16 Million People Get Wet in the Largest Peaceful Gathering in History

2 years ago People

Kumbh melaPhoto: Not known

There is an event called the ‘Holy Dip’ and it just finished after much fanfare in the Indian subcontinent. Yes, you heard that right: the Holy Dip. This year this celebration took place on the foothills of the Himalayas, in a town that Hindus believe is the adobe place of the Gods: ‘Haridwar’.

Kumbh Mela in Full FlowPhoto: Not known

The Holy Dip, or ‘Kumbh Mela’, spans over two months and constitutes a series of rituals and practices followed religiously by millions of people. It is one of the oldest ritual meetings in the world and is practiced by one of the oldest religions of this world: Hinduism.

According to the tradition of the ritual, people bathe in the river Ganges to cure themselves of all their prior sins and to open the gates to the Heavens. It is believed that during these two months, the water of the Ganges turns into nectar that washes away with it all your sins and misdeeds, not only of this life but also of your previous births – a strong belief that stems from the concept of reincarnation.

Kumbh Mela at nightPhoto: Not known

It is estimated that people from nearly 120 countries across the world took part in the Holy Dip (a huge number, if you consider that ‘Kumbh Mela’ is a Hindu festival). On 14th April 2010 more than 16 million people bathed in the holy river, a record that is soon going to be registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. No peaceful gathering in the history of mankind has seen so many people turning out for one combined purpose.

A typical ash-clad sadhuPhoto: Not known

There was no difference between rich and poor. Every individual, drenched with ash and the desire to do away with his sins, bathed and hoped that the Heavens will open its gates to him, when he closes his eyes, forever.

Written by: Hector

Cool Links From Around the Web

Related Galleries on Environmental Graffiti

Comments

Old Comments

RemyC says

Apr 28th, 2010 at 12am
Rather than the Ganges turning into nectar, I'd be really concerned about the reality of the health conditions. The Times of India writes: Water quality of the river Ganga in Haridwar is below the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board for bathing. Water has been polluted due to continuous discharge of untreated waste and effluents from various drains directly into the river Ganga. Sewage treatment plant (STP) at Jagjeetpur releases about 129 million litres daily (MLD) into the Ganga with a fecal coliform concentration of about 34 million/100ml.

Hector says

Apr 28th, 2010 at 12am
@RemyC: I understand your concern and what you are hinting at! I can't debate that the conditions are quite poor for bathing but its fun nonetheless. I live 45 kms from the place and I enjoy myself thoroughly each time I go there. It's a great place to be.....the government is trying to make headway into the proposed problem but to no avail....So it's just a matter of choice and belief really.