India’s huge Hindu festival, world’s largest religious gathering, kicks off in north
The Maha Kumbh Mela, also known as the Hindu pitcher festival, has kicked off in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj, with millions of Hindu devotees, mystics, and holy men and women from all across India flocking to the sacred site. This religious gathering, which is being touted as the world’s largest religious gathering, is expected to attract at least 400 million people over the next 45 days.
The festival, which is a series of ritual baths by Hindu sadhus and other pilgrims at the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, dates back to medieval times. Hindus believe that taking a dip in the waters of these rivers will cleanse them of their past sins and help them achieve the ultimate goal of release from the cycle of rebirth.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant event in Hindu tradition, with roots in the belief that the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. The drops of nectar that fell in Prayagraj, along with other cities, are believed to hold special spiritual significance. The festival rotates among four pilgrimage sites every three years, with this year’s festival in Prayagraj being the largest and grandest of them all.
As millions of pilgrims gather in Prayagraj for the festival, the Indian authorities have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. A sprawling tent city has been set up along the banks of the rivers, equipped with thousands of kitchens, restrooms, housing facilities, and other amenities. Indian Railways has introduced special trains to transport devotees to the city, and security personnel are stationed to maintain law and order.
The festival has also become a platform for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to promote Hindu nationalism. The government has allocated a significant budget for the event and has used it as an opportunity to showcase its welfare policies. However, the party’s promotion of Hindu cultural symbols has drawn criticism from some who see it as rooted in Hindu supremacy.
Despite controversies surrounding the festival, including name changes and concerns over COVID-19 safety, the Maha Kumbh Mela remains a deeply spiritual and significant event for millions of Hindus who gather to seek spiritual purification and blessings. The festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and religious devotion of India, attracting millions of pilgrims from all walks of life to partake in this sacred and ancient tradition.
