24

Jan

Allahabad Kumbh :World’s  Largest Gathering Should Be Above Politics

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Prof Shivaji Sarkar

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New Delhi | Friday | 24 January 2025

The Allahabad Kumbh is one of the largest gatherings of humanity, encompassing a wide spectrum of individuals from various walks of life. This event is not a mere congregation; it is a deeply religious and social phenomenon, untouched by business or political agendas. Attendance numbers range from thousands to millions, peaking on certain auspicious days.

The Kumbh Mela, held every six and twelve years at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), is steeped in the legend of "Samudra Manthan" or the churning of the ocean. This mythological event, symbolizing the quest for "amrit" (nectar of immortality), represents humanity's collective effort towards salvation and spiritual enlightenment. Interestingly, the name Prayagraj itself has ancient origins, rooted in the legend of Ila, the daughter of Vaivaswat Manu. The city was originally called Ilahvas, the abode of Ila, as referenced in historical texts like Ain-i-Akbari. Despite misconceptions, neither Akbar nor other Muslim rulers altered its original name. The recent renaming to Prayagraj cost the Uttar Pradesh government over ₹3,000 crore, highlighting the value of historical and cultural accuracy.

The "Samudra Manthan" narrative underscores the unity of devas (gods) and asuras (demons) in striving for a common goal—a metaphor for humanity's ability to progress collectively. Each Kumbh Mela is a symbolic "pot," a confluence of diverse rivers and people merging in harmony. The rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge at the Triveni Sangam, creating a sacred space for global friendship ("Vishwa Maitri") and universal welfare ("Jagat Kalyan").

 

Article at a Glance
The Allahabad Kumbh Mela is one of the world's largest gatherings, attracting millions of participants, including devotees and curious onlookers. Held every six and twelve years in Prayagraj, the event is rooted in the myth of "Samudra Manthan," symbolizing humanity's quest for spiritual enlightenment. The Kumbh serves as a platform for various Hindu sects, promoting unity despite differing beliefs. Historically significant, it has been documented since the reign of King Harshavardhan and has remained largely free from political manipulation. The 2025 Kumbh will feature extensive logistical arrangements, transforming the area into a temporary city with essential amenities. However, challenges like accessibility and traffic management persist, often affecting ordinary pilgrims more than VIPs. Ultimately, the Kumbh Mela fosters a spirit of unity, dialogue, and compassion, transcending caste and community, while remaining focused on spiritual awakening and collective well-being.

 

This spirit of unity extends beyond religious boundaries. The Kumbh serves as a platform for diverse Hindu sects, including Shaivites, Vaishnavites, Jains, Buddhists, and the Dasnami Akhadas. These Akhadas, reorganized by Adi Shankaracharya, embody the principle of unity despite differing beliefs. They are the custodians of spiritual and social order, with stringent codes for their ascetics, popularly known as Naga sanyasis. Historically, these Akhadas evolved further during Emperor Akbar’s reign when Madhusudan Saraswati sought permission to arm sanyasis against rising atrocities. This marked the transformation of Akhadas into both spiritual and protective forces.

The Kumbh Mela's history is well-documented, with accounts dating back to King Harshavardhan’s reign. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) recorded the grandeur of the event in the 7th century AD, noting the massive congregation and the king’s charitable acts. The mela has always been a space for mass communication, socio-religious exchange, and spiritual dialogue, untainted by political motives. Attempts by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to leverage the Kumbh for political gains were met with limited success, often backfiring due to mismanagement and stampedes, such as the tragic 1954 incident.

Despite its ancient roots, the Kumbh Mela is a modern logistical marvel. The Allahabad district administration meticulously organizes the event, transforming the mela area into a temporary city with essential amenities. The 2025 Kumbh spans a seven-kilometer stretch from Triveni Sangam to Phaphamau, featuring 28 pontoon bridges, roads, water supply, electricity, communication towers, police stations, and food courts. Facilities like Lost and Found centers ensure visitors can reunite with their families. However, challenges persist, including exaggerated visitor numbers and traffic mismanagement. Claims of 3.5 crore pilgrims on Makar Sankranti alone, requiring 20,000 special trains, highlight the logistical strain.

Accessibility remains a major issue, with visitors often walking long distances due to barricades and VIP routes. While VIPs enjoy seamless access, ordinary pilgrims endure significant inconvenience. Many, especially from economically weaker sections, brave the cold in open grounds, unable to afford the high costs of luxury tents. The mela’s commercial aspect thrives through land allocation to Akhadas, shops, and businesses, with steep fees for facilities. Yet, for most pilgrims, the priority remains spiritual immersion, not shopping or luxury.

The Kumbh is more than a fair; it is a socio-religious congress fostering unity, dialogue, and compassion. Pilgrims from across India, representing diverse cultures and traditions, come together, carrying their simple meals and offering alms to ascetics. This congregation transcends caste, creed, and community, creating a unique atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Despite its scale, the Kumbh remains rooted in its purpose—a space for spiritual awakening and collective well-being. The government’s role is limited to facilitation, and any misstep, such as traffic chaos or inadequate amenities, draws public ire. Yet, the essence of the Kumbh remains untarnished: a timeless tradition of faith, unity, and the pursuit of truth, reminding humanity of its shared destiny and the eternal quest for salvation.

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