A Global Congregation Of Faithfuls

The Kumbha Mela 2025 has begun in Prayagraj, with reports indicating that over one 10 million people took a dip in the holy confluence on the very first day on January 13th. The Kumbha Melas are Hindu pilgrimages celebrated every 6 or 12 years, based on the partial or full revolution of Jupiter, and represent the largest gathering in the world. The 2025 Maha Kumbha Mela is a special event, held every 144 years, coinciding with a rare planetary alignment of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Saturn.

Bathing in holy rivers holds great significance in Hindu religion and daily life. Devout Hindus begin their day with a bath, followed by worship in a designated space or corner of their homes. For salvation, the ashes of the deceased are immersed in holy rivers near their place of residence. Dips in these sacred rivers are believed to wash away sins and bring one closer to salvation and Nirvana. The ongoing Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj is attracting millions of people from around the world. Traditionally, riverside fairs in Prayagraj (where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge), Haridwar (where the Ganges flows), and Nasik (where the Godavari flows) have been recognised as major Kumbha Mela sites.

Tourist attraction

Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has successfully promoted this enormous gathering not only as a religious event but also as a tourist attraction. People from all religious backgrounds are traveling to witness and participate in the event. This has also attracted a significant number of Nepali visitors. Authorities estimate that around 400 million people will attend over the 45-day period, making the festival visible even from space.

Twelve colourful pavilions representing different states of India have become a major attraction at the Kumbha Mela, showcasing various cultures and traditions from across the country. These pavilions serve as a bridge between the traditional religious atmosphere and the modern cultural exchange that defines the event. Through these displays, visitors can experience India's diverse languages, music, dances, arts, and cuisines, enriching their understanding of the nation's multicultural identity.

According to several media reports, 650-km of temporary roads have been constructed, along with tens of thousands of tents and toilets. Over 100,000 people, including more than 40,000 police and security personnel, are working round the clock to ensure the event runs smoothly. The Prayagraj Kumbha Mela began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. It has been recognised as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance on a global scale.

Hindu mythology tells the story of a battle between gods and demons over a Kumbha (a pitcher) filled with nectar during the churning of the ocean. The elixir was believed to grant immortality to anyone who consumed it. As the gods and demons fought over the Kumbha, some drops of nectar fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. The battle lasted for 12 celestial years, each equivalent to 12 years on Earth. Therefore, the Kumbha Mela is held every 12 years in these four cities. An "Ardh" or half Kumbha Mela is organised every six years, but the 2025 Maha Kumbha is a once-in-144-year event, celebrated most prominently in Prayagraj.

The Indian government has taken several steps to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims and tourists. However, some incidents have already been reported, such as a major fire in a tent area caused by a gas cylinder explosion. Previous Kumbha Melas have also witnessed stampedes and other accidents. Therefore, while seeking peace and solace at such pilgrimages, it is crucial to prioritise safety. In this context, modern infrastructure, timely medical assistance, and safety protocols are vital to ensuring that the festival remains a safe and spiritually uplifting experience for all.

Safety of citizens

Nepal government should also take measures to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens traveling to the event. This includes arranging proper transportation systems and planning for the safe return of Nepalis in case of emergencies. Such efforts could be coordinated in partnership with the Indian government and the private sector. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to implement awareness campaigns to educate pilgrims on safety practices, ensuring that they can participate in the event without unnecessary risks.

One of the highlights of Kumbhaa Melas is the Nagas who are yogis who move around naked. This year there are female Nagas, too. While observing religious demonstration, one needs to make sure that human rights and dignity of all people are respected.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)