Tag: Kumbh

  • After Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede, Concerns of Cover-Up


    The pre-dawn stampede at the massive Hindu festival in northern India created havoc. But order was restored swiftly in the next few hours.

    On Wednesday morning, ambulances cut through a swarm of millions of people who had gathered in the city of Prayagraj. They ferried dozens of people to hospitals, some who had been trampled to death.

    Local officials moved to resume the rites at the Maha Kumbh Mela, relying on thousands of “A.I.-powered” video cameras. Soon, the faithful were doing what they came for: bathing at the confluence of three rivers considered sacred, one of them mythical. A helicopter showered rose petals on seers leading the holy dip.

    Officials had studied stampedes at earlier iterations of the festival. But as prepared and equipped as they seemed to be, they did not release even an initial death toll for nearly 15 hours after the tragedy.

    What they kept releasing was good news: regular updates on how many people had completed the bathing ritual.

    The dearth of information on the victims of the stampede, analysts said, appeared to be an official effort to cover up damage at an event that holds significance to the fortunes of political leaders. It left families of those searching for loved ones in the dark, running from hospital to morgue.

    And it left a cloud over the official tally that was finally released on Wednesday evening — 30 dead and 90 injured.

    Among those searching for their loved ones in the vacuum of information was Shiv Shankar Singh, 55, a retired army officer He and his wife had bathed at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, and the mythical Sarasvati, soon after midnight, and then got caught in the stampede.

    He searched for her all day, making his way on foot from hospital to hospital in an area where vehicular movement had been restricted for miles.

    “Everybody was pushing everybody else. My wife fell down,” Mr. Singh said. “I grabbed a pole and stood on the ground. I saved myself, but I don’t know what happened to her.”

    The Kumbh Mela, which happens every 12 years, is a massive undertaking by any standard. This year, because of a rare celestial alignment, it was deemed a once-in-a-century occurrence. The government in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, said it expected more than 400 million pilgrims and visitors to arrive in Prayagraj for the 45-day festival.

    Yogi Adityanath, the state’s chief minister, is considered among the contenders to succeed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Analysts said he put himself front and center as the organizer of the world’s largest gathering in an attempt to build his national profile as an administrator who could mix two things dear to India: faith and technology.

    While assessing the preparations for the festival early in January, Mr. Adityanath, 52, had pointed fingers at his predecessors over the operation of past festivals, which had led to deadly stampedes. He said that he wanted arrangements that could be “a lesson to those who had made the organization of the Maha Kumbh synonymous with filth and stampede.”

    “Yogi has been touted as larger-than-life, larger-than-Uttar Pradesh,” said Rasheed Kidwai, an author and political analyst. “The success of the event would have meant to announce to the world, ‘Here is a man who micromanaged a gathering of 400 million people effortlessly.’ This posturing would become important for the post-Modi era.”

    The Uttar Pradesh government has a public relations budget of over $100 million for the year, and some of that goes to media outlets that provide friendly coverage.

    It has also introduced a new social media policy that gives financial incentives to influencers who promote the state’s success, while promising action against the reporting of “government schemes in a wrong manner or with wrong intention,” according to news reports.

    The hold of that influence was clear in the aftermath of the tragedy. Television channels headlined Mr. Adityanath’s regular phone conversations with Mr. Modi, 74, and that everything was under control. They repeated throughout the day a video statement by Mr. Adityanath, in which he made no mention of deaths but asked people to not fall for rumors.

    But some saw through the public relations campaign.

    “It is reminiscent of the opacity of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government after the widespread deaths during the second Covid-19 wave in March 2021, the scale of which was evident later when horrific images of bodies floating in the Ganga emerged,” The Hindu, a national newspaper, wrote in an editorial Thursday.

    Mr. Adityanath has ordered a probe into the lapse. His officials have not explained what caused the delay in providing a casualty toll. His office did not respond to requests for comment.

    Vikram Singh, a former police chief of Uttar Pradesh who has overseen arrangements in past Kumbhs, said a part of the delay could be attributed to the massive logistical demand of such a huge event. Officials would have been focused on evacuating the injured and getting them proper treatment, he said.

    But he, too, struggled to understand the extent of the delay, which he said only fueled a rumor mill that “was working overtime” to put the death toll anywhere from 50 to 200 in the vacuum of official information.

    The other Mr. Singh, who had been separated from his wife, went to the festival’s lost and found stands to look for her. He registered a complaint with her details. He went back to the confluence of the rivers. He walked from hospital to hospital and back to the festival site.

    There, in the evening, Mr. Singh finally had good news at one of the lost and found centers. His wife had fallen down in the stampede but, luckily, wasn’t hurt and had been waiting for him for hours.

    “If they had communicated, then I would have found her much earlier,” he said, referring to the lost and found booths. “But I am happy now that I found my wife.”

    Pragati K.B. and Suhasini Raj contributed reporting from New Delhi.



    The recent tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, where a stampede resulted in the deaths of multiple pilgrims, has raised serious concerns about a potential cover-up by authorities. The stampede occurred during a religious gathering in the city of Haridwar, where millions of Hindu devotees had gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganges River.

    Initial reports suggested that the stampede was triggered by a sudden surge of pilgrims trying to enter a narrow bridge, leading to chaos and panic. However, as more details emerge, questions are being raised about the preparedness and response of local authorities. Some eyewitnesses have alleged that the stampede could have been avoided if proper crowd management measures had been in place.

    Furthermore, there are growing suspicions that the death toll may be higher than officially reported, with some families claiming that their missing loved ones have not been accounted for. This has led to accusations of a cover-up by authorities, who may be downplaying the scale of the tragedy to avoid public backlash.

    In the wake of this tragedy, it is imperative that a thorough investigation be conducted to determine the root causes of the stampede and hold those responsible accountable. The safety of pilgrims should always be the top priority at large religious gatherings like the Maha Kumbh Mela, and any negligence or cover-up must be addressed swiftly.

    As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic incident, it is crucial that transparency and accountability prevail in the aftermath of the stampede. Only then can we hope to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.

    Tags:

    1. Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede
    2. Kumbh Mela tragedy
    3. Stampede cover-up
    4. Maha Kumbh Mela investigation
    5. Kumbh Mela safety concerns
    6. Stampede aftermath
    7. Kumbh Mela disaster
    8. Maha Kumbh Mela news
    9. Stampede controversy
    10. Kumbh Mela incident analysis

    #Maha #Kumbh #Mela #Stampede #Concerns #CoverUp

  • Stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu Festival Leaves Pilgrims Hurt


    People were hurt and deaths were feared after millions of Hindu pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a huge festival in the Indian city of Prayagraj, rushed to bathe in holy river waters on what is considered one of the most auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar.

    As pilgrims rushed to the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, which Hindus consider sacred, some people who were sleeping on the ground were trampled and a barrier broke, government officials said.

    The Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj occurs every 12 years. Hindus believe that bathing at the spot where the two holy rivers meet, along with a third mythical river called Sarasvati, will purge them of all sins and help them attain salvation. Because of certain favorable celestial alignments, millions more were expected this year at the event, named the “Maha” or Great Kumbh.

    The government of the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Prayagraj is, has estimated that around 400 million people will attend the six-week festival from all corners of India. To house them all, the government built a temporary city on the banks of the Ganges, with tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges and waste management facilities.

    The danger posed by huge crowds has been a frequent problem at the Kumbh Mela. In 2013, 42 people were killed and 45 injured in a crowd crush on a train platform.

    Government officials became much more organized and focused on the safety and security of pilgrims after the 2013 incident. This year, the Uttar Pradesh government has employed sophisticated technology to monitor the inflow and outflow of people so that police personnel on the ground can redirect crowds.

    Despite the precautions, festival employees and others were encouraging people to go toward the confluence of the rivers, with some even using the public address system to do so. Police officials were unable to clear the bathing areas before more pilgrims rushed in.

    This is a developing story that will be updated.



    Stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu Festival Leaves Pilgrims Hurt

    A tragic incident occurred at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu festival, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, when a stampede broke out leaving several pilgrims injured. The festival, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River.

    The stampede reportedly took place near the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, where pilgrims had gathered to take a holy dip. The chaos ensued when a large crowd of people tried to make their way to the river at the same time, resulting in a stampede.

    Authorities have stated that at least 20 people were injured in the incident, with some in critical condition. Rescue teams and medical personnel were deployed to the site to provide aid to the injured and ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

    The Maha Kumbh Mela festival is known for its spiritual significance and is a revered event in Hindu culture. However, tragedies like this serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with managing such massive gatherings.

    Our thoughts are with the injured pilgrims and their families, and we hope for their speedy recovery. Let us all pray for the safety and well-being of all those participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela festival.

    Tags:

    1. India Maha Kumbh Mela
    2. Hindu festival
    3. Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela
    4. Pilgrims hurt at Hindu festival
    5. India pilgrimage stampede
    6. Kumbh Mela tragedy
    7. Hindu festival stampede
    8. India religious event
    9. Maha Kumbh Mela accident
    10. Safety measures at Kumbh Mela

    #Stampede #Indias #Maha #Kumbh #Mela #Hindu #Festival #Leaves #Pilgrims #Hurt

  • Kumbh Mela: Worshippers feared killed in crowd crush at huge Indian religious festival


    Serious questions being asked about what went wrongpublished at 01:36 Greenwich Mean Time

    Samira Hussain
    Reporting from Prayagraj

    Attendees walk amongst piles of personal belongings after a stampede before the 'Amrit Snan' at the Kumbh MelaImage source, Getty Images

    It was absolute chaos at the river bank. People’s belongings, clothes, shoes, blankets and backpacks were strewn all around. Listless bodies could be seen among the discarded belongings.

    There was an information vacuum, no-one knew what had happened or what was going on.

    I saw one woman walking in front of a stretcher in tears, clearly bereft. Another man walked beside a stretcher, trying to cover the body with a shawl.

    This all happened at the main bathing point. Exactly where officials knew the most number of people would converge especially on this bathing day.

    Serious questions will be asked about what went wrong.

    As of now, officials are not confirming the number of dead or injured.



    The recent tragedy at the Kumbh Mela festival in India has left worshippers and participants in shock and mourning. Reports have emerged of a crowd crush that resulted in several deaths and injuries, sparking fear and chaos among the attendees.

    The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with millions of people flocking to the banks of the Ganges River to participate in the sacred rituals and ceremonies. However, the sheer magnitude of the event can sometimes lead to overcrowding and dangerous situations, as was tragically demonstrated in this recent incident.

    Authorities are working to provide assistance to those affected and investigate the cause of the crowd crush. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

    As we reflect on this heartbreaking event, let us also remember the importance of safety and crowd management in large gatherings, and strive to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.

    Tags:

    Kumbh Mela, Indian religious festival, crowd crush, worshippers feared killed, tragedy at Kumbh Mela, Hindu pilgrimage, India, religious gathering, tragic incident, crowd safety, crowd management, festival tragedy, Kumbh Mela stampede

    #Kumbh #Mela #Worshippers #feared #killed #crowd #crush #huge #Indian #religious #festival

  • A complete guide to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025


    Beyond the ritual baths, the Maha Kumbh Mela offers a sanctuary for the soul. You can partake in transformative yoga sessions and meditative practices guided by renowned practitioners. Many luxury campsites have these as part of the experience.

    Cultural performances

    Boys in ceremonial makeup for performing traditional role

    Boys in ceremonial makeup for performing traditional role, Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, IndiaGetty Images

    From traditional folk dances to theatrical representations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the festival is a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and rhythms. Every evening, witness the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti along the ghats, the vibrant energy of street performers, and the intricate artistry of craftsmen displaying the region’s traditional art.

    Where to stay

    Kumbh Mela Festival Kurti Laxmi tent sites.

    Kumbh Mela Festival, Kurti Laxmi tent sites.Getty Images

    For a truly immersive experience, consider luxury tented accommodations at Bookmark Naga Shivir (prices from INR 16,000* / £151), JuSTa Shivir Juhsi (prices from INR 9,000* / £84), and Sangam Nivas by TUTC (prices from INR 90,000* / £851). Packages include stays as well as yoga sessions, a boat cruise at the revered Triveni Sangam, and a walking tour of the Akharas. For budget travellers, The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has organised Mahakumbh Gram and IRCTC Tent City with rooms starting from INR 4,200* (£39).

    How to reach the Kumbh Mela

    The nearest airport is Prayagraj Airport (40 mins), with regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. For international travellers, the main international airports are Delhi and Varanasi. The nearest railway station is Prayagraj Junction (15 mins). Indian railways is operating 13,000 special trains to cater to the anticipated travel surge. Website

    *Prices are subject to change.

    All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.



    The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims to the banks of the Ganges River in India. The event is held every 12 years, with the next one scheduled for 2025. If you’re planning to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event, here is a complete guide to help you navigate the Maha Kumbh Mela:

    1. Dates: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expected to take place in January and February, with the exact dates determined by the astrological positions of the sun, moon, and Jupiter.

    2. Location: The Maha Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The main bathing ghats are located along the banks of the Ganges River, where pilgrims come to take a holy dip.

    3. Accommodation: With millions of pilgrims expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, accommodation options can be limited. It is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance to secure a place to stay during the event. Hotels, guesthouses, and campsites are available in and around Prayagraj.

    4. Bathing dates: The most auspicious days to take a holy dip in the Ganges River during the Maha Kumbh Mela are determined by astrological calculations. These dates are known as “Shahi Snan” or royal baths and attract the largest crowds. It is advisable to plan your visit around these dates to witness the grandeur of the event.

    5. Security and safety: With millions of people congregating in one place, safety and security are of utmost importance. Be prepared for large crowds, long queues, and strict security measures. It is advisable to travel light, carry essential items, and stay vigilant at all times.

    6. Cultural events: In addition to the religious ceremonies and bathing rituals, the Maha Kumbh Mela also features cultural events, music performances, and spiritual discourses. Take the time to explore the various activities and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of India.

    7. Respect local customs: The Maha Kumbh Mela is a deeply spiritual event for Hindu pilgrims, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, follow the rules and regulations set by the authorities, and be mindful of the sacredness of the event.

    Attending the Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. By following this guide, you can make the most of your visit and create lasting memories of this extraordinary event.

    Tags:

    Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Kumbh Mela guide, Maha Kumbh Mela information, Kumbh Mela history, Maha Kumbh Mela dates, Kumbh Mela festival, Maha Kumbh Mela location, Kumbh Mela rituals, Maha Kumbh Mela significance, Kumbh Mela traditions, Maha Kumbh Mela attractions

    #complete #guide #Maha #Kumbh #Mela

  • Maha Kumbh Mela: World’s Largest Gathering Begins in India


    Tens of millions of Hindus are convening this week in what is expected to be the world’s largest human gathering, where a staggering number of devotees, tourists, politicians and celebrities take sacred dips at the convergence of two holy rivers in India.

    The religious festival, called the Maha Kumbh Mela, happens every 12 years on the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj. Officials this year expect up to 400 million people — more than the population of the United States — to visit the site in Uttar Pradesh State over the next six weeks.

    A major display of Hinduism, the event has recently become an important political event with the rise of Hindu nationalism, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing political party. It is also a massive logistical undertaking for government officials working to prevent incidents like stampedes and the spread of diseases.

    The Maha Kumbh Mela, or “great festival of the sacred pitcher,” is the world’s largest religious ceremony. Based on a Hindu legend in which demons and gods fight over a pitcher carrying the nectar of immortality, the centuries-old ceremony centers on a series of holy baths, which Hindus say purify their sins.

    The holy baths are preceded by processions involving people singing and dancing in vibrant attire, in ornately decorated chariots and wielding ceremonial spears, tridents and swords. To participate, people travel from all over India and the world to the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, a sacred site that is also said to be the end point of a mythical third river, the Saraswati.

    The timing of the festival, which this year ends on Feb. 26, is based on the astrological alignment of the sun, the moon and the planet Jupiter, which takes around 12 years to orbit the sun. Smaller versions of the festival happen in one of three other Indian cities — Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain — roughly every three years.

    The scale of the Maha Kumbh Mela is astonishing. The last one, in 2013, drew 120 million people in Prayagraj, according to a government estimate. An intermediate festival in 2019, though less significant religiously, attracted 240 million people.

    This year, the city, home to about 6 million residents, is preparing to host 300 to 400 million people, government officials said. In preparation, the state has built a temporary campsite across a 10,000-acre area, with tens of thousands of tents and bathrooms, roads, parking lots, water and electricity infrastructure and thousands of security cameras and drones.

    Many of those preparations — which will most likely make this the most expensive Maha Kumbh Mela to date, at about $800 million — are meant to prevent deadly stampedes and outbreaks of disease, which have happened in previous festivals. The event is also expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the state government, officials said.

    To accommodate the bathers, the government has also installed a platform made of sandbags along a seven-mile stretch of the Ganges riverbank. On Monday and Tuesday, millions of pilgrims poured into the river on those steps in the chilly morning fog, praying for happiness, health and prosperity.

    The Maha Kumbh Mela has always been an important symbol of Hinduism, though it was usually not politicized until the recent rise of the idea of India as a Hindu nation. This year’s festival is the first since Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalist political party, the B.J.P., became the country’s ruling party 11 years ago.

    “It would be interesting to see if Prime Minister Modi goes,” said Arati Jerath, a political analyst in New Delhi. “It’s supposed to be the biggest and most auspicious time to take a dip in the Ganges.”

    Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister who is also a hard-line Hindu priest, changed the name of the festival’s host city in 2018 to Prayagraj from Allahabad. The move, part of a wave of changes brought on by the B.J.P., replaced the Muslim name given by the 16th-century Mughal emperor Akbar with one that references the Hindu pilgrimage site.

    In 2019, when India held a general election, the Kumbh Mela presented a major political opportunity to Mr. Modi and his party to appeal to a receptive audience of millions. Mr. Modi won that election.

    The next general election is farther away this time, scheduled for 2029. But Mr. Modi, who won by a smaller margin while his party suffered losses in last year’s vote, has put himself in promotional posters for the festival nationwide and called it an embodiment of “India’s timeless spiritual heritage” on social media, tying the spiritual event to the country’s national identity.

    “The B.J.P. is hoping to use it to solidify its Hindu nationalist base,” Ms. Jerath said. But she added it was unclear if that would necessarily earn the party more votes. “Whether it works or not, I don’t know, but it certainly helps to take the B.J.P. one step closer to its goal of turning India into a Hindu majoritarian nation.”



    Maha Kumbh Mela: World’s Largest Gathering Begins in India

    The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the most significant religious gatherings in the world, has begun in India. Held once every 12 years, this massive event attracts millions of devotees from across the globe to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers of India.

    The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage where devotees come to wash away their sins and seek spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters during the Kumbh Mela will cleanse one’s soul and lead to salvation.

    The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is held in four different locations in India, is the largest and most sacred of them all. This year, the event is taking place in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where the Ganges River flows.

    The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event, but also a cultural extravaganza. It is a spectacle of colors, sounds, and smells, with thousands of sadhus (holy men), pilgrims, and tourists coming together to celebrate and partake in the festivities.

    As the Kumbh Mela unfolds over the next few weeks, millions of people will gather to participate in rituals, attend religious discourses, and witness various cultural performances. The event is not just a spiritual journey but also a celebration of unity and diversity.

    The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and for the millions who attend, it is a transformative and unforgettable event. It is a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of tradition, and the beauty of coming together in the name of spirituality.

    Tags:

    Maha Kumbh Mela, world’s largest gathering, India, Hindu pilgrimage, religious festival, spiritual event, sacred gathering, cultural celebration, holy dip, religious significance, spiritual experience, mass gathering, traditional rituals, sacred rivers, religious beliefs, spiritual journey.

    #Maha #Kumbh #Mela #Worlds #Largest #Gathering #Begins #India

  • Everything I Heard About Maha Kumbh Was True


    Prayagraj. A name that echoes through the pages of history. Growing up, I’d heard countless tales about the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, but I never thought I’d find myself in the thick of it. The 2025 Maha Kumbh, they say, is one for the ages—happening after 144 years. Yet, as I planned my trip, I will admit I was sceptical. I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it truly feel like to be part of something so immense? Would it live up to the hype? Would I, someone who prefers quieter experiences, find meaning in the chaos? 

    A Living History

    When I reached Prayagraj, the energy of the city was palpable. Crowds moved in sync, almost as if drawn by an invisible force. Approaching the Triveni Sangam, the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati, I somewhat began to understand what draws millions here. It wasn’t just the spiritual significance but the collective humanity that left an impression.

    Aarti at the ghats.

    Aarti at the Triveni ghat. (Photo: iStock)

    On the first evening, I witnessed the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. As the sun dipped into the horizon, the sight of floating diyas, the rhythmic chants, and the scent of incense felt like sensory poetry. It wasn’t just a ritual; it was a moment where devotion and nature merged. Watching the river reflect the flickering lights was almost hypnotic, and for a brief moment, everything else faded into the background.

    Conversations With Mystics

    The Maha Kumbh isn’t just a festival, it’s a convergence of stories, traditions, and people. Among them are the Naga Sadhus, the ascetic mystics who live lives of detachment. Meeting them felt like stepping into another world. Covered in ash, their expressions were a mix of calm and intensity, their words tinged with a wisdom that seemed to transcend time.

    I asked one sadhu about the significance of the Maha Kumbh, and his answer surprised me. He described it as a reflection of life’s flow, a reminder that, like rivers, everything changes and merges into something larger. It was a simple thought but one that resonated deeply.

    A Naga sadhu at the 2025 Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj (iStock)

    A Naga sadhu at the 2025 Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj (Photo: iStock)

    Taking The Dip

    The highlight of my visit was the dip at the Sangam. The water was cold, the crowd vast, and yet, there was something grounding about the experience. As I stepped into the river, the atmosphere around me, flush with prayers, chants, and sheer belief, was overwhelming. For me, the dip wasn’t just about tradition; it was a moment of surrender, a way to connect with something beyond myself.

    Emerging from the water, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being part of something far larger than I could fully understand. It wasn’t about being cleansed or transformed but about being present—truly present—in a moment steeped in centuries of belief.

    What stayed with me about the Maha Kumbh was how it balanced contrasts. It was chaotic yet serene, deeply spiritual yet profoundly human. It wasn’t just the rituals or the crowd but the sense of collective faith that lingered long after I left.

    Finding Moments Of Calm

    The Maha Kumbh can be a lot, in the best way possible. But even in the middle of all that energy, you need a moment to catch your breath. If you have ever wondered about staying at the Maha Kumbh, you probably know it’s all about tents. But this time, the tents were something else. My stay at juSTa Shivir Jhusi had everything I could’ve asked for. Even in the midst of all the action, I found spaces of calm that made the whole experience feel more meaningful. Maybe that’s what makes the Maha Kumbh so special.

    (Shubham Bhatnagar is the Editor at NDTV Food and Travel.)

    Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author



    I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Maha Kumbh, a major Hindu pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years in India. Before going, I had heard countless stories about the massive crowds, the spiritual energy, and the profound impact it has on those who attend. And let me tell you, everything I heard about Maha Kumbh was absolutely true.

    From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sheer scale of the event. Millions of people from all over the world had gathered to participate in the sacred rituals and take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of reverence, joy, and excitement that was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

    As I made my way through the crowds, I was amazed by the sense of unity and camaraderie that seemed to permeate the entire event. People from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe, came together in a shared celebration of faith and spirituality. It was a truly humbling experience to be a part of something so much bigger than myself.

    But perhaps the most profound aspect of Maha Kumbh was the spiritual awakening it sparked within me. As I immersed myself in the rituals and prayers, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection that I had never felt before. It was as if the sacred waters of the Ganges were washing away all of my worries and fears, leaving me feeling renewed and refreshed.

    In the end, my time at Maha Kumbh was a transformative experience that I will never forget. It reinforced my belief in the power of faith and the importance of coming together as a global community. Everything I had heard about Maha Kumbh was true, and so much more. It was a journey of a lifetime, and one that I will carry with me always.

    Tags:

    Maha Kumbh, Kumbh Mela, Hindu pilgrimage, spiritual gathering, sacred festival, religious event, India travel, holy dip, Ganges River, Hindu culture, spiritual journey

    #Heard #Maha #Kumbh #True