The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering; it is a legacy that has been passed down through generations. It is a place where millions come together to seek liberation from their sins. But have we ever stopped to think whether this belief is merely a notion or if it truly holds weight? Does a single dip in the holy waters wash away all our sins? These are questions that often remain unasked.
Many people believe that simply participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela and taking a dip in the sacred rivers will grant them moksha (liberation). If this were true, then great saints like Mahatma Buddha, who dedicated their lives to meditation and wisdom, would have only needed to bathe in the Kumbh once. What, then, is the significance of their years of penance and spiritual practice?
This mindset reveals how rigidly our thinking has been shaped by religious frameworks. During the Kumbh, the crowds can become so overwhelming that stampedes occur. For instance, there have been tragic incidents at railway stations where people have lost their lives while waiting to travel to Prayagraj. How many lives must be lost before we question whether this is truly a celebration of faith or merely a chaotic gathering?
The Kumbh Mela, once a symbol of simple devotion, has transformed into a massive commercial event. Everywhere you look, there is commercialization every little thing is for sale. Politicians, media, and spiritual leaders promote the idea: "Go to the Kumbh, or you will miss out on something significant." This creates a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among people, as if not attending will result in missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Moreover, the commercialization extends to the very logistics of attending the event. Coolies are charging as much as ₹2000 just to transport luggage from the railway platforms. Hotels are inflating their prices, taking advantage of the influx of pilgrims. Flight tickets to Prayagraj have skyrocketed to international fare levels, and boat operators are charging ₹10,000 for a spot to take a dip at the Sangam. Everyone seems to be capitalizing on the situation, while the government remains silent, focusing solely on publicity.
Despite numerous incidents of fires and stampedes during the Kumbh, there is little accountability. The media(except few with true journalism) fails to cover these tragedies adequately, instead opting to promote the event as a grand spectacle. The government appears more interested in boosting the economy of Uttar Pradesh than in ensuring the safety of its citizens. Is the life of an ordinary person worth so little that it can be sacrificed for the sake of profit?
It is perplexing that even today, people blindly follow trends without understanding their implications. How easy is it to manipulate people? Is devotion merely about being part of a crowd? Does a dip in the holy river truly cleanse our sins, or are our actions what define us? If moksha could be attained through a mere dip in the Mahakumbh, then how could those who have trampled over each other, causing harm and suffocation, especially to children and the elderly, truly achieve liberation?
True moksha lies in performing good deeds, not hurting anyone's feelings, helping those in need, and serving your parents. When you engage in such actions, that is what truly pleases God. It is not about committing wrongful acts and then thinking that a dip in the Mahakumbh will grant you liberation.
I believe that if people focus on doing good deeds in their everyday lives whether they are teachers, policemen, engineers, doctors, or businesspeople by performing their jobs with integrity and serving humanity, they contribute to a better world. Caring for elderly parents, helping those in need, and ensuring that no one is harmed or hurt are all essential aspects of a righteous life. By maintaining faith in God, praying at home, and expressing gratitude for the blessings received, we embody true humanity and dharma. This is what our faith teaches us: to live rightly and with compassion.
The larger the crowd, the greater the problems. Attention to infrastructure, crowd management, and sanitation is as crucial as faith itself. Authorities must recognize that with the increasing number of attendees each year, they need to improve their arrangements. However, it is not just the authorities' responsibility; every individual must also understand that their safety in such crowds is their own responsibility.
Is it necessary to be part of a crowd to demonstrate devotion? Would God say that if you haven't bathed in the Maha Kumbh, you will not attain moksha? The sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—are always there. They are not going anywhere. You can go there and take bath anytime as the essence of spirituality lies in our actions and intentions, not merely in participating in a chaotic event.
In the words of Saint Ravidas ji, "Mann changa toh kathauti mein Ganga." If your heart is pure and your intentions are good, then God will come to your aid. There is no need to push and shove through a crowd, trampling over others, to seek blessings. True devotion is about the quality of your actions and the purity of your heart.
The Kumbh Mela is a grand religious and cultural festival that embodies both faith and tradition. However, blindly following rituals without reflection can lead to social issues. Devotion should not be limited to collective rituals; it should be integrated into our daily lives. Moksha is not just about a dip in the holy river; it is about our thoughts and actions. If the heart is pure, then even a small offering can be as sacred as the Ganga itself.
In the end, let us remember that true spirituality lies in our deeds and intentions, not merely in being part of a crowd. It is time to prioritize the safety and dignity of every individual over commercial interests and political gains.