Tragedy at Kumbh Mela festival as at least 30 killed in mass crush
A stampede broke out at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on Wednesday. Several people lost their lives. Tens of thousands of people were on their way to a holy bath when chaos broke out. Further celebrations were canceled.
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The Guardian
16-02-2025
- The Guardian
‘There has been an awakening': ancient sects on the rise in Modi's India
They sat quietly together on the banks of the Ganges river, heads bowed in sombre meditation. Some men were naked, their bodies smeared grey with ash. Others had a simple saffron cloth tied around their waist. Nearby, barbers balanced on their haunches, shaving the head of each man clean with a flick of their knives, save for a small strand at the back. This ceremony, in which millions of pilgrims seek to cleanse their sins to break the cycle of reincarnation has been taking place at the Kumbh Mela festival for centuries. It is mandatory for thousands of sadhus – Hindu holy men who live an austere life of strict spiritual discipline. Among the most sacred events in the Hindu calendar, the festival occurs every 12 years across four sacred locations in India where it is believed the Hindu god Vishnu once spilled drops of the nectar of immortality. This year, the scale and political prominence of the festival, held in the north Indian city of Prayagraj, is set to exceed previous records. According to the government's own estimates, it is expected that more than 400 million devotees will attend the festival by the time it ends, in late February, making it the largest gathering of humanity on earth. For the akharas, the 13 ancient Hindu sects into which all the sadhus are initiated, this year's Kumbh Mela has been particularly significant, marking a shift in their own cultural and political prominence in India. The akharas, monastic orders that date back as far as the sixth century, each follow different gods. Earlier, they were training grounds for warrior-ascetics who would defend the Hindu holy sites and traditions, and today they are revered as essential custodians of ancient Hindu traditions and rituals. An estimated five million sadhus form the akharas. This year, according to Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the governing body for the akharas, 'the number of sadhus which have been initiated in this Kumbh is manifolds higher than in previous ones'. He said the number exceeded 10,000. High priests from several orders, some which boast upwards of half a million sadhus, said they too had recently witnessed a swelling in the ranks of those committing to the disciplined life of a Hindu ascetic, despite it being seemingly at odds with India's rapidly modernising society. 'I would say it's the beginning of a new era,' said Swami Shiv Premanand, a senior priest in the 8th-century Mahanirvani Akhara. 'There has been an awakening, particularly among the youth, to Sanatana Dharma [the principles of Hinduism], and we see more are committing to become sadhus than ever before.' In a view echoed by several of the akhara high priests, Premanand credited the rising prominence of the akharas with the Hindu nationalist government of prime minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi's 10 years in power have been marked by a concerted ideological push to move India away from its secular foundations and towards the establishment of the country as a fully fledged Hindu Rashtra or Hindu state. Under this Hindutva project, there has been a merging of state with religion, while the prime minister has often positioned himself as a high priest figure preaching the virtues Sanatana Dharma, a term referring to a more traditional form of Hinduism. Yogi Adityanath, the BJP chief minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh where this year's Kumbh Mela is held, is himself a hardline Hindu monk who is only ever seen in his religious saffron robes. 'We cannot deny the extraordinary role that the government has played in this awakening across the country,' said Premanand. 'Modi and Yogi are completely devoted to the Sanatana Dharma. They work for us, so naturally we work for them.' This year's Kumbh Mela became as much as a political as a religious event, serving as a symbol of Hindu might in India for the BJP. The government spent a record 70bn rupees (£640m) on putting on the festival, as well as launching a nationwide publicity campaign around it bearing the faces of Modi and Adityanath. Modi was among those who took a holy dip at the festival in the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers, at the Kumbh Mela. This PR campaign extended to the akharas. A press release sent out by the Uttar Pradesh government during the Kumbh Mela spoke reverentially of the akharas as 'spiritual powerhouses' and spoke of their 'enduring relevance in the spiritual life in India'. The close relationship between the government and the akharas was apparent after tragedy struck this year's Kumbh Mela in late January, when at least 30 people died and 90 were injured during a crowd crush as tens of millions tried to reach the banks of the sacred rivers to bathe. The akharas did not criticise the government for the death of devotees and disruption of their holiest bathing ritual but instead publicly praised Adityanath for his 'dedication' to Hindu culture. Sakshi Maharaj, a religious leader of the Shri Nirmal Panchayati Akhada sect, is among those now pushing for political representation for the heads of the akharas and said he was in discussion with other akhara heads to put forward a proposal to the government. He is a BJP member of parliament. 'No government in the past has recognised and respected akharas and sadhus like the Modi government,' said Maharaj. 'A consensus is building among us that all akharas should have some formal political representation in parliament to put forward our issues. People tend to trust sadhus more than traditional politicians.' Nonetheless, the akharas have a troubled past of working together and throughout history have turned on each other in bloody massacres at the festival as they compete for status. At a meeting of senior ahkara figures last year, an angry dispute broke out and several seers had to be separated. There has been some effort to diversify the ranks of sadhus in the akharas, which have traditionally have been predominantly male, patriarchal environments that exclude lower castes, particularly Dalits who were once known as 'untouchables'. For the first time, 1,000 women are expected to be initiated as sadhus at this year's Kumbh Mela. And in 2015, the Kinnar Akhara was created for transgender people. Despite initial resistance by the sadhu community, the Kinnar Akhara is allowed to take part in the holy bathing rituals. However, it was recently embroiled in a public spat within their own ranks over the decision to allow a female Bollywood actor to join. Many who become sadhus are committed to priests at birth by their parents, but increasing numbers of graduates and elderly figures who had found their spiritual calling later in life being are being initiated at the Kumbh Mela. Some observers credited the growing sadhu numbers with the renewed reverence for Hindu religious practice in India, while others speculated that India's high youth unemployment rates and lack of employment opportunity could also be driving young men towards the ascetic life. The enduring popularity of the sadhus, often referred to as 'babas', was highly apparent at the festival, with many drawing crowds of tens of thousands of devotees in a single day. Pilgrims came in their droves to pay their respects, often with a deep prostrating bow and a fistful of cash – followed by a selfie. Some of the more popular babas distributed cards with QR codes for devotees to scan to receive further information and a link to their social media account. it was also a popular approach among sadhus tooOthers directed devotees to YouTube to find the answers to spiritual questions. Among the celebrated sadhus was 25-year-old Khadashvari Baba, who has committed to standing upright for 12 years, having done three years so far. Wearing nothing but his dark sunglasses and smoking his chillum of hash, Khadashvari leaned on a perch to keep him always standing on a single foot, even as slept. With his own sizeable social media following, Khadashvari was adamant sadhus should be committed to tradition but also 'move with the times – we can not just stay completely in the past'. As was evident among many sadhus, his rejection of earthly goods did not extend to a mobile phone – though he lamented that his had just been stolen at the festival. Crowds were often the largest for the naked, ash-smeared Naga sadhus, who follow a particularly stringent life of devotion, renunciation and meditation, including celibacy and sometimes martial arts training and are rarely seen in public. Sitting beside smoking coals and smeared in ash, Gaurav Giri, 44, a Naga sadhu, said he had seen a shift in how people viewed his fellow holy men and the kind of crowd at the Kumbh Mela. Before committing to the life of being a Naga ascetic, Giri's previous employment had included working for British Telecom in the London suburb of Brentford and he confessed to being a 'huge fan' of Downton Abbey. 'There is a lot of unwanted crowd at the Kumbh who are disturbing our peace, always wanting to take picture for the social media reels,' said Giri. 'But the PR is also good. More young people are coming here interested in becoming sadhus or just to praise us – we cannot complain about that.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Yahoo
Tragedy at Kumbh Mela festival as at least 30 killed in mass crush
A stampede broke out at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on Wednesday. Several people lost their lives. Tens of thousands of people were on their way to a holy bath when chaos broke out. Further celebrations were canceled.
Telegraph
29-01-2025
- Telegraph
A curious traveller's guide to where to go in 2025
Is your calendar looking empty while a thirst for adventure stirs? Now is the perfect time to plan all those 2025 escapes, and Cox & Kings has some incredible small group tours, specialist-led tours and tailor-made holidays that will satisfy all your travel yearnings. But with a whole world of destinations on offer, how will you choose where to go next? Follow this a month-by-month guide to find inspiration on where best to travel throughout the year and when. January Sri Lanka blends ancient mysticism with natural splendour, and until April 2025, British citizens are eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa. Escape to the pearl of the Indian Ocean for lush tea plantations, dreamy beaches, superb food and the chance to spy leopards and elephants. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, celebrations are afoot to mark 50 years since the country's reunification. It's the perfect chance to join an escorted tour exploring both north and south. Plan a trip to Vietnam in January to celebrate 50 years since the country's reunification Credit : Getty February Make the most of the Chilean summer and travel the country's length, from the arid Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia via lovely lakes, vineyards and leafy capital Santiago. Then cross the border into Argentina and travel north to discover opulent Buenos Aires and the stunning Iguazu Falls. Also this month, India is warm and dry and celebrates the Kumbh Mela festival at four sites – Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujain and Nashik. Meanwhile, carnival season sees many countries, including Brazil with its world-famous Rio and Salvador carnivals, erupt in a riot of colour, music and dance. March Bijou in size but bursting with biodiversity, Costa Rica offers misty cloud forests and sultry rainforest, volcanoes and incredible wildlife. Steeped in tradition and relatively untouched by tourism, Oman is one of the Arabian Gulf's best-kept secrets. And you can witness one of the great flowerings of the world with the arrival of cherry blossom season in the Land of the Rising Sun. Discover Costa Rica's incredible wildlife for yourself in May Credit : Getty April In spring, Morocco is perfectly poised between mountain chill and dry desert heat, with daytime temperatures hovering around the mid 20s (perfect for city explorations). This is a prime time for enjoying Egypt's ancient wonders, too, with fewer crowds and warm days. Don't miss the country's Sham El-Nessim celebration on 21 April this year, with its roots in the ancient Egyptian celebration of spring. Another Middle Eastern country that lures in late spring is Jordan, which is coming to the end of its rainy season. It's an ideal time to see the stunning Wadi Rum valley. May Tiny Ecuador is packed with great experiences for travellers - whether that's witnessing sea turtle and marine iguana eggs hatch on the Galápagos Islands, or exploring the country's Andean peaks and Amazon forest. Visit the Southern Caucasus states of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. This month, the weather is pleasant, the landscapes are blooming and the crowds are light. Late spring in Portugal is a dream time to explore and mid-May sees the arrival of the Festival de Sintra, a celebration of classical music and opera held in the pretty town's palaces and gardens. Head to Georgia, including Tbilisi, above, in May for pleasant weather without the crowds Credit : Getty June It's dry season in Peru and a perfect time to tick off the country's extraordinary Inca wonders off your hit list, with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley the top spots. You can also take in Cusco's colourful Inti Raymi festival of the sun on 24 June. Soak up the magic of Mediterranean nation Malta at the start of summer for deliciously warm weather without the summer throng, or set your sights further afield – now is a great time to take a Cox & Kings small group tour to Tanzania for the Great Migration, a mesmerising wildlife spectacle in the Serengeti. July Always wanted to ogle a gorilla in the wild? Now is the time. The first of Uganda's two dry seasons brings prime conditions for a Cox & Kings tailor-made tour, trekking into its mountainous forests to watch troops of rare mountain gorillas. Bolivia offers the chance to step back in time to a country that has stayed true to its cultural riches, and it also features some breathtaking natural wonders, such as Lake Titicaca. Closer to home, Slovenia is simply stunning in summer: combine beach days on its sliver of Adriatic coast and hikes and lake swims in its pretty alpine region.. See Uganda's magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in June Credit : Getty August With warm temperatures and long daylight hours, the Baltic countries of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia and their historic cities and pretty landscapes are at their most enchanting in August – see them all on a small-group tour. The summer months are the perfect time to make the most of Norway's untouched nature too. And in Zimbabwe, dry season begins, meaning the country's wildlife heads to watering holes, making a safari an extra special experience. September If Uzbekistan isn't on your travel list it should be. This alluring Central Asian nation celebrates its first major biennial in September 2025, with the opening of a range of new museums and galleries celebrating the country's modern culture and ancient heritage. In Italy, as the summer crowds thin out, the wine harvest begins and its white truffle season in Piedmont. Over in Colombia, September brings ideal weather for discovering the myriad wonders of the Coffee Triangle and its balmy coastline. Be sure to add a trip to Uzbekistan on your list for September Credit : Getty October The shoulder season in Madagascar sees the perfect weather for discovering the island's extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife – this month offers average highs of 25C to 30C. Looking for a closer escape? The weather is still enticingly warm in Turkey and 29 October marks Republic Day, a national celebration where public squares and parks burst into life with colourful processions, live music and festivities. A tour of Yunnan Province in south west China delivers a riot of autumnal colours in October, and the scenery is at its most spellbinding. November Head to Oaxaca and Lake Patzcuaro in Mexico on 1-2 November for the Día de Muertos – the Day of the Dead festival – a vibrant celebration of the legacies of the dearly departed. November is late spring in Argentina, with warm, clear weather and recent rains making it perfect for visiting the stunning landscapes of Salta in the north and a perfect time to visit the rugged wonders of Patagonia. The otherworldly landscapes of Salta await visitors to Argentina in November Credit : Getty December Saudi Arabia has fully opened up to tourism and is emerging as a unique destination that blends ancient heritage, dramatic landscapes and dazzling futurism. With cooler temperatures this month, it's an ideal time to explore. Thailand also enjoys perfect temperatures, with the dry season in the north making this month ideal for soaking up culture in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, followed by trekking to visit hill tribes. Find out more and book your specialist tour at or call 0333 060 3239
