► What is the Kumbh Mela?
Often referred to as “the largest pilgrimage in the world” but also the largest human gathering, the Kumbh Mela is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. Listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, it each time attracts tens of millions of people who come, following the precepts of Hindu mythology, to perform their ablutions in the Ganges or a sacred tributary, in order to purify from their sins and free themselves from the eternal cycle of reincarnations.
This event is organized in turn over a twelve-year cycle in four cities: Haridwar, Allahabad (recently renamed Prayagraj), Nashik, and Ujjain. This year, the Kumbh Mela will be held in Prayagraj in northern India, which is the largest celebration of the four. The pilgrimage is expected to bring together more than 100 million people – and perhaps up to 400 million, according to organizers – over 45 days of festivities.
► What is the history of this pilgrimage?
The origins of this celebration are traditionally attributed to the philosopher and spiritual master of Hinduism Adi Shankara. In the 8th century, he attempted to set up large gatherings for philosophical discussions around the Hindu monasteries of the Indian subcontinent, with the aim of establishing doctrine. He wishes to breathe new life into Hinduism, which had suffered from the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. However, there is no historical record of these large gatherings before the 19th century.
Kumbh Mela literally means “festival of the sacred jar”. According to legend, in very ancient times, the “deva” and the “asura”, that is to say the gods and the demons, would have established a provisional alliance in order to work together in the preparation of the “amrita », the nectar of immortality, to then share it. But when the “kumbha”, that is to say the pitcher, containing the “amrita” appeared, the demons would have seized it and fled, chased by the gods.
For twelve days and twelve divine nights, or twelve years on Earth, gods and demons would have clashed for the possession of this jug which, during the fighting, would have dropped four drops of “amrita” in four different places: Prayag, Hardwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
► What are the Kumbh Mela rites like?
According to the United Nations agency, “the event combines astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritual traditions, cultural and social customs and practices; millions of people go there, regardless of their caste, creed or gender. »
At the start of the festivities, the host city hosts a ceremonial parade marking the arrival of the “holy men”, at the head of which generally parade the “sadhû”: these ascetics have renounced society to devote themselves to “moksha” or the liberation from illusion, cessation of the cycle of rebirths and dissolution into the divine, fusion with cosmic consciousness).
The most important event of the pilgrimage is the immersion in the river at the moment when its waters transform into ” amrita », the famous nectar of immortality. Believers of Hinduism believe that complete immersion in the waters at that time will cleanse them and their ancestors for 88 generations of all their sins, and they will reach the « prāyaścitta » (which means atonement, penance, restorative action).
The most auspicious dates for the gathering, determined by astrological calculations, are the so-called days of “ Shahi Shan ». On this day, large gatherings of “sadhû” lead a “royal procession” which reaches its climax in the sacred river Ganges. After performing their ablutions, the “sadhû” cover themselves with ashes. They are then followed in the water by the different sects they have formed. After their passage, ordinary pilgrims can access water.
The Kumbh Mela is an auspicious time for religious ceremonies, also because it allows Hindu believers to receive the blessing of sadhus, saints and other yogis and to do darshan, the ritual contemplation believed to transmit spiritual energy. Furthermore, this event also serves as a celebration for the Hindu community. Numerous exhibition fairs, conferences, large gatherings of monks and entertainment events take place there.