A Spiritual Gathering


  • Photographer
    Colleen Pinski
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Date of Photograph
    2-6-13
  • Technical Info
    Shot with Canon 1ds DSLR

Millions of people journey across the globe to cleanse their soul and renew their spirit by bathing in the sacred Ganges River at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad, India. This religious ceremony is the largest pilgrimage of faith in the world. It defines love and religious dedication.

Story

A Spiritual Gathering

Millions of people journey across the globe to cleanse their soul and renew their spirit by bathing in the sacred Ganges River. The Maha Kumbh Mela only occurs once every 144 years in Allahabad, India. This religious ceremony is a peaceful gathering in which the largest pilgrimage of faith takes place. It was estimated that 100 million people would make the journey. The Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati Rivers merge together to form the holy bathing site. This rare event coincides with the location and alignment of the sun, moon, Jupiter, and zodiacal positions. Hindus from all over the world travel countless miles to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela ritual. It is a time for devotion and prayer.

Some people will sacrifice over 20 hours in one day to bathe in the holy waters and then travel back home in the same day. The ceremony consists of paying one’s respect to the Mother Ganges and then offering the waters to the gods as homage. Sadhus, or holy men, come down from their remote cave homes high in the Himalayan Mountains to take part in this holy bath. Devoted to living a life of service and solitude, they are widely respected for their faithfulness and religious practices. Covered in white ash, these men bless themselves and others who look upon them. The Kumbh Mela is a ritual not only for Hindus, but also for many different religions.

Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and numerous other beliefs also participate in this spiritual tradition. This festival defines love and religious dedication. Masses of believers converge into the sacred Ganges River for religious intentions. Devotees emblematically bathe away their sins in a “holy dip”. Many come to find enlightenment. Others come to be cleansed and purified by the energy created from the harmony of the waters. As these rivers unite, so do the beliefs of millions of people.

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