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Kumbha

Kumbh multitudes

The Kumbha Festivals are the largest gathering of humanity on Earth. They speak of an ancient living tradition, of time-honoured rituals, of a cultural heritage that lives and breathes through centuries of time. Some historians trace its origin to the 13th century, others to the 7th century. The Kumbha is an amazing and spectacular spiritual congregation. It is replete with ritual and fanfare, discourses and prayers, yagnas, bhajans and kirtans conducted by  sages from every tradition.

Most people who visit the Kumbha are gripped in a trance state. They are deeply aware, at whatever level of recognition, of the spiritual significance of the Festival.

The sincere seeker comes with devotion.  For him, his presence here is itself the fruit of his devotion – he is blessed indeed. Others are mesmerised by the sheer enormity of the event. The teeming crowds and the many ages, cultures and times that are juxtaposed here are an eye-opener. Some come for a glimpse of exotica.  But without exception, most are unprepared for the Kumbha. People have no idea where to go, or how to go about it. Therefore, they often simply follow the crowds, or their intuition. Staying arrangements and all facilities are stretched to the limits. So is the civil administration that copes with the situation. Though they have planned for months ahead they sigh with relief at the end of each Kumbha.

Kumbha March of Time

Notes from the Kumbh – Vignettes

30/11/2018 Raman Nanda 0

Kumbh Prayagraj: The city prepares for the Ardhkumbha beginning in January 2019. Journalist Raman Nanda’s recollections of the Mahakumbha in 2001, are shared here. The Kumbh is an experience. Shared […]

kumbh-prayagraj

Akhadas of Sadhu Sannyasins at Kumbh

24/11/2018 Romola Butalia 0

The Kumbh Mela area is broadly separated according to the various Sannyas or Shaiva akhadas and Vairagi/Sadhu or Vaishnav Akhadas as well as other Sampradayas. At Prayagraj, there is also […]

The-Kumbha

Kumbha: Significance & Facts, Culture & Colour

02/11/2018 Romola Butalia 0

Romola Butalia writes about the history, significance, culture and colour of the Kumbha, the largest spiritual congregation on earth. The Kumbha Festivals are the largest gathering of humanity on Earth. […]

Colours of the Kumbha

The Kumbh : Is it a Transformative Experience?

25/10/2018 Raman Nanda 0

Raman Nanda freelance print, radio, television and internet journalist writes a series on his impressions of the Kumbh. Millions of people are making their way to the banks of Ganga […]

Kumbha elephant

Kumbh images – Kaleidoscope of Colour

24/10/2018 Alok Johri 0

Kumbh Images: The Kumbh is the largest gathering of humanity on Earth. The Kumbh speaks of an ancient living tradition, of time-honoured rituals, of a cultural heritage that lives and […]

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