New Delhi: The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the biggest festivals in India and it is attended by crores of people. It is held every 12 years and this year, it is being hosted by Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. It is expected that millions of people will visit Prayagraj to attend the Mahakumbh Mela. People from all over the country and also abroad will go there to taka a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam as it is believed that it washes away all our sins. If you are someone going to the Mahakumbh Mela, then this article is perfect for you as it deals with the activities you can do there.
Things you can do in Prayagraj and its Mahakumbh Mela
1. Take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam
This is the most important activity at the Mahakumbh Mela. People mandatorily take a dip at Triveni Sangam which is the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River. It is located at Prayag, the area of Prayagraj neighbouring the confluence. However, there are specific days within these days that are super-auspicious as it believed that the holy dip washes away all our sins.
2. Witness the Shahi Snan
The Shahi Snan is a fabulous event of the Mahakumbh Mela. It means royal bath and in that spectacular event, Naga Sadhus and Akharas march to the Sangam in vibrant procession. The saints will be adorned in ash and saffron robes and the air will be filled with chants and traditional music.
3. Explore the Akharas
There are several official Akharas who participate in the Mahakumbh Mela. Those Akharas in turn have numerous branches. Also, there are various other communities of sadhus, spiritual organizations, and groups of renunciates participating.
4. Witness the Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti at the Prayagraj ghats is a mesmerising thing to watch. The sounds of the bells, the synchronized movement of the priests and the diyas create a divine atmosphere. The best places to witness the Ganga Aarti are in Sangam Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
5. Meet the Naga Sadhus
Naga Sadhus are an exotic symbol of the Mahakumbh Mela. A small part of the big congregation, they may seem distant at first but most of them are actually looking forward to interacting with people. Observe their unique rituals and practices and you can ask them various types of worldly questions.
6. Cultural performances
The Mahakumbh Mela celebrates the cultural diversity of India. You can enjoy various kinds of performances including folk dances, storytelling sessions and devotional songs. In the Mela, you are never away from an ongoing storytelling session. Also, you can join the singing of various bhajans and Nam Jaaps in many Akharas.
7. Enjoy traditional food
At the Mahakumbh Mela, you can indulge in traditional foods like jalebi and kachori-sabzi. The Akharas organised Bhandara where free food is given. You can have Samosas, Jalebis, Kachoris, and Pakodas among other things on the street.
8. Shop for handicrafts
The Mahakumbh Mela’s bustling market offers a wide range of items, including handicrafts, handmade jewelery, and religious artifacts. You can buy Rudraksha Malas, Tulsi Mala, Kamal Mala, Ashtadhatu Rings, copper Items including rings, bangles and brass Items including Kartals and Pooja items. Herbs and Ayurvedic Medicines can be found in abundance for those interested.
9. Paradise for photography
The Mahakumbh Mela is a paradise for those interested in photography. If you are an avid photographer, then it is a perfect place for you to capture people from different wakes of life getting in on the same platform of the Mela to pay their respect to the gods. You can capture devotees and rituals and also stunning landscapes at sunrise and sunset.
The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience. This article highlights key activities, from the sacred dip at Triveni Sangam and witnessing the Shahi Snan procession, to exploring Akharas, enjoying Ganga Aarti, meeting Naga Sadhus, and immersing oneself in cultural performances, traditional food, and vibrant handicrafts. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
