| Description |
Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred Pitcher), is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims where people bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. Held at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik every four years by rotation, the Kumbh at Prayag/Allahabad is the most significant. Ardha ("Half") Kumbh Mela is held at only two places, Haridwar and Allahabad, every sixth year. It is held on the banks of the rivers - Ganga in Prayag, Saraswati in Haridwar, Godavari in Nashik and Shipra in Ujjain. A great fair is held on these occasions on the banks of the rivers. Devout believe that by bathing in the Ganges one is freed from their sins liberating them from the cycle of birth and death. A unique facet is that millions of people reach the place without any invitation.
Mythology says the gods and the demons fought for the pot with the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu, disguising himself as an enchantress (Mohini), seized the nectar. While fleeing from the evil ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged mount, Garuda. In the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain.
Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in these places. The astrological sequence of the stars are the basis for the Kumbh locations. As Jupiter enters in Aquarius and Sun enters Aries the Kumbh is held at Haridwar, Jupiter enters Aries and Sun and Moon in Capricorn at Prayag and so on. |
| Social and cultural significance |
Kumbh mela being the largest human gathering attended by millions of people, irrespective of all worldly barriers of caste, creed, region has wielded a mesmeric influence on the minds and the imagination of the ordinary Indian. The significance of the Kumbha Mela and the important role that it plays in the spirituality of India is understood with the background of the sacred Ganges River. Both astrological and mythological study of the festival relates the deep connection between Kumbh and the Ganga. All the rivers on whose banks the Kumbh Mela is organized are part of the mighty Ganges. The cultural and social aspect of the festival apart from its primary Bathing rituals, also revolves around the various Yagyas - rituals that take place throughout the festival at different venues, the chanting of Vedic mantras, elucidation, dances, devotional songs and programs based on mythological epics, prayers, religious assembles where doctrines are debated and standardized are organized and conducted by the saints and sages. A prominent part of the festival is the act of donations or Daana. Ranging from food and clothing to the destitute, the helpless and saints, to cow donation and gold donation is made along with a spiritual focus. The traditional procession of the Akhadas called Peshwai on elephant backs and chariots, the shining swords and antics of the Naga sages during Shahi Snan, along with the musical instruments; horse races etc are the highlights of the Mela ceremonies and cultural activities attracting millions of visitors to visit Kumbh. |
| Transmission method |
Kumbh Mela is one of the most sacred amongst Hindu pilgrimages. Millions of Holy men and women, spiritual seekers and visitors attend this spectacle of faith. The Kumbh Mela has both Hindu Astrological and Mythological aspects. Nobody knows when the legend of the Kumbh was first crystallized and began attracting pilgrims. The Chinese traveller-historian Hiuen Tsang who came to India in the 7th century was the first to mention Kumbh Mela in his diary, which witnessed half a million devotees including sadhus, common man , the rich and the kings. It was only in the 9th century that the great saint Shankaracharya gave Kumbh Mela its final shape.
The Kumbh Mela comprises of many rituals like the 'Shahi Snaan or Royal bath', aartis and Yagnas - ritual paying obeisance and ascetic life initiation rituals etc. The knowledge and skills related to the element has been transmitted through the Guru Shishya Parampara (teacher- student relationship) of the sadhus in the ashrams and akhadas, ancient religious manuscripts, oral traditions, historical travelogues like Huien Tsang’s diary, administrative and political texts written by eminent historic personalities. Though the Guru –Shishya Parampara is still the most important method of imparting the Vedic and astrological knowledge and skill relating to Kumbh, other effective means are the electronic and print media, mass and digital media. A vast amount of literature and Documentary films on the various aspects and rituals of the Kumbh is available. These are effective methods of transmitting knowledge to the common people. |
| Community |
Kumbh Mela is a congregation of pilgrims (visitors, aspirants-kalpavasis and sadhus) mostly Hindus. But its legitimate bearers are the holy men, the ascetics, saints, the Sadhus and the Sants who have renounced worldly life to follow exclusive life of the religious. These ascetics either belong to religious organizations-ashrams and akhadas or are individuals living on alms. There are 13 Akhadas in India with their own respective President or Mahants. The respective Presidents of these akhadas are the first ones who take the dip or bathe in the holy river during the Kumbh and with their bathing the Kumbh Mela proceedings initiates. These ascetics are generally male. Though women ascetics or Sadhvis belonging from various ashrams and akhadas are also present in large numbers in India who participate in the Kumbh Mela with equal zest and enthusiasm, but it’s generally the Sadhus who lead the congregations.
As the upholders of the element there are also the various Temple Trust organizations like Trayambakeshwar Temple Trust of Nasik, Organizations like Ganga Sabha of Haridwar, Civil Societies or Non Governmental Organizations who not only assist in facilitating the festival but are major contributors in making the festival a success.
The involvement of the State Government and its administration is an integral part of the Mela (fair) ensuring its efficient running making them worthy of being equal upholders of this Mela.
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| Type of UNESCO List |
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List |
2017 |
