Why do millions of Indians, sometimes entire villages, brave the crowds to attend the Kumbh Mela? India Ink interviewed some of the estimated 100 million pilgrims who traveled to this year’s Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, a 55-day pilgrimage during which Hindus take a holy dip in the Ganges River to wash away their sins.
Kalyan Anand, 46, a sadhu from Chitrakoot town of Madhya Pradesh was one among them. This is what he had to say.
Why did you come to the Kumbh Mela this year? Is this your first time?
I have been coming to the Kumbh for 20 years now. I have gone everywhere there is a Kumbh – Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar and Allahabad. The purity of River Ganges never ceases to fascinate me. I come to each Kumbh to try and make myself as pure as Mother Ganges.
How have you found it so far?
This one is particularly crowded. They have significantly restricted the bathing area for the sadhus to accommodate the common folk. That is a disappointment. But otherwise, the energy in a Kumbh is always infectious.
Describe your journey to the Kumbh. Did you travel alone? How long did it take?
I travel with my ashram wherever I go.
What does religion mean to you? Do you consider yourself a religious person?
Internal cleansing – that is the basis of religion. Our ancestors strived for it. We should all too. It becomes our inherent responsibility. When everyone on this earth is conscious of his sins, imagine how pure the world will become? Just the mere knowledge will ensure you don’t err in the future.
Who do you think is going to win the 2014 election? Have you ever cast a vote?
We are people who are beyond these things. I haven’t cast a vote all my life.
(The interview was translated from Hindi.)
India Ink: Kalyan Anand, the Sadhu From Madhya Pradesh
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India Ink: Kalyan Anand, the Sadhu From Madhya Pradesh
