|
|
THE MAHA MELA 2001
The most awaited event that occurs after a gap of 144 years is considered
to be the most auspicious of all the Kumbh Melas. The culmination of
twelve Poorna Kumbha melas, one occurring every twelve years, leads to the
Maha Kumbha Mela.
The first Maha Kumbh Mela of the millennium had taken place during
January-February 2001 and was a month long-festival. This gala event
evoked a lot of enthusiasm and religious fervour among the devotees and
excitement in the media. The visitors got to witness the largest
congregation in the world, on this occasion.
The perfect polarization of various benevolent forces at a specific spot,
due to the alignment of planets, constellations, and other celestial
bodies, has an extraordinary effect on our planet. This energy is further
intensified by the presence of thousands of saints and sages who come
together during this cosmic event. This happens every twelve years and
twelve of such events, over a span of 144 years, add up to the grand Maha
Kumbh Mela.
The Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh, 2001
January
9, 2001: Paush Poornima
On this last full moon of winter, many pilgrims reached this sacred site.
January 14, 2001: Makar Sankranti
This day was first of the important bathing days, because according to
the religious belief on this festive day the sun enters the constellation,
Capricorn.
January 24, 2001: Mauni Amavasya
Called 'new moon of the saints', on this day, the saints bathe in the
Sangam, with more than five million people taking their bath in the holy
Ganges. It is considered an auspicious day to initiate new pupils into the
various holy monastic orders.
January 29, 2001: Vasant Panchami
The fifth day of the brighter half of the lunar month, it marks the
advent of spring, in North India.
February 8, 2001: Magh Purnima
This is the full moon of the month Magha (January-February).
February 21, 2001: Maha Shiv Ratri
This is the great night of Lord Shiva and the night is spent singing
devotional songs, in praise of the God.
The Camp, 2001
For
the first time at this festival, a camp offered luxurious accommodation,
security and a unique atmosphere to participate in many activities, both
within and outside the camp.
The campsite, set on a six-acre plot on the banks of Ganges will consist
of two blocks namely, Accommodation and Dining Block and the Activity
Block.
Tented accommodations were the only ones with luxurious facilities. These
tents were also situated at a safer distance from the maddening crowds.
The tents were traditionally designed, with all modern amenities. There
was also a reception tent with money changing facilities, a well-equipped
medical dispensary and dining tents.
Attractions And Activities At Mela, 2001
The Kumbh Mela has become an important meeting ground for the devout
Hindus and its importance has not diminished over the years. The Kumbh is
not without its spiritual debates and disputes on divinity, where new
doctrines are propounded and debated and existing ones are reviewed.
For thousands of traders, shopkeepers and peddlers who gather there, the
mela means business and profits. Many come to enjoy the lively and
colorful bustle of crowds buying curios and magical stuff and generally
having fun.
Daily Yoga Classes for beginners were held and the training
imparted by teachers approved by the All India Yoga Institute.
Kerala Herbal Oil Massage And Naturotherapy Centre was a prime
attraction with basic oil massage followed by a steam bath and various
other courses. 
Daily
New Age Workshop conducted free workshops and hold discussions on New
Age theories.
Daily Audio-Visual Presentation on Indian culture, history,
spirituality, science and literature offered an excellent opportunity for
interaction, to the like-minded people.
Resident Astrologer was available 24 hours a day.
Crafts Mela became an opportunity to the craftsmen from all over
India to display their crafts and people will be able to buy from them
directly.
Daily Evening Performances By Eminent Indian Artists, both
classical and folk, was the most breathtaking feature of the mela.
Ayurvedic, Herbal Medicines And Body Shop sold herbal body
products patented and approved by FDA.
Media And Business Centre has a direct TV uplink and Internet
access.
HOW
TO GET THERE By Air: Closest airport is Varanasi, which is
connected by daily flights from Delhi, from where the camp is about 2-1/2
hours drive.
By Rail:
Allahabad
, which is 15 kms away, is the closest railway station.
By Road: It is on National Highway 2 & 27 that are connected
to the rest of the country by good motorable, all-weather roads.
