"Kumbh Mela," the largest pilgrimage event in the world, which gathers tens of millions of Hindu believers and others from around the globe, has commenced in Allahabad (Prayagraj). Unlike the annual pilgrimage events, Kumbh Mela is held at intervals of several years and lasts about two months. This year's event started on January 15 and will continue until March 4. Approximately 120 to 150 million Hindu pilgrims and others are expected to participate in this year's ceremony.
The main reason believers participate in Kumbh Mela is to wash away their sins in the "sacred river" and find the opportunity to "begin a new life." Depending on which riverbank the pilgrimage is held, people immerse themselves in the water at that location. This year's Kumbh Mela is taking place in Allahabad on the banks of the "Yamuna," a river that originates from the Himalayas and joins the Ganges in Allahabad. Kumbh Mela is held in Allahabad every 12 years. Additionally, the event is held every 12 years in Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganges), Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari), and Ujjain (on the banks of the Shipra). However, the intervals and timings are conducted according to the Indian calendar, with a three-year delay. Kumbh Mela was added to the "UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List" last year, which includes the spiritual cultural heritage of the world.
Pilgrims, including Hindus and others, believe that their large gathering on the banks of the sacred river symbolizes "peace" and "balance." However, participation in Kumbh Mela is not limited to Hindus; anyone can attend. Pilgrims typically pack their belongings, take some water and food, head to the event, stay for a few days, and then return home to allow other pilgrims to take their place.
One of the most important aspects of this pilgrimage is the "procession of leaders"; that is, the presence of religious leaders or sadhus (known in Persian as "mortaz" or ascetics) and ascetics familiar with martial arts and traditions. The "naked sadhus" are the first to immerse themselves in the water, their bodies covered in ash, followed by other pilgrims entering the river. People approach the "leaders" of various Hindu sects during this ceremony to learn about dharma, the Ramayana, and other teachings. Kumbh Mela plays a significant role in the culture and history of India, which is why politicians, media, social networks, and the general public are engaged with it.
The word "mela" in Sanskrit means "gathering" or meeting, and various melas are held in South and Southeast Asia; for example, the "Mela of Lights" for Shah Hussain, a famous Sufi from Lahore. However, "kumbha" or "kumb" has various roots, referring to the zodiac sign Aquarius in Hindi ("Kumbh Rashi") and Indian legends related to the "pot" that contained the nectar of immortality. Washing away sins in river water and sanctifying rivers has a long history in Hinduism.
In ancient texts and writings in India, there are several references to gatherings by the river, including some areas where Kumbh Mela is currently held. However, these gatherings did not necessarily carry the name Kumbh Mela. It is said that some of the most important contemporary sources that mention Kumbh are "Chahar Golshan" and "Kholasat al-Tavareekh," which were written in Persian in India centuries ago.
Naturally, gathering tens of millions of people in one place over less than two months and washing in the river can bring environmental challenges. From plastic and other waste to toilets and, of course, the river water that is supposed to carry away "sins." The Indian government has installed billboards along the roads leading to Allahabad with the slogan "Clean Kumbh"; perhaps this will draw more pilgrims' attention to maintaining cleanliness at the gathering site. The air quality and pollution are also other issues in Allahabad. Many pilgrims are low-income citizens who arrive with little money; they have neither much food nor tents to sleep in. However, the Indian government has been providing free food, drinking water, and, for low-income individuals, temporary accommodation for years. For the current Indian government, the issue of the upcoming general elections this year is also significant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has spent about $650 million on Kumbh this year, and many believe he has an eye on the elections while in Allahabad.