Sangam of Souls: My Affair with the Kumbh Mela
There’s something indescribably magical about the Kumbh Mela. As a retired travel enthusiast with 36 years in the airline industry, I’ve been fortunate to witness many awe-inspiring places and events. Yet, nothing stirs my soul quite like this spiritual extravaganza.
Every 12 years, Prayagraj – once known as Allahabad – becomes the heartbeat of humanity, a vibrant symphony of faith, love, and shared devotion. The city, aptly named “Prayagraj” or “King of All Pilgrimages,” hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge at the Triveni Sangam. This sacred confluence becomes a haven for millions seeking redemption, renewal, and a chance to embrace the timeless wisdom of life.
For me, the Kumbh Mela is more than a festival; it’s a testament to love in its purest forms. Love for tradition, love for spirituality, love for humanity. Pilgrims wrapped in vibrant hues, saffron-clad sadhus radiating age-old wisdom, and the mesmerizing chants echoing over the icy waters – all of it feels like an ode to the enduring bond between humans and the divine.
The key bathing dates – Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima, and Maha Shivratri – are not just rituals; they’re moments where faith takes tangible form. Standing at the Sangam on Makar Sankranti, with the morning sun gilding the horizon, you feel a profound connection – not just to the divine, but to every soul around you.
Having cycled through life’s challenges and swum through its uncertainties (quite literally, as I cycle and swim every day), I find the Kumbh Mela deeply symbolic. It reminds me of the currents of life – sometimes gentle, sometimes turbulent – but always flowing toward a greater purpose.
In 2018, the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj underscored its spiritual significance, and rightly so. For me, the city isn’t just a place; it’s a living, breathing story of emperors, poets, saints, and seekers. And during the Kumbh, it becomes the world’s largest love letter to faith and humanity.
So why do I love the Kumbh Mela? Because it celebrates the love that binds us all – a love for tradition, for faith, for renewal, and above all, for each other. It’s an experience that lingers long after the festival ends, much like the echoes of a heartfelt hymn.
This February, as we celebrate love in all its forms, I hope this ode to the Kumbh Mela inspires you to visit Prayagraj and experience its magic. You might just leave with your heart a little fuller and your spirit a little lighter.
Rtn. Ramma Suresh, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Madras Northwest, is a retired travel professional with 36 years in the airline industry. A cycling and swimming enthusiast, she believes love flows as freely as the Ganges at the Kumbh!
