Maha Kumbh And The Mega Media

Maha Kumbh And The Mega Media

Travel writer and documentary film maker VIJAYA PRATAP on Mahakumbh, which retains its charm with all its spirituality despite the current day social media mania. Avoid crowds and stay safe she advises as the Mega event comes to a close on February 26

UNESCO has recognised MahaKumbh as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. We, as the proud inheritors of this rich legacy, have every right to celebrate the event and a duty to retain its sanctity and pass it on to the next generations.

Thanks to the social media, especially Instagram, a continuous stream of reels pop up every five minutes, reminding you of the mega event, resulting in FOMO gripping young and old alike. What used to be a religious congregation of the saints to bathe in the holy rivers and exchange views on religion has now become a Mela, with people thronging to the venue – some to have the holy dip, and some to capture the visuals on their mobiles. Of course, the TV channels are ever ready to cash on the tiniest incident in MK to blow it into huge proportions. This is where Monalisas are created and catapulted to fame, IIT Babas are highlighted and ex-celebrities are brought back into the limelight through their rebirths as ascetics. But there is little information on the true religious aspects of the Kumbh and its relevance to the present. The true meaning of the event is eclipsed by the “show”.

What is Maha Kumbh?

The Maha Kumbh of 2025 in Prayagraj holds extraordinary celestial significance, occurring once in 144 years. Millions of pilgrims gather here till the 26th of February for ritual bathing at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers: these sacred baths are believed to purify the soul and cleanse sins.

The origin of Kumbh –or the “Pitcher Festival” as the Western Media reports:

According to Hindu scriptures, Devas and Asuras churned the “Ocean of Milk” for 12 days (equivalent to 12 human years), yielding nectar (Amrit) in a Kumbh (pot). As Dhanwantari was carrying the pot, drops of Amrit fell on earth sanctifying Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These holy places host Kumbh Mela in rotation: Ardh Kumbh every 6 years, Poorna Kumbh every 12 years, and Maha Kumbh every 144 years -the present one from 13th January to 26th February 2025). It marks a rare celestial alignment of Sun, Moon and Jupiter symbolizing enlightenment, purification, and spiritual renewal.

Creating a massive tent city:

The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive arrangements to accommodate the masses, creating a sprawling township for this grand event. Prayagraj has transformed into a vast Mahakumbh Nagar spanning 10,000 acres. With 650 km of roads, 1,60,000 tents, 1,50,000 toilets, and 25,000 bins, the event boasts unparalleled preparation. Over 15,000 sanitation workers, 40,000 security personnel, and 99 parking lots for half a million vehicles ensure seamless management. The city shines with murals, 67,000 streetlights, and 30 Pontoon bridges, while a Digital Experience Centre connects Gen Z to India’s heritage using AI and cutting-edge technology.

Also Read: CM Revanth Reddy And Megastar Chiranjeevi At Experium Eco Park Inauguration Ceremony

After the Holy Dip, what to see and experience in Prayagraj Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam:

This daily ritual of thanksgiving to the river features priests chanting hymns, the glow of large lamps dispelling the dusk, and the sounds of bells, conches, and incense spirals creating a surreal spectacle. The mesmerizing experience leaves devotees blissful, deepening their spiritual connection.

Lete Hue Hanuman Mandir:

Located near Triveni Sangam close to the Allahabad fort, the ancient temple has a huge Hanuman idol in a sleeping position with Ram and Lakshman on his shoulders. The idol is much below the ground and there are a few interesting stories associated with it. One of them is, that Lord Hanuman chose this location for his eternal rest after fulfilling his earthly responsibilities. According to folklore, Hanuman rested here after destroying Lanka.

Shankara Vimana Mandapam:

Fondly called “Madrasi Mandir” by the locals, this distinctive temple with its Vimana in Dravidian style stands out.  Built in memory of Adi Shankaracharya by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth in 1986, the temple has three storeys- the statues of Adi Shankaracharya; the idols of Devi Kamakshi and 51 Shakti Peethas; shrines dedicated to goddess Shakti; Venkateswara (Balaji) from Tirupati, and 108 Vishnu-peethas & a Sahasra Yoga Linga with 108 Shiva Lingas surrounding it. The Temple walls are decorated with images of gods and goddesses and murals from the Ramayana.

Walking Tour- Meeting Naga Sadhus:

The 13 Akhadas and their various sub-sects are participating in various religious activities though Naga Sadhus are the star attraction of the Mela- the enigmatic mystics known for their ash-covered, naked appearances. They are often found sitting in front of dhunis (sacred fires) and chanting. Evoking fear, admiration, and respect, these ascetics are a fascinating presence in the Kumbh. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher, established the Naga Sadhu sect to defend temples and monasteries from invaders: they fought against Ahmed Shah Abdali in the 1748 war when he attacked Allahabad and also against the Mughals and the British. These warrior ascetics hold a prime position in the Kumbh and lead the Shahi Snans.

With unique identities, they surprise the world with almost impossible yogic practices: most of them don’t speak. They bless whoever approaches with reverence, by giving holy ash or by tapping on the head with peacock feathered fans.

The female Naga Sadhvis, covered in unstitched saffron garments called “Ganti”, are an uncommon but important presence in processions, Shahi Snans etc: their attendance reflects the changing scenario in the male-dominated world of spirituality.  This time, the participation of the Kinnar Akhada of transgenders symbolizes a significant shift towards inclusivity within the Hindu religious landscape.

Wide-ranging Accommodation:

Right from basic accommodation to fully equipped premium cottages in and around the Kumbh area are available at reasonable prices though rates on Shahi Snan days spike up. If you want to be right amid the action, there are comfortable tents at “The Bookmark Naga Shivir” camp in Juna Akhada. Just 3 km away from the Sangam is “just a Shivir Jhusi” -118 luxury tents erected on 18 acres, right on the banks of River Ganga. Just a night’s stay in Prayagraj may cost nothing if the free accommodation provided by the UP Govt can be grabbed; otherwise, there are dorms with multiple beds. For tech-savvy people, finding accommodation that suits their budget is just one click away!

How to reach:

The biggest challenge for everybody now is how to reach MK. Some are discouraged by the mammoth crowds while some by the threat of walking miles to reach the Sangam for a dip. The flight prices have skyrocketed while train reservations are just out of the question (unless booked much in advance). But there is a solution for the Hyderabad pilgrims. That is, going by road, in a comfortable vehicle: starting early morning and reaching Nagpur, then Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Rewa and finally reaching Prayagraj. It is 1100 km and can be covered in 17 to 18 hours comfortably on non-snan days. The night halt can be in Jabalpur. If 5 to 6 people share the expenditure, it will come to an affordable figure.

The holy dip and the experience of the Maha Kumbh are worth venturing, for it is not just a celestial phenomenon but also a civilizational spectacle that cannot be missed.