Words – Shivendra Kant Tewari
Shivendra Kant Tewari, a dynamic IPS officer, balances his demanding profession with a passion for photography. He captures diverse subjects, from wildlife, landscapes, aviation to celestial phenomena. His dedication takes him to destinations all over the world and in India, like Nathu La, Ladakh, the Andaman Islands etc, where he immortalised natural beauty through his camera. His captivating photos transport viewers to lush jungles and azure skies, showcasing his photographic expertise. A recent visit to Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj allowed him to photograph akharas and gain a deeper understanding of life.
As Told to Rohinton Mehta
• Please educate our readers on the practice of Kumbh mela. Why is it called ‘Kumbh’ mela? Where, and when is the mela held?
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. The term Kumbh means “pot,” referring to the mythical pot of nectar (Amrit) obtained after the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The festival symbolizes spiritual purification and liberation.
Kumbh Mela is held at four sacred riverbanks in India—Prayagraj (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati confluence), Haridwar (Ganga), Ujjain (Shipra), and Nashik (Godavari). The festival follows astrological calculations, with the exact dates determined by the positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. Apart from the Purna Kumbh (every 12 years), there is an Ardh Kumbh (every six years) and the Maha Kumbh (every 144 years as in Prayagraj).
Millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics gather to take a holy dip, believing it washes away sins and grants salvation. The event includes spiritual discourses, religious rituals, and processions of Naga Sadhus. It is a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, reflecting India’s rich spiritual traditions and mass faith.
• What is its significance?
Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu gathering. Rooted in the Samudra Manthan myth, the event is held at four locations where drops of divine nectar (Amrit) fell, making them spiritually powerful and according them the status of divinity.
The festival unites millions of devotees, saints, and monks, fostering religious harmony and philosophical discourse. The Amrit/Rajasi Snan (Shahi/Royal bath) by Ascetics/Akharas is a significant ritual, representing renunciation and spiritual awakening. Apart from its religious essence, Kumbh Mela boosts tourism, supports local economies, and showcases India’s diverse cultural heritage. The Mela has a profound socio-cultural and economic impact, attracting global tourists and strengthening India’s cultural identity. It remains a testament to India’s deep spiritual traditions and collective faith.
• The ‘Mela’ offers great opportunities for photographers. Are there any ‘do’s and don’ts’ that photographers should be aware of while interacting saints and photographing holy places?
Kumbh Mela is an event of unparallelled opportunities for photographers, offering vibrant scenes of devotion, ascetic life, and cultural traditions. However, capturing these moments requires sensitivity and respect.
Do’s:
• Seek permission before photographing saints, sadhus, or devotees, especially during prayers and rituals.
• Maintain decorum in holy areas and follow guidelines set by authorities.
• Use natural light for authenticity and avoid intrusive flashes that may disturb rituals.
• Capture the cultural diversity while being mindful of people’s personal space.
• Pay obeisance by greeting Sadhus/Sadhvis and seek permission before taking their pictures. Understand their customs and practices well before approaching them.
• Follow safety & security protocols for self and equipment. Valuables should neither be displayed nor should be exposed during the course of photography. The attire should be subdued and sober.
• Capture the essence of spirituality and culture without altering the authenticity.
• Be mindful of religious sensitivities while composing shots and photography.
• Understand the crowd movement and avoid crowd buildup situations.
• Anticipate the events and identify the vantage positions. Pre-position yourself well in advance
Don’ts:
• Avoid taking pictures of Amrit/Rajasi Snan or private spiritual practices without consent.
• Do not disrupt prayers or religious discourses for the sake of a perfect shot.
• Refrain from clicking images of women in vulnerable moments, ensuring their dignity and privacy.
• Do not use drones or professional equipment in restricted zones, without prior approval.
• Never photograph cremation grounds, meditating sadhus, or restricted ceremonies, without clear and explicit permission.
• Do not use aggressive or intrusive photography methods that invade personal space of the subject.
• Avoid commercializing sacred images, without proper ethical considerations.
• Refrain from clicking images of individuals in distress or depicting them in a negative light
• Do not carry many items/bags, which could prevent efficient handling and its protection.
• Do not wear footwear which are difficult in taking off and putting them on frequently.
Photographers should approach Kumbh Mela with reverence, ensuring their work respects the faith and traditions of the gathering. A responsible approach ensures that Kumbh Mela photography remains respectful, capturing its grandeur while honouring its sanctity.
• Considering the enormous number of devotees, I imagine that there must be lots of pushing and shoving, making it difficult to take photos. Roughly, how many photographers could be there each day of the mela and are there any special facilities for photographers?
Kumbh Mela attracts thousands of photographers daily, including professionals, Photo journalists, and enthusiasts. Given the massive crowds, the movement of photographers can be challenging, especially during Amrit/Rajasi Snan and peak pilgrimage days. Jostling, shoving and pushing invariably happens, due to crowd surge. One should exercise abundant caution with his/her photographic equipment in such a situation. Ideally only one camera with appropriate lens should be in hand, with remaining equipment neatly packed in backpack. The number of photographers varies, but on major bathing days, it can be safely assumed that several thousand media personnel and independent photographers cover the event.
To facilitate smooth coverage by accredited photographers, authorities often set up media canters, exclusive vantagepoints, and designated press zones. Accredited photographers may also receive access passes for restricted areas to capture key moments without obstructing rituals. The administration should provide for elevated platforms and controlled access points for safer and clearer photography. Following crowd management guidelines is crucial to ensuring a smooth experience for both photographers and pilgrims.
• Any other information about the mela that you’d like to give?
Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering but a phenomenon that showcases India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. It is the largest peaceful congregation in the world, attracting millions, including international visitors, scholars, and spiritual seekers. The event has been meticulously planned, with temporary township, medical camps, and security arrangements to manage the vast influx of pilgrims. For the first time ever, Google has amended its policy and allowed the depiction of a temporary township on its map to facilitate the visitors.
Beyond its spiritual importance, Kumbh Mela is a hub for intellectual exchange, where scholars, saints, and spiritual leaders come together to discuss religious texts, philosophies, and practices. The gathering also serves as a platform for yoga and meditation practices, showcasing India’s rich traditions.
Kumbh Mela also has significant socio-economic implications, supporting local economies,
tourism, and infrastructure. The event is also a subject of study for urban planners, crowd management professionals, sociologists, and cultural anthropologists, given its scale and complexity. Kumbh Mela has a profound socio-economic impact, boosting tourism and local businesses.
