Premiere of "Conversations at The Kumbh Mela"

Did you know Allahabad got its name from Akbar? Its said Akbar always drank the holy water of ganga and he named the Sangam of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvathi, Allahabad. River ganga was always considered holy in Hindu religion and Allahabad was called Prayag before it got its name Allahabad. The Kumbh Mela was held in Allahabad in 2013 and when I got an invite for the premiere of a documentary movie "Conversations at The Kumbh Mela", on the Kumbh Mela 2013 at Allahabad, I happily accepted the invitation.

All that comes to our mind when we hear about Kumbh Mela are the Naga babas(Saints) and its them whom most of the photographers or film-makers shoot. This documentary was different from those regular ones in the sense, they take you through the journey of the Kumbha Mela right from a saint narrating the story behind Kumbh Mela to the Melaadhikari speaking about the organization of the event. A conversation with the Security head who takes care of the security arrangements to the Medical head who speaks about the medical arrangements including the cleanliness and sanitation. 

Kumbh Mela an event, as said by one of the saints, which requires no advertisement or invitation and there are lots and lots of people flooding into the Mela from around the globe, whether to take a dip in the holy waters or for doing charity or shoot the people or just experience the positivity at the Mela. At an interaction with the makers of the movie after the Premiere, all they said was the experience has to be felt personally. There is lot to take home from the holy event, the event could rather be treated as an University, teaching you so much about the life and influencing you in one or the other way. Do check out the trailer of the movie. This year Kumbh Mela is held in Nasik from 14th July to 25th September, do plan your visit to Nasik during this time to soak yourself in the holiness and the positiveness of the event.

The team has even come with a set of books which sums up the whole event.

Vol 1 – Place, Time, Astronomy

This book speaks about why you must attend the Kumbh Mela and significance of being there for it.

Vol 2 – History, Mythology, Belief

The content of this book revolves entirely around historical facts about the Mela. It speaks widely about how everything started and how is it perceived in the form of beliefs.

Vol 3 – Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati

The three most important rivers associated with history of Hindu mythology has been given elaborate attention in this book. The snans of Kumbh Mela take place in their Sangam, therefore, they are the centre of the festival.

Vol 4 – Seva, Sadhana, Satsang

Philosophical side of Kumbh is explained descriptively over here. More importantly the question, “What is the essence of Kumbh?” is answered.

Vol 5 – Guru, Disciple, University

There is a lot to learn at Kumbh Mela, it is all about lessons of life and gain a humanistic view of the world. This book has focused upon this valuable aspect of the festival.

Vol 6 – Abstinence, Penance, Charity

A To-Do List for Kumbh Mela, this is precisely what the book comprises of. Yes, Penance and Abstinence are a part ‘things to do’ at the festival.

Vol 7 – Faith, Fate, Worship

Kumbh Mela is a festival to enrich your soul, you need to let your soul be completely engrossed in the festival for it to work on you. You need this book to know how to give yourself to Kumbh and let it’s wonders take over you!

Vol 8 – Services, Sellers, Spectacle

Last but not the least, the visual aspect of Kumbh Mela is the most sought after. Do you know they are the event managers of this festivals? This book will give you some fantastic tips from them to manage a festival as huge as this!

“I am unraveling the mysteries of Kumbh Mela by participating in the #TheKumbhMelaExperience activity at BlogAdda in association with Anugraha