Context:
Maha Kumbh mela will be celebrated from January 13 to February 26, 2025 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Kumbh Mela:
- A major Hindu pilgrimage and festival
- Occurs every 12 years
- Held at 4 different locations in India – Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): Confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers.
- Haridwar: Located on the banks of the Ganges river.
- Nashik: Situated on the banks of the Godavari river.
- Ujjain: Located on the banks of the Shipra river.
- Significance – World’s largest religious gathering
- Recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
- Origins – Traced back thousands of years, with early references during the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).
- British administrators, such as James Prinsep, documented the festival in the 19th century
- Astrological Basis – The location and timing of the Kumbh Mela are determined by the positions of the Sun and the planet Jupiter, also known as Brihaspati, in a Rashi (zodiac sign).
- Key Rituals –
- Shahi Snan or ‘Rajyogi Snan’ – Bathing in the holy rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and seek spiritual enlightenment.
- Kalpavas – Symbolises a period of intense spiritual practice, engaging in daily rituals like meditation, prayers, and scripture study.
- Deep Daan – Devotees floating thousands of lighted earthen lamps (Diyas) on the flowing waters of the Triveni Sangam as an offering of gratitude.
- Prayagraj Panchkoshi Parikrama – Historical ritual of circumambulating Prayagraj to reconnect pilgrims with ancient practices.
- Maha Kumbh Mela – Held after every 144 years
- Ardha (half) Kumbh Mela – Held every 6th year
- Held at only 2 places – Haridwar and Allahabad
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
Tradition State
1. Chapchar Kut festival Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba Ballad Manipur
3. Thang-Ta Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Pair 3 is not correctly matched. Thang-Ta is a Manipuri art form.
