ALLAHABAD: The Kumbh MeJa held every 12 years was in full swing as millions of barefoot Hindus from across India jostled and pushed their way to take a dip at the confluence of two sacred rivers ‘on February 6 in hopes it would bring them eternal salvation.
An estimated 15 million people bathed at river banks in this central Indian city during the day, many starting as early as4.am. Authorities said.
Hindus believe that the Lord Brahma, the creator of the Earth and one of the ruling trinity of a pantheon of gods and goddesses, awakes at that hour.
The bathing is the high point of the seven week Kumbh Mela festival, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records is the largest religious gathering on Earth.
‘The grand show was a grand success,” said Ravindra Gupta, the Deputy Commissioner of Allahabad. “It was a difficult day for us but it’s over.”
His relief came from the fact that the fair a logistical nightmare at the best of times had ended without any major problems.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 10, 1989
