Question
Download Solution PDFIn which of the following places, 'Kumbh Mela' festival is celebrated?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Prayagraj.
Key Points
- Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival and pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years at four sacred locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- The festival at Prayagraj, also known as Triveni Sangam, takes place at the confluence of three holy rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
- The event is the largest peaceful gathering of people on Earth and is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
- Millions of devotees participate in the ritual of taking a holy dip in the rivers, believing it purifies their sins and aids in attaining salvation.
- The most recent Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj took place in 2019, attracting an estimated 150 million visitors.
Additional Information
- Origin of Kumbh Mela:
- The festival's origins are traced to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) in Hindu mythology, where drops of the nectar of immortality fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- The name "Kumbh" refers to the pot of nectar from this mythological event.
- Types of Kumbh Mela:
- The Purna Kumbh takes place every 12 years, while the Ardh Kumbh occurs every 6 years.
- A special Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years (12 Purna Kumbhs) at Prayagraj.
- Key Rituals and Practices:
- Taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers is the central ritual, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha (liberation).
- Religious discourses, processions of saints (sadhus), and cultural programs are significant aspects of the event.
- UNESCO Recognition:
- In 2017, the Kumbh Mela was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- This recognition highlights its importance as a cultural and spiritual tradition.
- Environmental Challenges:
- Managing waste and ensuring clean water during the festival are significant environmental concerns.
- Authorities implement extensive measures to minimize the impact on the environment, including waste management and water quality monitoring.
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