The 2010 Mahakumbh Mela

You have probably seen the picture of scores of Hindu Pilgrims bathing in the river. The photos, regardless of photographers’ skills, are powerful and touching - the faith in people’s eyes and the numbers of people bathing and embracing the river together is really quite a scene.

There’s no better time to witness this spiritual ceremony than during the 3 month long Mahakumbh Mela. Just try to picture 65 million people from all corners of India and abroad all join in the river. This is the largest religious congregation and a mass Hindu pilgrimage – in fact, it is the biggest religious gathering anywhere in the world.

Like many other legends in Hinduism, the history of Kumbh Mela is associated with numerousstories. One of the most popular versions is that Lord Brahma advised the gods to churn the ocean and obtain nectar (elixir) from its waters. As the task was very difficult, the gods decided to seek assistance from demons and the agreement is to share half of the nectar with them afterward.

Demons had their own plans though. Instead of sharing just the half, they ran away with all the nectar. In fear that the demons may affect the balance of power, gods took action. During the battle, a few drops of the nectar/ elixir fell on 4 places on Earth - Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. It is at these places, where the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage takes place. Devotees believe that the water of the Ganges will re-attain nectar-like properties during the Kumbh Mela season.

Mahakumbh took place on 14th January this year (2010). Despite the chill and the cold, millions took a dip and bathed in the River Ganga. This event only takes place every 12 years.The main ritual is a dip in the holy rivers. There are also other activities, such as devotional hymns, religious discussions, feeding the poor and the holy men. Thousands of saints, monks, sadhus and devotees will be at the festival. While some sadhus/ saints are clad in saffron, many will appear without any clothes even in these severe climatic conditions.

In this mass congregation people come together for the same shared purpose. All of them utter the name of God and thank the Buddha. The last auspicious bathing date of the Kumbh festivalwill always be the full moon day, as that marks the three major events in Lord Buddha's life - his birth, enlightenment and death. People will fold hands with a prayer walk along the road as the ghats echo with Vedic chants, hymns, bells and conch shells, creating an enchanting spell. It is something that I always wanted to be a part of and I will do at some time in my life.

One important thing to mention: in addition to religious significance, the ceremony is also designed to remind people the meaning of brotherhood and to help us remember the good things in life. Hindu teaching tells people that by doing good things; we will be able to spread brotherhood in this world. This is one of the main themes of the Mahakumbh Mela. At this festival, people get together and pray to the God to aim and participate for the same goal: to fillthemselves with humanity. When many people have the same thoughts, the power magnifies and it helps this to succeed. Hence, during Mahakumbh Mela, do not have any wrong or negative thoughts. Just pray to the God and worship for the good.