial objects are honored as divine manifestations, reflecting a deep-rooted connection between the spiritual and the natural that has flourished over centuries.
However, the immense wealth, with temples as the center of prosperity, led to a devastating invasion of India.
Yet no one is paying attention to this, they are again looking for an excuse to fight their people in the name of religious duty.
The definition of Hinduism in present-day India is not what we read in the history of literature.
The contemporary understanding of Hinduism in India differs significantly from the historical narratives and literary accounts we have learned.
The contemporary understanding of Hinduism in India is a complex and multifaceted belief system encompassing many practices, philosophies, and cultural traditions. This modern interpretation often contrasts sharply with the historical descriptions found in ancient texts and literature, which may not fully capture the dynamic and evolving nature of the religion today. As it integrates various regional customs and societal changes, the definition of Hinduism now reflects a vibrant tapestry of beliefs that continue to adapt to the needs and experiences of its diverse followers.
Rediscovering Ancient Roots: The Kumbh Mela Way
India’s rich history of rivers reflects the evolution of its civilization and cultural heritage. Throughout the ages, astronomers, numerologists, and polymaths have contributed to an exceptional wealth of knowledge. However, this intellectual advancement has not diminished the significance of faith, myths, beliefs, and superstitions in Indian society.
Many of our beliefs are too outdated to be only in our holy scriptures.
However, recent political developments in India are bringing about a general change in mindset towards the past.
We still believe in things like witchcraft, witchcraft, severe racism, cultural divisions, and gender inequality.
We hold pride in our forefathers more than in trying to carve a niche for ourselves in the future.
We are still criticizing the fact that we can fact-check all our myths from the point of view of scientific methods.
This is not just a matter of Hindus, all over the world religious beliefs are so deeply ingrained in our blood that it is now difficult to reject.
Decoding Kumbh Mela
Mahakumbh is a large gathering of mostly Hindu devotees held once every twelve years during the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar at four locations in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Nashik, and Ujjain.
While Kumbh Mela holds special significance in all four places, the Triveni Sangam of Prayagraj is unique.
The three sacred rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati—converge at Triveni Sangam in Allahabad, India, creating a profoundly spiritual site that has captivated devotees for centuries.
Pilgrims from all over the country come to this holy confluence to participate in the rituals, bathe in the sacred waters, and seek blessings for spiritual purification and renewal.
The Triveni Sangam holds great significance in Hindu mythology, representing the union of the physical and spiritual realms.
This sacred site serves as a center for religious ceremonies, such as the Kumbh Mela, and is a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage.
People don’t just come to take a dip, they come to the Ganga to wash away their sins, some to seek salvation, some to seek mental peace, and some to pray for their ancestors’ souls.
Mahakumbh and Humanity
Every story has many facets, and so is a large-scale religious conglomeration.
People gather at a particular place, ask for mental peace, seek spiritual gains, and then return to their places with contentment.
What if, their expectations don’t meet with reality?
The Great Kumbh Mela has a sad history of stampedes, political interference, personal betrayal of some people, and many other issues like hoarding of essential commodities, overpriced common amenities, and lack of proper transport services on the part of the government which is eyeing financial gain on such a large scale.
We may not know the precise moment when Lord Vishnu transformed the nectar from his pot and bestowed it upon these sacred rivers, yet their flowing waters have been a source of life and vitality for us all. These rivers are vital messengers of our rich cultural heritage, guiding humanity along the timeless path of existence and connection.
Reflecting more deeply on our behavior at large gatherings may help us understand the wisdom and importance of its central theme.
The government should deploy volunteers to help the pilgrims and manage the crowd with empathy and humility to ensure the safety of everyone who comes to spend a peaceful spiritual moment.