MAHA KUMBH MELA
- The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the largest and most revered religious gatherings in the world, celebrated with deep spiritual fervor by Hindus. Rooted in ancient mythology, this grand event takes place every 12 years at four sacred locations in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Nasik, along the banks of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati (mythical), Godavari, and Shipra. Each of these cities hosts the Kumbh Mela on a rotating basis, with the Mahakumbh being the grandest of all, celebrated exclusively at Prayagraj
- The origins of the Kumbh Mela are deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras).
- According to the tale, during this cosmic event, a pot (kumbh) containing the nectar of immortality (amrita) emerged. A fierce battle ensued, and as the gods tried to secure the pot, drops of nectar fell at four locations, sanctifying them forever. These locations are now the sites of the Kumbh Mela
- The Mahakumbh Mela is considered an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual purification. Millions of pilgrims, saints, and seers, often referred to as sadhus or naga sadhus (ascetics), gather to take a ritualistic dip in the holy rivers.
- It is believed that bathing in these sacred waters during the auspicious period washes away sins and grants liberation (moksha). The event also serves as a vibrant showcase of India’s rich cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions
The Mahakumbh spans over several weeks and follows a strict astrological calendar, with specific dates deemed highly auspicious for bathing. The main highlights include:
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- At its core, the Mahakumbh Mela highlights the Indian ethos of spirituality and the eternal quest for liberation (moksha). The belief in the purifying power of the sacred rivers and the ritual of bathing symbolizes the desire to cleanse one’s soul, transcend worldly attachments, and achieve salvation. This reflects the deep spiritual underpinnings of Indian civilization, where the pursuit of higher consciousness is a fundamental goal
- The Mela’s origins in the legend of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) embody the Indian tradition of weaving mythology into everyday life. This connection to divine stories fosters a sense of continuity with the past and reinforces the sacredness of specific places and practices. It demonstrates how mythology serves as a moral and philosophical guide in Indian civilization
- The Mahakumbh Mela brings together millions of people from diverse backgrounds, castes, and regions, showcasing the inclusivity that is central to Indian society. Regardless of social or economic status, all pilgrims are united by their shared faith and devotion, reflecting the civilization’s emphasis on equality before the divine
- Indian civilization values a harmonious balance between material and spiritual existence. The Mahakumbh Mela provides a platform where people temporarily renounce material comforts, focusing instead on spiritual growth through rituals, prayers, and discourses. This mirrors the Indian ideal of integrating spiritual practices into daily life
- The gathering of saints, scholars, and ascetics at the Mahakumbh Mela represents India’s age-old tradition of intellectual and spiritual discourse. These exchanges of ideas and teachings at the Mela highlight the civilization’s emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment
- The focus on the sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, and Shipra—reflects the Indian ethos of reverence for nature. These rivers are seen not just as physical entities but as life-giving forces and symbols of divinity, embodying the civilization’s holistic view of the environment
- The Mela’s continuity over thousands of years showcases the resilience and adaptability of Indian civilization. Despite changing political, social, and economic landscapes, the Mahakumbh Mela remains a thriving tradition, underscoring the civilization’s ability to preserve its core values while embracing change
- In recent decades, the concept of "cultural heritage" has expanded significantly, largely due to initiatives developed by UNESCO. Cultural heritage now encompasses more than just monuments and collections of artifacts.
- It also includes living traditions and expressions passed down from ancestors to future generations, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, festivals, and knowledge related to nature, the universe, or traditional craftsmanship.
- Despite its fragility, intangible cultural heritage plays a crucial role in preserving cultural diversity amid growing globalization. Gaining an understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities fosters intercultural dialogue and promotes respect for diverse ways of life.
- The value of intangible cultural heritage lies not in the cultural expressions themselves, but in the wealth of knowledge and skills passed on through them from one generation to the next.
- This transfer of knowledge has social and economic significance for both minority and mainstream groups within a country, and it holds importance for both developing and developed nations
India, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage, has an extensive list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements recognized for their importance in preserving the cultural identity of its various communities. These practices and traditions span the country’s vast geography and reflect its cultural diversity. Some prominent examples of ICH from India include:
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Kathakali (Kerala): A classical dance-drama form that integrates dance, music, and acting to tell stories from Hindu mythology. Its elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and dramatic storytelling are distinctive features.
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Ramlila (Across India): A theatrical performance of the life of Lord Rama, based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. This performance tradition is carried out during the festival of Dussehra.
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Yoga (Across India): An ancient practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and philosophy. It is widely practiced as a means of achieving mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
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Vedic Chanting (Across India): The recitation of ancient Vedic scriptures in a specific rhythmic and melodic manner. It is an important spiritual practice, especially in Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
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Chhau Dance (Eastern India): A martial arts-based dance form from the regions of Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. It incorporates acrobatics and masks to depict mythological and historical themes.
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Madhubani Paintings (Bihar): A traditional form of painting known for its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and depiction of themes from nature, mythology, and social life.
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Kolkata’s Durga Puja (West Bengal): One of the largest and most celebrated festivals in India, Durga Puja involves elaborate rituals, artistic displays, processions, and offerings to the goddess Durga. It is a living tradition that brings communities together.
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Pukka (Madhya Pradesh): A traditional system of medicine and healing practices in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, using indigenous knowledge of plants and herbs for health and well-being.
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Traditional Cuisine (Across India): Culinary traditions, such as the preparation of dishes like biryani, dosa, or khichdi, that carry deep cultural meaning and are unique to various regions and communities.
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Craftsmanship (Across India): Techniques such as handloom weaving, pottery, carpet-making, and embroidery that are integral to India’s craft traditions, passed down through generations.
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Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage (Uttarakhand): The spiritual and religious journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, which is central to various belief systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
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Wangala Dance (Meghalaya): A traditional dance performed by the Garo tribe to celebrate the harvest, featuring rhythmic drumming and colorful costumes.
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Ghoomar Dance (Rajasthan): A traditional folk dance that is performed by women in swirling movements, often during festivals and celebratory occasions.
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Pukka Dance (Sikkim): A unique traditional dance form from Sikkim that incorporates rich cultural expressions of the region’s diverse communities.
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Sufi Music and Whirling (Across India): The mystical Sufi tradition in India, particularly in places like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ajmer, involves devotional singing, poetry, and the iconic whirling dance that represents the soul's union with the divine.
- The Mahakumbh, the world’s largest gathering, will take place in Prayagraj this year from January 13 to February 26. It is anticipated that around 40 crore people will take part in this religious event.
- Spanning 4,000 hectares along the riverbank, the Maha Kumbh is expected to draw a crowd of at least 40 crore. The event will be organized with an estimated budget of approximately Rs 6,382 crore, of which over Rs 5,600 crore has already been allocated for the event and related projects. In comparison, the 2012 Maha Kumbh, held during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure, had a budget of Rs 1,152 crore and attracted nearly 12 crore visitors.
- The Ministry of Culture has implemented special cybersecurity measures to protect the large number of devotees attending from around the world. This includes the deployment of 56 cyber experts for patrolling, the establishment of a Maha Kumbh cyber police station to handle online threats, 40 Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs), and a dedicated helpline number.
- To assist with crowd management, monitor crowd density, report incidents, and maintain cleanliness, 2,300 CCTV cameras will be installed at the event site and throughout Prayagraj. Additionally, 99 temporary parking areas, covering 1,850 hectares, will be set up, along with over 1.45 lakh toilets across the mela area.
- One of the primary challenges, aside from managing the crowds, is the water channelization due to delayed rainfall and higher-than-usual Ganga river levels. To address this, IIT Kanpur has been enlisted for crowd control and security planning, while IIT Guwahati experts are focusing on river flow management.
- The state has also requested the railway ministry to increase train services to Prayagraj, especially during the Mauni Amavasya snan when a large number of visitors are expected. A source mentioned that, in 2019, around 500 special trains were used for the Ardh Kumbh, and this number is likely to rise to about 1,000. Nearly 300 trains are expected to operate around the Mauni Amavasya snan period
For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
For Mains: General Studies I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
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Previous year Questions 1.With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2.With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only 3.With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014) (a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India (b) It is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the southern part of the Coromandel area (c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India |