Kumbh | the mystic world in tent city
Kumbh Mela, for majority of pilgrims, is to take a bath at Sangam, mark their presence in temples and visit camps to seek blessings of saints who are believed to descend from Himalaya only during Kumbh. A large area of Kumbh mela at Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) is earmarked for camps of various Akhadas, where saints and their followers stay. These camps are the places where pilgrims gathers for discourse and sermon, seek blessings and share alms as well. This is a different and mystic world.
Kumbh Mela, for majority of pilgrims, is to take a bath at Sangam, mark their presence in temples and visit camps to seek blessings of saints who are believed to descend from Himalaya only during Kumbh. A large area of Kumbh mela at Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) is earmarked for camps of various Akhadas, where saints and their followers stay. These camps are the places where pilgrims gathers for discourse and sermon, seek blessings and share alms as well. This is a different and mystic world.
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the mystic world in tent city
Kumbh
PRABHAT SINGH
Symbols & Ensign
Spirit of Kumbh is visible in not only Mela area but
in the entire city as well - number of symbols can
be seen painted on the walls of monasteries and
temples, shops and houses. Banners and posters
and hoardings across the city seem inviting vistors
to Kumbh Mela.
Inside & Outside of a Camp
The Mystic World
A large area of Kumbh Mela is marked as lodging
for akhadas, babas, their followers and pilgrims.
Fencing of bamboo splinters and a line of
tabernacles within it. Some of them closed by the
curtains, and some have babas sitting outside,
the body wrapped in ash, sharing their religious
and spiritual thoughts with followers and
pilgrims. This is a different world, understood by
very few.
Pomp & Ceremony
Though the affair of Kumbh Mela is a grand
ceremony but some events are more special.
The ceremony of entering akhadas or the days
of Shahi Snan or the Royal Bath are really
special for participants and spectators both.
The colors, mounts and music play important
role in making them memorable. They pass on
specific routes and in the memory of visitors.
Kinnar Akhada
The word Kinnar refers to transgender people and
this akhada or the Hindu religious order, founded
in 2015, is the new entry to the fold. Though Akhil
Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, umbrella body of 13
akhadas, did not recognize them, their peshwai, or
the traditional ceremonial entry into the Kumbh
Mela at Allahabad, attracted a huge crowd. Camp
of Kinnar Akhada, in mela use to have hundreds
of visitors everyday seeking their blessings.
.
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