BOOK REVIEW: Beyond mob hysteria at Kumbh Mela
Deepak Kumar Sen's new book gives an insight into the divine congregation & makes one think about the true essence of Kumbh
What do the lakhs of devotees thronging Kumbh Mela seek? Is it nirvana, an eternal life or a glimpse of the divine being? When renowned Bengali author Samaresh Bose visited the mela, all he wanted was to discover humanity. The Maha Kumbh 2025, which started on January 13 and concluded on February 26, would have offered more than what Bose could have expected. Held after 144 years following the astronomical alignment of planets and stars, this Maha Kumbh attracted over 65 crore devotees and visitors from across India and around the globe.
But what is this mela? How did this celebration start? What importance does this mela hold in the country’s spiritual space? Deepak Kumar Sen, a senior journalist and professional photographer, explores the Kumbh Mela and provides anecdotes about one of the world’s largest congregations in his book The Divine Kumbh-Echoes of Eternity: Ganga, Shipra, Godavari, and Sangam published by Niyogi Books.
Sen explains the spiritual significance of the event and narrates the mythological stories which define the Kumbh. Hsuan Tsang’s travelogue had the first written evidence of this congregation. In the 8th century, Shankaracharya introduced the Kumbh Mela to the masses. Since then, it has remained the most popular religious gathering in the country.
The author refers to writings of Sir Jadunath Sarkar to establish the historical and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela, which also showcases the diversity in Hinduism and its practices.
Bose’s sojourn at the Kumbh had a tragic end as hundreds lost life in a stampede. His poignant description of the spectre at the divine gathering leaves readers aghast. The 2025 Maha Kumbh also witnessed a similar incident where over 30 devotees died in a stampede.
Sen not only writes about the spirituality of the event but also describes the different elements of the mela. His anecdotes of the Hindu akharas, the Naga ascetics, the holy dip and the motley crowd give an insight into the Kumbh. Besides, the collection of photographs of the Kumbh by the author brings to life the experiences of the mela. Sen also dedicates a chapter to the changing trend at the Kumbh.
Bose’s sojourn at the Kumbh had a tragic end as hundreds lost life in a stampede. His poignant description of the spectre at the divine gathering leaves readers aghast. The 2025 Maha Kumbh also witnessed a similar incident where over 30 devotees died in a stampede. Not only that, as the once-in-a-century spiritual gathering neared its conclusion, frustrated devotees went on a rampage at Patna railway station. Another stampede killed at least 18 at the Delhi railway station as devotees rushed for the divinity.
The question still remains: What do the lakhs of devotees thronging the Mela seek? What is Kumbh, and what does it have to offer? Is the price of attaining spiritual enlightenment more than the value of human lives? Does the Mela even have any value without the safety and security of devotees?
While there is more to be introspected, Sen’s book at least provides the information that may help an individual, be a devotee or an atheist, understand the true essence of the congregation and look beyond the mob hysteria to find enlightenment in humanity, much like Bose did.
Book: The Divine Kumbh-Echoes of Eternity: Ganga, Shipra, Godavari, and Sangam; Author: Deepak Kumar Sen; Publisher: Niyogi Books; Pages: 180; Price: Rs 695
