Have you heard of the kumba mela?

The Kumba mela is the largest religious gathering worldwide with up to 40 million people attending. It happens once every 12 years and takes place at the meeting of the three river- The Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

The event takes place in Prayagraj was chosen because it’s believed to be one of four places where the drops of eternal life were spilled from an urn being fought over by Hindu gods and demons.

As part of the festival, thousands line up on the banks of the Ganges and the Yamuna, where the rivers meet, believing the water will wash away sins and help them to avoid evil. Some also believe that the water can cure illness and disease.

The Kumba mela has many camps of sadhus (monks), many of these people can perform the most magical acts which we would seem impossible to the human eye.

The nitty gritty

‘The event spans 40 square kilometres, comparable to 4,000 football pitches, where organisers have created a massive city of 160,000 tents.

Much like a music festival, there are areas for food, merchandise, and entertainment as well as tents for religious leaders to give readings.

Visitors can fly in, get the train or use the 400km (248.5 miles) of freshly tracked road, including 30 floating bridges to get to the festival.

The tents of the temporary city on the first bathing day of the Kumbh Mela festival.

Meanwhile, electric substations, clean water supply lines, 150,000 toilets and over 200km of sewage lines have all been built too.

Water quality monitoring systems have been installed along the river banks to track pollution.

And, if anyone gets ill, there are doctors on site and temporary hospitals.

Security will be overseen by a 50,000-strong police force, aided by thousands of AI-enabled cameras and drones that will monitor crowds from above.

Radio Frequency Identification wristbands and mobile apps will track the pilgrim numbers and size of crowds and, for the first time ever at such a large scale event, facial recognition technology will be used to make sure people are safe.

It’s estimated $815m (£661m) has been spent in total on the organisation and building needed for the festival.’ – BBC

Conclusion

This brings me back to the power of our mind and our limited belief system. Many of us remain trapped in our rigid belief systems and deep down are too frightened of the unknown and change.

How do we break free and are you stuck in your story?

Dm me to set up your FREE discovery call NOW!

Bibliography

BBC

About the Author: Nisha Srivastava

Nisha is a certified level 3 Chek practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach specialising in Pilates and Yoga. Her journey started when a visiting Laban teacher introduced her to Pilates at Dance College in a contemporary class during her first year. Its effects were forgotten but she then re-discovered Pilates through Michael King eleven years later whilst running her dance school. Her background spans over 32 years with formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, tap, national choreography, stage production and theatre. Her formation includes Pilates, Thai bodywork, Yoga, GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, Garuda and anatomical studies. Her particular interest is fascia, and the connective lines and movement patterns that allow a full moving structure rather than the isolation of bones and muscles. Her fascination with questioning the traditions of modern medicine and fascination with searching for meaningful answers has taken her in many different directions and has offered her an abundance of opportunities gaining a wealth of knowledge. “I tried many movement modalities and extended my search after experiencing fascia, because of its connection of movement. Quickly, I noticed my own body changing, as well as the bodies of my own clients. In the last 32 years of teaching I’ve developed my own movement and lifestyle philosophy". Throughout her studies Nisha has done numerous dissections with Julian Baker, Mel Cash and Cery Davies and has the opportunity to take lectures and courses from James de Silva, Robert Schleip, Joanne Avison, Tom Myers, Matt Wallden, Leigh Brandon, Emma Lane, Gary Carter, Paul Chek, Dan Hellman, Peter Blackaby plus many more. Nisha's teaching method promotes reflective self-discovery and provides the requirements to integrate a shift in consciousness for attaining individual goals. Nisha teaches in her own studios in St. Helens and Manchester, plus she also has an online following. Throughout her career she has also taught Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Cirque de Soleil, Will Young and Belinda Carlisle. She has also worked in professional football and both Rugby League and Union for over 20 years. Players she has provided a specific program for were former Manchester Citys Vincent Kompany, Everton's Steven Pinnear and goal keeper Jonas Lossi. She maintains that an attitude of compassion, consistency and joyous humour are excellent components to growth and expanded potential. She welcomes all level of movers from the beginner to the seasoned athlete who have a desire to increase their skill potential, also teachers and students. Her specialties include assisting post rehabilitative back pain individuals, injury prevention for athletes and spine health for everyday people.