Heer Donda and her family travelled to Prayagraj, India from Hong Kong for a once-in-a-lifetime – or every 144 years – spiritual experience.
Heer (far left) and her family travelled to India from Hong Kong hoping to take a dip in the holy rivers of Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati. Photo: Heer DondaKumbh Mela is an enthralling Hindu festival and pilgrimage celebrating spiritual heritage and diversity. Given that the Maha Kumbh Mela, in particular, only occurs once every 144 years, my family and I felt compelled to travel from Hong Kong to immerse ourselves in this tradition and experience in India.
This year, the Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will end on February 26. It is expected to bring together more than 450 million people across 45 days in Prayagraj in northern India.
Here are five reflections I had about this unique festival and my once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.
What is the Kumbh Mela?
Perhaps the largest human gathering in the world, the Kumbh Mela is marked by a ritual dip in water. The word kumbha means “pitcher, jar, pot” in Sanskrit, while mela refers to a festival or gathering. It is rooted in Hindu texts and traditions, based on the legend of a pot of amrita – nectar of immortality – that spilled at four places across India now sacred to the event.
The four major pilgrimage sites recognised as the Kumbh Melas are:
• Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati rivers meet
• Haridwar in Uttarakhand, northern India, on the right bank of the Ganges
• Nashik-Trimbak in Maharastra, western India, on the banks of the river Godavari
• Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, central India, on the eastern bank of the Shipra river
Those visiting bathe in these rivers, hoping it will wash their sins away and bring them closer to spiritual salvation.
Visiting as a teenager
This year, the mela was situated around the Triveni Sangam – an auspicious point where three sacred rivers meet. The lack of easily accessible internet connection for visitors pushed us to turn to nature and our surroundings during the long walks to the rivers.
Attending as a teen was an opportunity to learn more about Hinduism, one of the oldest principal religions still practised today.
I witnessed the extraordinary power of faith, drawing tens of millions of people to a single location. Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds united for a common purpose was beautiful. The journey also showed me poverty beyond what I knew in Hong Kong, highlighting the challenges and arduous lives many endure. It also made me reflect on struggles and material possessions.
Making connections
We walked more than 15km outdoors each day to reach the holy rivers, vastly different from our easier daily lives. Visiting the Kumbh Mela, even for a few days, encouraged me to connect with the world and people around me, instilling a deeper appreciation for others and the planet. Detaching from the modern world in this way also made me more reflective, connecting with myself and contemplating my values and feelings.
Staying safe
As this mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the thought of being stuck amid a melee of people trying to reach one destination can be daunting. Last month, at least 30 people died in a stampede on one of the festival’s holiest days.
Here are some things you can keep in mind:
• Avoid crowded routes, especially on the auspicious dates when most people choose to visit.
• It is also crucial to keep your valuables secure in a shoulder bag with a zip to prevent them from falling or getting lost.
• Finally, stay hydrated at all times since temperatures in the day can reach 30 degrees Celsius or above.
Preserving culture
As technology advances, we begin to forget our older customs. Millions gathered for the Maha Kumbh, a noteworthy reminder to hold on to our traditions and history amid a rapidly changing and expanding world. I hope other communities will be inspired to preserve the richness of their heritage and culture.