What are the highlights of the Kumbh Mela this year?
With an elaborate guest list, the holy city of Allahabad is playing host to one of the oldest festivals in India - the Maha Kumbh Mela. Sadhus and saints, some even from the Himalayan caves, celebrities, various akharas (groups of Sadhus) and pilgrims from across the globe are going to be present at the banks of the Triveni Sangam - meeting point of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
Tens of thousands of men and women will get together at this place to partake of this divine affair. Some come to quench their religious blessing, others to witness this religious and cultural extravaganza and still some come to photograph the grand affair. Highlights of the Kumbh Mela, 2013 are as follows:
- Snan Parva
The number of people that come for the holy bath runs into lakhs and more. It also happens at fixed timings for fixed duration. Though you can go and take a dip at any time of the day, do consult the district administration for specific bath timings. Also, different Akharas are given specific slots. Though the mela (fair) is on for three months - January to March, below given are the main bathing dates (which are subject to change):
14 January 2013 (Monday) – Makar Sankranti27 January 2013 (Sunday) – Paush Purnima
6 February 2013 (Wednesday) – Ekadashi Snan
10 February 2013 (Sunday) – Mauni Amavasya Snan ( Best Day ! )
15 February 2013 (Friday) – Vasant Panchami Snan
17 February 2013 (Sunday) – Rath Saptami Snan
21 February 2013 (Thursday) – Bhisma Ekadashi Snan
25 February 2013 (Monday) – Maghi Purnima Snan
10 March 2013 (Sunday) – Mahashivratri (2nd Best Day)
The Procession
The various Akharas (groups of Sadhus) walk towards the bathing grounds in a grand procession. Huge chariots, decorated elephants, dressed up camels and decked up horses are all a part of this procession. The groups of sadhus sometimes sing and chant and carry tridents and swords. This is one of those rare places to spot the Naga Sadhus who are covered in ash from head to toe.
During Kumbh Mela, numerous camps start to mushroom at the banks. These mostly belong to the various Akharas. They cook their own food and stay together as a group. During the evenings, they sit together and narrate divine tales from the Ramayana, some even sing out the stories and play the damaru and the manjira. This with the subtle sound of the Ganga humming in the background is indeed divine!
