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Chandrakishore Prasad
The Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is steeped in ancient mythology, tracing its origins to the legend of the Samudra Manthan – the churning of the ocean. According to Hindu mythology, during this great churning, fourteen divine treasures emerged, with the last and most precious being the pot of Amrit – the Amrit of immortality. The celestial physicians, the Ashwini Kumaras, proclaimed that even a single drop of this Amrit would grant immortality.
Naturally, this sparked a fierce battle between the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras), both of whom were involved in the churning. To settle the dispute, Brahma intervened, seeking the help of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu, known for his cleverness, took the form of the enchanting Mohini, a beautiful woman, and began distributing the Amrit. He arranged the gods and demons in separate lines, strategically pouring more Amrit into the hands of the gods, intending for it to run out before reaching the demons.
However, Rahu and Ketu, two cunning demons, saw through Vishnu’s plan. Disguising themselves, they quietly slipped into the gods’ line. But the Sun and Moon gods recognised their deception and alerted Vishnu, who cleverly skipped pouring the Amrit into their hands. This led to another fierce battle. To safeguard the Amrit, Vishnu fled through the skies with the pot. In his haste, a few drops of Amrit spilled at four places on earth – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These places became sacred, which is why the Kumbh Mela is held in rotation at these four locations.
The Kumbh Mela is celebrated in three forms: the annual Magh Mela in Prayagraj, the Ardh Kumbh (Half Kumbh) every six years, also in Prayagraj, and the Maha Kumbh, which occurs every twelve years, rotating among the four sacred cities. Historical records trace this tradition back over two thousand years, with references to its celebration during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana.
A Grand Spectacle Over Time
Over the years, like all traditions, the scale of the Kumbh Mela has grown massively. This year, the organisers have taken a high-tech approach. The Uttar Pradesh government has modernised the event extensively. Global promotional campaigns have been launched, drawing in an unprecedented number of devotees.
To manage the colossal crowds, the Mela area has been divided into multiple sectors, each connected to the Sangam (confluence) by artificial routes digitally mapped and coordinated with Google Maps for easy navigation. Special tent cities with modern amenities have been set up for VIPs. Additionally, fifteen new ghats (bathing areas) have been constructed to manage the flow of pilgrims, preventing overcrowding at the main Sangam.
As in previous years, the Mela spans both banks of the Ganga. Pilgrims flock from both the Prayagraj city side and the Jhunsi side. To ensure a smooth experience, the state government has made extensive arrangements on both sides.
Unprecedented Crowds and the Appeal of Celebrity Visits
The scale of the event, combined with heavy promotions, has drawn record-breaking crowds. Over the one-and-a-half-month-long event, millions of devotees are gathering, much to the delight of the organisers. Initially, they advertised the event, and now they’re showcasing the crowd itself, attracting even more visitors from around the globe.
The presence of politicians and celebrities has added to the event’s appeal, drawing even larger crowds. However, with such massive numbers come significant challenges, including safety risks. Despite meticulous planning, several incidents and logistical issues have surfaced.
Challenges and Logistical Issues
The Mahakumbh has faced multiple challenges despite the grand arrangements. There have been three separate incidents of fires breaking out in different tents. Stampedes along both banks of the Ganga have caused injuries and chaos. The sheer volume of people has overwhelmed the administrative setup.
One notable issue has been the lack of proper signage. Many pilgrims are either illiterate or semi-literate and struggle with digital signboards. This oversight by the organisers has led to confusion and disarray.
Another significant issue is the overwhelming VIP culture. In their effort to accommodate VIPs and celebrities, organisers have inadvertently inconvenienced millions of ordinary pilgrims. Roads have been blocked, and at times, pilgrims have been made to wait for hours while celebrities perform their rituals. This preferential treatment has understandably caused frustration among the general public.
Mobility Challenges and Transportation Woes
Many pilgrims returning from the Mela have to walk long distances, sometimes up to twenty or thirty kilometres, to find transportation. Roads leading to the Mela area are consistently jammed for miles. Trains are fully packed with pilgrims, making travel difficult even for reserved ticket holders. This has disrupted regular train services, impacting students and professionals alike. Travel agents across India are struggling to provide tickets, leaving many commuters stranded.
Even, I experienced this first-hand. I needed to travel to Mumbai, but despite trying both the general and tatkal (emergency) quotas, I couldn’t get a ticket. This is a common scenario for many during the Kumbh period.
A Need for Better Planning and Execution
The Kumbh Mela is an integral part of our social and cultural fabric, but its organisation requires meticulous planning and efficient management. Ignoring any aspect of the arrangements can lead to significant challenges. With the ever-growing scale of the event, it is crucial to anticipate the needs of the crowd and plan accordingly.
The Mahakumbh is a magnificent confluence of spirituality, history, and culture. Its significance and grandeur are unmatched. However, as the scale of the event continues to grow, so do the challenges. Learning from each edition and improving the planning and management processes will ensure that faith continues to draw millions while their safety and convenience are prioritised.
The Kumbh Mela is not just an event, it is a tradition that represents faith, community, and continuity. With better planning, accountability, and the right balance between tradition and modernity, it can continue to inspire and unite people from all walks of life.
