Since some days, I have been fascinated by mystical visuals from the land of Kumbh. There have been some intriguing appearances, be it that of the Nagaa Sadhus, who appears in the nude with their faces smeared in bhasm, or those saffron clad ascetics, who look ethereal with a unique calm on their face. The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious congregation that takes place anywhere in the world. This year the number of devotees and pilgrims have been more than ever. Needless to say, an army of people have been working tirelessly, to facilitate and enhance the experience of all devotees.
I was curious to know more about this phenomenon, and what all goes in organising a month-long celebration for almost 100 million visitors.
“The UP government has allocated Rs 4,236 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013,” state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal was quoted as saying in a report in TOI.
Recently, Mr Narendra Modi, visited the Prayagraj. He took the customary dip in holy water and showed his commitment towards, Swatch Bharat by washing feet of 5 sanitation workers. As a young Indian, this act looked more monumental, than just a gimmick ahead of the forthcoming elections this year. For, here is a man, who had the courage to say that cleanliness, should actually be counted before godliness.
About one and half year back, the administration of Prayagraj, was given a rather unique agenda. World’s biggest religious event had to be organised, replete with the latest technologies for better administration, management and communication.
Before, I surprise you with some mind-boggling figures, let us understand, who are these pilgrims, who come dressed & undressed, immersed in the magic of spirituality and surrender themselves to, all the wisdom that our Vedas, and Puranas have, to offer.
So, what is the significance of Kumbh Mela:
I knew of Kumbh from Bollywood films, where a brother would get separated from his family at one of these melas, only to reunite as an adult, either as a dacoit, or a police officer.
Which, of course, is not all, so I attempted to understand the mythological significance of this event.
And I found some interesting details, which reiterates the fact that Indian mythology is indeed one of the most unique combinations of religion, astrology and science.
Kumbh Mela means ‘the festival of the sacred pitcher’. The reference is to the pot which emerged after the gods and demons churned the milky ocean, filled with the nectar of immortality. Celebrated for almost 48 days, the pilgrims take bath at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Sarasvati. The pilgrimage is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. Interestingly, the geographical location of Kumbh Mela keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages on four sacred rivers:
Haridwar on the Ganges in Uttarakhand,
Ujjain on the Shipra in Madhya Pradesh,
Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Uttar Pradesh, And Nashik, in Maharashtra.
The celebrations at these sites are based on a certain set of astrological positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the Jupiter. The entire event is organised in consultation with these prominent Hindu sects:
Akharas:
This is not the one seen in the movie Dangal. The word akahra originates from the akhand, which literally means: indivisible. Adi Guru Shankaracharya tried to unite groups of ascetics to proliferate the Sanatan way of life. Therefore, various akharas were established to unite the followers of similar religious customs, views and ideologies. The saints and ascetics associated with an akhara specialize in both scriptures and weaponry.
Dandiwada
Ascetics who hold wooden logs called Bhramha Danda are known as Dandi Sanyasis. Dand Sanyas follows the ashram system. The group of these Dandi Sanyasisis called Dandi Bara. They believe that Lord Narayana himself was a Dandi Sanyasi.
Acharya bada
This sect of also known as Ramanuj Sect. Started by Shathkop, this sect was propagated by the fourth acharya, Shri Ramanuj. The followers of this sect worship Narayana and revere Laxmi as their deity.
Prayagwal
It is believed that name Prayagwal refers to the original citizens of Prayagraj. The Prayagwals, welcome devotees visiting the Kumbh Mela and perform various rituals of Kumbh for the pilgrims. Prayagwals, as religious gurus of the devotees, are the only people allowed to collect donations from the pilgrims at the Triveni Sangam.
The mammoth task was started with infrastructural modifications.
While doing my bit of research, one official told me, there was not even a single government department, which didn’t have a task at hand. How I wish, our country is always managed with such army-like discipline, for a better life of taxpaying Indians!
Much like Yoga & Ayurveda, Kumbh Mela is also synonymous to India. This year a Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas was celebrated to welcome the NRIs from across the globe. A unique event was organised to welcome, the Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr Praveen Jugnauth, and the delegates from 187 countries. Even international media have been praise for the planning of Kumbh 2019. A sneak peek at the arrangement for the Kumbh 2019.
Transport
· Almost 800 new trains were started for Kumbh 2019. The railway stations were upgraded to handle the crowd. Indian Railways, in association with technology company IBM, is using Artificial Intelligence (AI), to manage the crowd at railway stations and adjoining areas. A special railway app was also created for real-time tracking of trains arrival and departure. Prayagraj Civil Airport was constructed in record time, to serve the devotees coming from all across the world. Even the National Highways Authority of India, repaired the existing highways to ensure hassle-free traffic management. A total of 116 roads were upgraded to facilitate tourists. The traffic management during Kumbh 2019 is integrated with google maps technology.
Infrastructure
· In India, religious tourism failed to attract young travellers because of poor standards of lodging and sanitation. The millennial-shravan kumar, had no option but stay in a stinking dharamshala with his parents even at a major pilgrimage, like Haridwar, Mathura, or Varanasi. However, things are fast changing. The big hospitality chains like Taj, Radisson, and Fortune, realised the potential and opened properties at these places. Even religious destinations gained respect and allure. Kumbh 2019, is also organised on the same lines. A total of 40,700 LED lights were installed to illuminate the premises. A new city of 4,200 premium tents was created to cater to generations x,y,z.. The tent city is equipped with all modern amenities. There are swanky cafes, ATMs, designated halls for Satsang and kirtans. Commuters have almost 524 shuttle buses and auto rickshaws at their disposal to move around from one place to another. Inland Waterways Authority of India, built five jetties, ferrying the pilgrims from one ghat to another.
Cleanliness
· Hygiene in all its capacity is a big factor at Kumbh 2019. There are almost 500 water ATMs for clean drinking water. Almost 1,22,000 toilets were constructed to prevent defecation in open space, which used to be a menace in previous editions of Kumbh. There are 20,000 dustbins installed with liner bags. More than 15,000 sanitation workers are deployed for timely cleanliness. A fleet of 2,000 Swacchagrahis is engaged as foot soldiers to ensure the cleanliness of the holy rivers.
Security
· A full proof security system was devised. The surveillance system is developed with the latest technologies to abate the risk of potential disaster. With more than 1000 CCTV cameras, 40 exclusive police stations, 62 police outposts, 40 Fire- fighting centres and 40 watchtowers, this is one of the well-guarded events organised y UP state government.
At times I feel, those who lived in Satyug and Treta Yug, were logically more erudite. They probably were aware of smarter means of travel and living. They were more aware of their cosmic powers. They knew the real essence of life. Which is why, millions of people throng to Kumbh Mela, to dive deep into such knowledge provided by the ascetics and gurus, who appear only in Kumbh Mela, to vanish again in their divine solitude.
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