Freedom Movement to AI Cameras: 6 Facts About Kumbh Mela You Probably Didn’t Know

Devotees visit Kumbh primarily to take the holy dip, in the sacred waters where three mighty rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati—converge. This ritualistic dip in these holy waters, which is believed to cleanse one’s sins and pave the way to liberation.

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Naked Naga sadhus with their long dreadlocks, families who travel across the country to come and live here for a month and innumerable seers in saffron robes – Kumbh sees the coming together of myriad forms of ancient customs and awe-inspiring displays of how far people go for faith.

Lesser Known Facts About the Kumbh Mela

However, there is more to Kumbh than what meets the eye. We’ll tell you about XXX such facts, which you probably didn’t know about the Kumbh Mela.

1. Origins of Kumbh Rooted in Hindu Mythology

According to the legend of Samudra Manthan, Lord Vishnu got hold of a golden pitcher, containing the nectar of immortality from the demons. He happened to drop a few drops on earth, and they fell at the locations of modern-day Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.

These then went on to become the four cities that rotationally host the Kumbh Mela.

2. Kumbh Mela’s Role in the Indian Freedom Movement

During the British rule in India, the Kumbh Mela was utlised by freedom fighters to spread nationalist ideas. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and members of the Swadeshi League utilized the vast gathering to send their message out to the masses.

3. Unesco Recognition for Kumbh Mela

In 2017, Kumbh Mela was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, highlighting its spiritual, social, and cultural importance.

4. Babas With Quirks Make News Every Year

Each year, unique babas make headlines. This year, the talk of the town has been 57-year-old ‘Chhotu Baba’, who is 3 feet 8 inches tall and apparently hasn’t bathed in 32 years.

Other babas who have become famous in previous years include a baba who has not put his hand down for over 10 years and another who wears over 1.25 lakh rudraksh beads.
This year, in Juna Akhara, another baba has caught everyone’s attention, a 3.5-year-old baba named Shravan Puri, touted to be the youngest baba attending the Kumbh Mela

5. Kumbh Mela Generates Massive Revenue for Uttar Pradesh

The Mela is set to generate a large amount of revenue for the state of Uttar Pradesh. Figures and reports say Rs 2 lakh crore is set to generate revenue as 40 crore people gather in Prayagraj.

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6. AI Cameras to Underwater Drones: Increasing Technology at Kumbh

Each year, officials use of different kinds of technology to make the festival experience better for all. For the first time this year, underwater drones with a diving capability of up to 100 meters have been deployed to ensure 24/7 surveillance at the Sangam area. Apart from these, the festival has tethered drones, capable of going up to to heights of up to 120 meters, that will help in monitoring crowd surges and identifying areas that may require medical or security assistance.

Additionally, 2,700 cameras enabled with Artificial Intelligence will be used to monitor the area in real-time.

Kumbh Mela is a colossal convergence of faith, spirituality and devotion. It sees people come down from various different countries, in a bid to both witness the spectacle and also gain liberation.