Indian farmer Govind Singh traveled for nearly two days by train to reach what he believes is the “land of the gods” — just one among legions of Hindu pilgrims joining the largest gathering of humanity.
The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, a sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing that opens today, is held at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
This edition of the mega fair, in the northern city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh state, is believed to be the biggest ever.
Photo: Reuters
Organizers expect up to 400 million pilgrims from India and beyond over six weeks, running from today to Feb. 26.
“It feels great to be in the land of the gods for the Kumbh Mela,” said the 53-year-old Singh, who came from a village in Madhya Pradesh state, a journey of more than 600km. “I will stay as long as the gods want me to.”
The riverside in Prayagraj has turned into a vast tent city.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Many pilgrims are already taking dips in the chilly water, with temperatures on the banks at midday about 20°C.
A shivering Sunny Pratap Gaur’s eyes teared up and his teeth clenched in the cold as he stood by the river after a bath in the grey waters.
He said he was happy to have “beaten the crowds” with his early dip.
Photo: Reuters
“I took leave from the office to be here,” said Gaur, a mid-level government bureaucrat from the state capital, Lucknow.
Beyond the bathing area, scores of boats lined up, offering pilgrims a trip to the Sangam, the spot believed to be the confluence of the three rivers.
Hindus believe bathing there during the Kumbh helps cleanse sins and brings salvation.
The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, a battle between deities and demons for control of a pitcher containing the nectar of immortality.
“Hundreds of boatmen from all over the state have come with their boats to serve the pilgrims,” Ramheet Nishad said.
Sprawling fields of tents — divided into sectors, complete with restaurants, shops and makeshift toilets — flanked the river.
Wealthier pilgrims camp in luxurious tents, while more humble ones huddle under tarpaulin sheets.
Saffron-robed monks and the naked ash-smeared ascetics roam the crowds, offering blessings to devotees.
They are to lead the dawn charge into the river waters on the most auspicious bathing dates.
For some visitors, the fair transcends politics and religion — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It is about the feel,” 26-year-old Rohit Singh said. “The people, the river, it is another world.”
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