The Kumbh Mela



                My Painting of a Sadhu

The Kumbh Mela is returning once again. Starting January 25, Prayagraj will once again host Hinduism's largest pilgrimage. The sacred planetary alignment occurring at this time is considered highly auspicious and spiritually uplifting. Mythology says that even the gods from Indralok descend to Earth to quench their spiritual thirst during this time.
Across the vast expanse of Prayagraj, the agoris and nagas are spread across various akhadas, each with its own unique history and story. I had the privilege of attending the 2013 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. It’s believed that taking a dip in the holy river absolves one of sins from many lifetimes, serving as a powerful form of atonement. I was fortunate to experience this with my parents, as we took the sacred dip together as a family.
As a spiritual adventurer, my passion for seeking the divine, combined with my love for photography and exploration, often takes me on these Temple Runs. The Kumbh Mela is filled with iconic imagery: sadhus covered in ash, holding chilums, their braided hair, deep eyes, saffron robes, trishuls, rudraksha beads, and of course, the sacred dips. Every figure has its own unique story to tell.

For centuries, the Kumbh Mela has drawn tourists and pilgrims from all corners of the world. It’s undoubtedly a logistical challenge, but this is what makes the Kumbh Mela so special—amidst the overwhelming human movement, it’s a place of peace and spiritual unity.

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