After Yoga and Nowroz received international recognition last year, the world's largest congregation of pilgrims — the Kumbh Mela has been included in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list this year.
The announcement which came on Thursday was lauded by everyone. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also tweeted: "#WorldCultureFestival is a Kumbh Mela of culture...a great confluence of people from all over the world. Glad to be a part of the festival."The age-old tradition, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, made it to the list following recommendation by an expert body which examines the nominations submitted by member countries of the UNESCO.
The mythological legend of Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) traces the origin of the festival to the time when the Devas and the Asuras fought over the 'amrit' produced, which was placed in the pot (Kumbh). However historically, the exact age of the gathering is uncertain. The periodicity of the Mela is decided on the basis of planetary position. But the turn of each of the host cities (Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain) to host this mega gathering comes once in 12 years. People who have visited the Mela feel that it was high time the gathering got this tag.
It is a mesmerising experience to be at the Kumbh Mela. It is a multifaceted and multi-dimensional gathering. Shahi Snan (Holy bath) is one of the most fascinating festivities to watch for in this gathering. There is a need to research and document this gathering from various angles — sociologically, it's diversity, it's management, among others.
— Umesh Kulkarni, director of the short documentary Kumbh
It is great that this congregation has made it to the list. The gathering reinstates the diversity which we have in the country. What we need now is, documentation of the cultural practices. We also need to ensure that it is not just looked at as a religious congregation, but as a cultural and environmental sanctity of the rivers it is held on.
— Saili Palande Datar, a city based Indologist
There are mentions of the Kumbh Mela in the Peshwa era literature. So we know it is a very old tradition which has been going on for centuries.
— Mandar Lawate, a city based historian
The authorities from the cities which host the Mela have been vying for this tag for quite some time. Their efforts seem to have finally paid off. It is interesting to watch thousands of pilgrims in smaller groups showcasing diverse cultures. It is a fascinating experience.
— Swapnil Sonawane, who visits the Kumbh every time it happens in Nashik
People from all walks gather at the Kumbh without any discrimination. The event has already reached the global map, with foreign tourists coming to be a part of the festivities. It was only fair that it gets the tag.
— Shekhar Wagh, a PR professional
After this tag, I hope there will be extra efforts made by the authorities to beautify the cities where Kumbh Mela is held.
— Mangesh Bandisthe, Subject Matter expert, KPO
The announcement which came on Thursday was lauded by everyone. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also tweeted: "#WorldCultureFestival is a Kumbh Mela of culture...a great confluence of people from all over the world. Glad to be a part of the festival."The age-old tradition, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, made it to the list following recommendation by an expert body which examines the nominations submitted by member countries of the UNESCO.
The mythological legend of Samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) traces the origin of the festival to the time when the Devas and the Asuras fought over the 'amrit' produced, which was placed in the pot (Kumbh). However historically, the exact age of the gathering is uncertain. The periodicity of the Mela is decided on the basis of planetary position. But the turn of each of the host cities (Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain) to host this mega gathering comes once in 12 years. People who have visited the Mela feel that it was high time the gathering got this tag.
It is a mesmerising experience to be at the Kumbh Mela. It is a multifaceted and multi-dimensional gathering. Shahi Snan (Holy bath) is one of the most fascinating festivities to watch for in this gathering. There is a need to research and document this gathering from various angles — sociologically, it's diversity, it's management, among others.
— Umesh Kulkarni, director of the short documentary Kumbh
It is great that this congregation has made it to the list. The gathering reinstates the diversity which we have in the country. What we need now is, documentation of the cultural practices. We also need to ensure that it is not just looked at as a religious congregation, but as a cultural and environmental sanctity of the rivers it is held on.
— Saili Palande Datar, a city based Indologist
There are mentions of the Kumbh Mela in the Peshwa era literature. So we know it is a very old tradition which has been going on for centuries.
— Mandar Lawate, a city based historian
— Swapnil Sonawane, who visits the Kumbh every time it happens in Nashik
People from all walks gather at the Kumbh without any discrimination. The event has already reached the global map, with foreign tourists coming to be a part of the festivities. It was only fair that it gets the tag.
— Shekhar Wagh, a PR professional
After this tag, I hope there will be extra efforts made by the authorities to beautify the cities where Kumbh Mela is held.
— Mangesh Bandisthe, Subject Matter expert, KPO
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