Kumbh Mela is India’s largest festival. It is a massive religious event where millions of people come to take a sacred bath in holy rivers. It is believed by people that they can cleanse themselves and become spiritually pure by bathing in these rivers.
The festival is held in four places in India: Prayagraj (used to be called Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. One of them hosts the Kumbh Mela every few years. The biggest Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj every 12 years and is visited by over 100 million people! This year it was held in Prayagraj, this year’s Kumbh was special because 12 mela’s have passed so this is called a Mah Mela. This only occurs every 144 years and is a very special moment.
Kumbh Mela originates from a very old Hindu myth. According to this, during a war between gods and demons, a pitcher (kumbh) filled with nectar was created. Drops of the nectar dropped over in the four rivers at locations Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These places were made holy, and the Kumbh Mela is organized to honor this myth
During the festival, people do not bathe just in the river. They pray, spiritually reflect, and socialize with other people. There are also many holy men, who are called sadhus, present at the Kumbh Mela. They perform prayers, teach people, and give people advice. Music, dance, and parades are also a part of the festival, making it a festive and enjoyable event.
Why this is so important is because the place where you bathe is called the Triveni Sangam where the 3 holy rivers meet Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati. For most people, an experience at the Kumbh Mela is a life-changing one. It is a time of spirituality, nature, and human connection. Even though there are massive crowds of people, there is peace and spirituality. The Kumbh Mela proves that religion has the power to bring people together even if hundreds of millions of people meet.
In conclusion, the Kumbh Mela is not a festival. It is a moment when millions of people can come and pray, celebrate their faith, and be spiritually connected with one another. It reminds us of the power of the Hindu religion and how old ways continue to make sense even in modern times.