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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.

.

















In case you wish to have license for

use of any of Kumbh images

reach the author

http://prabhatphotos.com

or write to

prabhat@samvadnews.in


a

samvad initiative

https://samvadnews.in

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