Maha Kumbh is the largest event taking place at Prayagraj after 12 years. It holds religious significance and will attract countless pilgrims from different parts of the country. It is not just a festival known in India but also grabs global attention through the visit of foreign nationals, which helps boost the Indian economy. Like many festivals having a mythological folklore behind them, the story of Maha Kumbh is also rooted in Hindu scriptures.
The story behind Maha Kumbh, a grand festival of India
There is a mythological tale behind the celebration of Maha Kumbh, the grand event at Prayagraj. It is linked with Samudra Manthan, the popular battle between gods and demons, which had the sole motive of attaining immortality via nectar. During the struggle to get nectar, some of its drops fell on the earth at four places: Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Haridwar in Rishikesh, and Nashik in Maharashtra.
Significance of Naga Sadhus
The festival is special for pilgrims who flock to sacred river points for holy baths. It is also known for the popular sight of Naga Sadhus, spiritual masters who lead an ascetic lifestyle free from all worldly leisures. In short, they are the epitome of ultimate devotion and renunciation. These spiritually dedicated participants lead the ceremonial dip to sacred rivers or Shahi Snan at Maha Kumbh. They were granted this authority by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565.
Festivals and royal bathing
At Maha Kumbh, pilgrims follow a bathing ritual at Triveni Sangam, known as the confluence of three holy rivers – Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati. According to religious faith, taking a holy dip in the rivers is considered auspicious, as it cleanses one’s sins and leads to salvation. The festivals of Kumbh Mela are marked with the beginning of auspicious dates. It will begin with Paush Poornima, Magh Snan on 13th January 2025 and conclude at Mahashivratri on 26th February 2025.
Recognition by UNESCO
Maha Kumbh Mela is not a festival known in India but is famous worldwide. In 2017, UNESCO recognised it as a symbol of keeping the cultural heritage of humanity. It is acknowledged through cultural and spiritual importance, fostering social cohesion and sustaining the tradition throughout the ages.
The festival also symbolises India’s rich cultural heritage and unity. Apart from spirituality, it encapsulates other aspects, which include astrology, astronomy, and social customs. According to scientific fact, Jupiter’s planetary position in Aries or Leo is the one major reason behind this festival’s celebration. In another case, the sun and moon are in the Capricorn orbit.
jüSTa Shivir: A luxury retreat near the holy Ganges
jüSTa Shivir is a tented accommodation at Maha Kumbha in Jhusi. Surrounded by the River Ganges it gives a beautiful and soothing view of the sacred river. It is near Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh. It features a range of facilities, making it ideal for pilgrims.
From here, you get an unforgettable experience of participating in rituals at havan kunds with Vedic hymns, mantras, hymns, the blare of conch, and ringing bells. It features three spacious tented facilities –
- Premium of 480 sq. ft. featuring 100 tents
- Luxury of 900 sq. ft. featuring 15 tents
- Family Suite of 900 sq. ft. featuring 25 tents
All these tented accommodations are equipped with many facilities to meet your expectations. The experience you will get here includes:
- Morning yoga and meditation session
- Boat ride to Sangam
- Walking tour of the Akharas
- Savouring Satvik food
Conclusion
Maha Kumbh is a great event that no Hindu worshipper should miss. The festival has restored relevant old traditions even in the contemporary era. Coming after 12 years, this event welcomes people worldwide. During this, activities like ritual bathing, charity, partaking in yagnas, and reading sacred texts are considered very auspicious. The event helps in boosting both economic and employment growth.
