Saurabh Mukherjee
The grandeur of this year’s Mahakumbh is undeniably unparalleled, yet the essence of faith appears to have taken a backseat. A poignant contrast can be drawn from a black-and-white video of the 1954 Kumbh, the first held after India’s independence. In that footage, devotees humbly arrived on bullock carts, buses, or even on foot, fully immersed in prayer, joy, and spiritual peace—free of pomp and spectacle.
Until the Mahakumbh of 2013, the sanctity of bathing in the holy river remained intact. The event was untouched by the presence of influencers, content creators, or individuals theatrically dressed to garner online attention. This year, however, the Mahakumbh feels less like a sacred gathering and more like a carnival crafted for virality.
Across the country, posters featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath frame the Mahakumbh as an embodiment of India’s spiritual heritage. Yet, such portrayals link what was once a spiritual event to a nationalist identity. Critics argue that the traditional essence of the Mahakumbh is being overshadowed by political rhetoric and festivity.
Faith Turned Political
Concerns about the politicization of the Mahakumbh are growing. Questions from various quarters are resonating: Was it necessary to elevate the Mahakumbh to such a political spectacle? Why inflate attendance figures to claim participation in the range of several crores? Why rename the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) to Amrit Snan—a move that some interpret as a display of superiority?
Critics argue that such changes are unnecessary and go against the authenticity of Hinduism, which does not require elaborate displays of grandeur or political overtones to maintain its relevance.
Mahakumbh: A Confluence of Faiths
Traditionally, the Mahakumbh represented the diversity within Hinduism—a confluence of various faiths, traditions, and beliefs. However, today’s divisive politics has begun to erode this diversity. Disparaging remarks about the participation of foreigners or individuals of different beliefs have emerged, accompanied by restrictions on attendance imposed by those in power. Instead of fostering inclusivity, these actions create unwarranted barriers.
Even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s assertion that Ram, Krishna, and Shiva embody the essence of all Hindus raises pertinent questions: Are these deities limited to specific sects, or do they belong to all Hindus universally? Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s aggressive posturing amid an internal BJP power struggle raises doubts about whether Hindu unity is being prioritized or undermined for political gain.
Further fueling division, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, recently claimed that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya belongs to the Ramanand sect. This declaration alienates other Hindu sects, such as Shaivas, Shaktas, and Sannyasis, creating a rift within the community.
Suppressing Dialogue, Distorting Tradition
The Mahakumbh has historically been a platform for dialogue and debate, fostering self-reflection and spiritual growth. For instance, in 1867, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, challenged unvedic practices at the Haridwar Kumbh by hoisting the Pakhand Khandini Pataka. Neither the government nor religious authorities suppressed his dissent or obstructed the free exchange of ideas.
Today, however, such freedoms are increasingly curtailed under the pretence of preserving tradition. Even during British colonial rule, space was allowed for selfless discussions of religion and tradition at the Kumbh. Ironically, this openness is now being undermined by political interference in independent India.
The politicization of the Mahakumbh leaves several questions unanswered: Has this grand spiritual gathering transformed into a showcase of political dominance rather than faith? Does the spectacle and display of power overshadow its spiritual significance?
The Mahakumbh, once a beacon of India’s spiritual plurality, now finds itself ensnared in political ambitions. This raises a pressing concern: Can the true essence of the Mahakumbh ever be reclaimed, or is it lost forever in the tide of festivity and politics?
The author is an independent journalist. The views are personal.
Until the Mahakumbh of 2013, the sanctity of bathing in the holy river remained intact. The event was untouched by the presence of influencers, content creators, or individuals theatrically dressed to garner online attention. This year, however, the Mahakumbh feels less like a sacred gathering and more like a carnival crafted for virality.
Across the country, posters featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath frame the Mahakumbh as an embodiment of India’s spiritual heritage. Yet, such portrayals link what was once a spiritual event to a nationalist identity. Critics argue that the traditional essence of the Mahakumbh is being overshadowed by political rhetoric and festivity.
Faith Turned Political
Concerns about the politicization of the Mahakumbh are growing. Questions from various quarters are resonating: Was it necessary to elevate the Mahakumbh to such a political spectacle? Why inflate attendance figures to claim participation in the range of several crores? Why rename the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) to Amrit Snan—a move that some interpret as a display of superiority?
Critics argue that such changes are unnecessary and go against the authenticity of Hinduism, which does not require elaborate displays of grandeur or political overtones to maintain its relevance.
Mahakumbh: A Confluence of Faiths
Traditionally, the Mahakumbh represented the diversity within Hinduism—a confluence of various faiths, traditions, and beliefs. However, today’s divisive politics has begun to erode this diversity. Disparaging remarks about the participation of foreigners or individuals of different beliefs have emerged, accompanied by restrictions on attendance imposed by those in power. Instead of fostering inclusivity, these actions create unwarranted barriers.
Even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s assertion that Ram, Krishna, and Shiva embody the essence of all Hindus raises pertinent questions: Are these deities limited to specific sects, or do they belong to all Hindus universally? Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s aggressive posturing amid an internal BJP power struggle raises doubts about whether Hindu unity is being prioritized or undermined for political gain.
Further fueling division, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, recently claimed that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya belongs to the Ramanand sect. This declaration alienates other Hindu sects, such as Shaivas, Shaktas, and Sannyasis, creating a rift within the community.
Suppressing Dialogue, Distorting Tradition
The Mahakumbh has historically been a platform for dialogue and debate, fostering self-reflection and spiritual growth. For instance, in 1867, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, challenged unvedic practices at the Haridwar Kumbh by hoisting the Pakhand Khandini Pataka. Neither the government nor religious authorities suppressed his dissent or obstructed the free exchange of ideas.
Today, however, such freedoms are increasingly curtailed under the pretence of preserving tradition. Even during British colonial rule, space was allowed for selfless discussions of religion and tradition at the Kumbh. Ironically, this openness is now being undermined by political interference in independent India.
The politicization of the Mahakumbh leaves several questions unanswered: Has this grand spiritual gathering transformed into a showcase of political dominance rather than faith? Does the spectacle and display of power overshadow its spiritual significance?
The Mahakumbh, once a beacon of India’s spiritual plurality, now finds itself ensnared in political ambitions. This raises a pressing concern: Can the true essence of the Mahakumbh ever be reclaimed, or is it lost forever in the tide of festivity and politics?
The author is an independent journalist. The views are personal.
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