The Kumbh Mela is a massive Hindu festival, where millions of pilgrims gather to bathe in the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, seeking spiritual cleansing. This sacred event, held every 12 years in various locations, blends deep religious devotion with vibrant cultural rituals and traditions, drawing pilgrims and spiritual leaders from across the world.
On February 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dressed in saffron and holding prayer beads, participated in a sacred ritual during the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. A week after a tragic stampede claimed at least 30 lives, millions of pilgrims have already bathed in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, marking the spiritual climax of the six-week Hindu festival.
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a monumental occasion for millions of Hindus across the world, centered around the belief that bathing in the sacred waters of the rivers purifies the soul, absolves sins, and helps break the cycle of rebirth. Pilgrims flock to the four designated locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik—each offering unique spiritual experiences, but it is the Prayagraj gathering, at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati, that holds the deepest religious significance. The festival is a spiritual and cultural celebration, where countless devotees, yogis, and sadhus participate in rituals, processions, and prayer gatherings, showcasing India’s rich religious diversity.
Modi, wading into the river up to his thighs, immersed himself in the holy waters several times as thousands of onlookers filled the banks of the Sangam. Describing the experience as a “moment of divine connection,” Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, echoing the sentiments of countless others who view the ritual as a means to cleanse their sins and break free from the cycle of rebirth, ultimately seeking salvation.
The Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but a temporary city in itself, with organizers expecting up to 400 million pilgrims to participate. However, the festival's scale has been marred by tragedy: last month's deadly stampede, triggered by a crowd surge, exposed vulnerabilities in the event's management. While over 380 million people have taken part in the festival so far, the tragedy raised questions about the effectiveness of security and crowd control.
Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been under scrutiny following the deadly incident. The stampede cast a shadow over Adityanath's role in overseeing the event, once viewed as a critical test for his leadership. As the festival continues until February 26, the balance between religious devotion and political maneuvering remains a focal point of national attention.
With AFP
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