By Rubi Khan
The world’s largest religious gathering, the Mahakumbh Mela, is a magnificent celebration of spirituality, faith, and cultural heritage. This event, which is held once every twelve years at the Sangam in Prayagraj, the meeting point of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, is a tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and organizational skills. It is deceptive and harmful to continue the narrative that attempts to politicize this holy occasion by falsely painting it with communal overtones.
The Mahakumbh is fundamentally concerned with faith. The Kumbh Mela, which is based on the legend of accidental spilling of drops of amrit (nectar) in four different locations- Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik- is of paramount importance to Hindus. Bathing in the sacred rivers during the mela is believed to wash away sins and free devotees from the cycle of birth and death. Aside from its spiritual significance, the mela is a cultural marvel, showcasing Indian traditions, art, commerce, and education to the world. The intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO has inscribed ‘Kumbh Mela1 on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 12th session held at Jeju, South Korea in 2017. Mahakumbh is a social ritual and festive closely linked to the India’s perception of its own history and memory. It is respected by adherents of different faiths as a marvel, showcasing classless and casteless societal gathering of millions at a particular place. Recent allegations that Muslims are barred from entering the Mahakumbh are unfounded and motivated by those seeking to sow division for petty gain. There are no restrictions on communities visiting or participating in the mela. The Mahakumbh transcends religion by bringing millions together in a shared experience of faith and devotion. Attempts to make this event political or communal are not only unfounded, but also an insult to India’s inclusive spirit. Furthermore, a comparison to the Haj pilgrimage is instructive. The Hajj, a significant event for Muslims, is open only to Muslims, and this religious exclusivity is respected around the world. The Mahakumbh, however, does not have any exclusions and Muslims are as much welcome in the gathering as any other Hindu. And this inclusivity must be respected by following certain required traditions. Citing sporadic incidences as views of the majority is just an eyewash.
Over 40 crore people are expected to visit the Mahakumbh, making its management an enormous undertaking. Careful preparation, extraordinary work, and coordination between numerous government agencies, local authorities, and volunteers are necessary for the smooth operation of such a large event. The government has shown remarkable organizational skills in everything from setting up a tent city with public amenities to maintaining security and handling logistics. To put things in perspective, organizing the Haj pilgrimage, which involves about 40 lakh Muslims, is a difficult task. Imagine overseeing a crowd at the Mahakumbh that is a hundred times bigger. The event’s smooth operations and expected triumphant conclusion, highlights India’s potential leadership position at world stage, which is a source of pride for all Indians, not just Hindus.
The Mahakumbh is a festival honouring community, culture, and religion. It is not a forum for divisive discourse or political agendas. As Indian citizens, we ought to be proud of the event’s flawless execution, which showcases India’s administrative and cultural prowess. Rather than succumbing to unfounded gossip and polarizing propaganda, let us concentrate on the Mahakumbh’s actual meaning, which is a celebration of spirituality and interpersonal relationships. It is an occasion for solidarity, introspection, and pride in our common history. Let us make sure that this event’s sanctity is upheld and that it continues to evoke wonder and awe in people all over the world. India has once again shown that it has the organisational skills and leadership qualities to handle such a large gathering. As a coherent nation, let’s celebrate this amazing accomplishment while upholding the spirit of peace and respect for one another that characterizes our multicultural country.
The views expressed in the article are the author’s personal opinions. This has no bearing on our management.
