At the Kumbh Mela, the myriad hues of faith and belief are on vivid display. Even the biting cold fails to dampen the enthusiasm of the devoted. Among them is 60-year-old Rohini Jha from the Maithili region of Bihar, engaging in Kalpavas by the sacred confluence. During this time, she rests on the bare ground of her riverside shelter, rises with dawn for her ablutions, and consumes a single meal a day.
Rohini Jha counts herself among over a million devotees observing Kalpavas at the Kumbh Mela. This is her 11th Kalpavas, with her introduction to this spiritual discipline occurring at four years old alongside her parents.
In conversation with a news agency, the elderly Rohini Jha expressed, "It is considered auspicious to undergo at least 12 Kalpavas. Rituals begin as devotees set up temporary tents, the first step in this spiritual journey."
She added, "During Kalpavas, devotees retreat from the comforts of home, embracing a simple lifestyle symbolizing detachment from material possessions."
Source: aajtak
Rohini Jha attends the Kalpavas with seven family members, all seniors, describing it as "a practice of living amid hardship." She elaborates, "It is believed that the more difficulties one faces during Kalpavas, the more fruitful it becomes... one feels closer to the divine, liberated from worldly pleasures and worries."
She reminisces, "As a child, I slept on sand. Now, though older, I continue to spread my bed on it. The rules of Kalpavas are strict, yet people adopt them more flexibly... however, the essence of Kalpavas remains crucial. As per Rohini, I take a sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati Rivers at least twice daily."
Source: aajtak
Indeed, Kalpavasis forego modern conveniences, opting to reside in temporary tents near the confluence. Their routine encompasses holy baths, spiritual discussions, and listening to devotional music, all aimed at promoting spiritual growth and internal purity. Family and friends visit Kalpavasis to partake in blessings and rituals, even if unable to commit to the entire month or maintain strict routines.
Another Kalpavasi, Sivanand Pandey (51), noted, "Kalpavas typically commences with planting banana, basil, and barley. Fasting and disciplined living are encouraged."
Source: aajtak
At the confluence, a lawyer on a month's leave for Kalpavas shared, "Kalpavasis resolve to camp by the cold banks, fully devoting themselves to religious activities and immersing three times in the chilly yet holy waters, adhering to principles of restraint, nonviolence, and devotion."
Neha Pandey, who completed 12 Kalpavas, now accompanies her husband post-retirement, citing health as a reason for abstention from vows but stresses the importance of 'seva' or service during Kalpavas. Immersing again at dawn in the confluence is a sacred ritual believed to purify both body and soul, considered highly auspicious during various astrological alignments, known as Kumbh Snan.
Source: aajtak
Veteran Kalpavasi, 75-year-old Gopal Nunwal, observed the Kumbh's evolution—from growing pilgrim numbers to the tent city's changing landscape. Yet, the essence of Kalpavas endures. It is not an event but a lifestyle renaissance, a moment of reconnection with one's inner self and the divine.
For the Sharma family from Baliya, Kalpavas is an age-old tradition. VK Sharma views it as a reunion of three generations pitching tents in familiar territories by the Ganga. Elders narrate tales of youthful Kalpavas experiences, while the younger generation absorbs the essence of these stories and rituals.
Source: aajtak
Kalpavas, extending from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima, remains an integral legacy of spiritual heritage over centuries. Its mention in various Vedic texts, including the Mahabharata and Ramcharitmanas, underscores its deep-rooted significance in Hindu spirituality.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand religious congregation held every 12 years, kicked off on January 13 in Prayagraj and spans 45 days. Over seven crore pilgrims have taken the holy dip at the confluence so far. Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chaturvedi of Kumbh Nagar anticipates the arrival of over 1.5 million Kalpavasis, noting that most Kalpavasis bring along at least two or three companions. Arrangements are made to ensure a seamless experience without challenges. While many Kalpavasis stay in tents associated with spiritual gurus or religious organizations, some families independently make arrangements, receiving assistance for a fulfilling spiritual journey.
