Waters of unity

Kumbh, the festival of bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is an age-old practice in India. The ancient philosophers perceived the confluence of these rivers as a fusion that generates synergy in society. Even today the spirit of yesteryear continues to reign over these waters. Although predominately a Hindu mela, there is a sizeable representation of other communities among the bathers 8212; and one just has to see the teeming throngs at the Ardh Kumbh, at present taking place at Allahabad, to realise that the Kumbh also represents a confluence of religions, cultures and civilisations.

It is this spirit of festivity that is undermined because of the terrorist threat that looms over events of this kind. The mindless votaries of violence little realise the significance of what they seek to destroy. Preparations at the Kumbh begin with the erection of tent colonies. The tailors who stitch the tents are predominantly Muslims. The fabricators of pontoon bridges are again from the minority community. The electricians, masons and carpenters during the preparatory stage have a sizable representation from the minority community. The musicians, who add immeasurably to the festivities, are invariably Muslims.

Participation in the Kumbh is strictly self-driven. During an earlier Kumbh Mela, there was a great deal of outrage when one enterprising bureaucrat wanted a political dignitary to inaugurate the mela. It was seen as a violation of the traditions of an event that needs no formal invitation and has no formal opening nor closing ceremony. It is an event that is welcome to all, irrespective of any worldly considerations. Akbar8217;s fort stands guard to the Sangam confluence. This benevolent king provided facilities for the smooth conduct of the mela during his reign. It was a secular event even then. Europeans, Asians, and even Africans come 8212; each for their own reason.

Today, too, people come for various reasons. Some come to have a drag of hash, others to see the land of snake charmers and naked sadhus, still others in pursuit of peace. Most touching, for instance, was the visit of a young girl from Israel, who once came to a Kumbh Mela for just a day in order to pray for peace in her region. This is the Kumbh Mela8217;s spirit. Where is the room for terror and hatred in this?

The writer was SSP at Allahabad when the Kumbh Mela was held in 2001