The Grandeur of Kumbh Mela!
One has to experience the sheer madness that goes into making it the largest gatherings of mankind. There's so much it offers to people who comes from all corners of the world. It's a festival so diverse in nature yet bringing together all under the same roof.
One has to experience the sheer madness that goes into making it the largest gatherings of mankind. There's so much it offers to people who comes from all corners of the world. It's a festival so diverse in nature yet bringing together all under the same roof.
This photo was captured with my Google Pixel 3 phone camera using the nightsight feature!
Under the blue blanket of the evening sky, the glow of lights brings beauty to the Kumbh Mela.
A monk crossing the bridge connecting Sector 16 to the other end.
A monk crossing the bridge connecting Sector 16 to the other end.
Temporary in nature, Pontoon bridges are basically floating bridges which are installed over water bodies by using steel, concrete, boats, barrels and plastic floats.
They are built for increasing convenience and mobility and not only cater to pedestrians, but are reinforced to bear the weight of large vehicles from cars to chariots to trucks!
A devotee passing through one of the Akharas in Sector 16.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the rare opportunities to see the reclusive Naga sadhus, some of whom live in caves after taking a vow of celibacy and renouncing worldly possessions.
Ash-smeared bodies and an air of mysticism!
Around small fires of charred logs, the sadhus cup their trembling hands and scoop up heaps of hot ash; they smatter the grey powder on their necks and chests and smear the flakes of warmth on their faces and beards.
The naga sadhu's life is one of meditation, penance and renouncement, and it is only during the Kumbh that they make a public appearance.
The preparations for the Holy Dip starts from midnight. Everyone from saints to Naga sadhus assemble in their respective akharas and begin the rituals for participating. Akharas in India literally means a wrestling ring in Hindi and followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
It's quite a surreal experience to witness them. Ash-smeared and dreadlocked, they charge down to the waters of Sangam to bathe, many armed with tridents and swords.
Despite the morning chill, around 3 crores (30 million) people took a dip in Sangam during the third shahi shan on Basant Panchami (10th Feb).
This time in particular saw a large number of Sadhvis participating in the Holy Dip.
Kumbh Mela is an experience that goes beyond the realm of religion and beliefs
The dreadlocks hairstyle of the Naga Sadhus is a fashion trend these days among hipsters.
Also known as 'Jata' in the Sanskrit language it means "wearing twisted locks of hair" or "the hair twisted together. The earliest evidence of dreadlocks, however, comes from the ancient Vedic scriptures most likely derived from the Dravidian word" caTai", which means to twist or to wrap.
