Maha Kumbh, the largest religious gathering in the world, has evolved over the years, blending traditions with modernity. Today, the event is not only a symbol of India’s rich heritage, but also a showcase of how modern technology can enhance a spiritual experience.
From modern surveillance technology, including drones, and CCTV cameras, to adventure sports centres, Maha Kumbh has grown and evolved for its crowd, which is now mostly dominated by youths between 20 and 25 years of age. With cultural performances, exhibitions, talks, curated tours and holiday experiences – the fair has transformed through the years to cater to its visitors from all over the world.
Numerous food, snacks and book stalls have been set up across the mela area and in Prayagraj city. Alok Kumar, a resident of Mirzapur, was in one such stall, waiting for his turn to get a copy of Aarti Sangrah. The book is a collection of Aartis published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. "We have grown up listening to Aartis in our villages. Getting this book for free is a pleasant experience for me. This initiative will give people an opportunity to understand the Sanatan culture,” he said.
Aarti Sangrah
At the Maha Kumbh, the Adani Group, in collaboration with Gita Press, is distributing 1 crore copies of Aarti Sangrah among devotees. The first edition of the book was published in 1953, with 97 editions printed to date.
Dr Lalmani Tiwari, manager, Gita Press, said the Aartis have been compiled in both Sanskrit and Hindi. The oldest and most popular Hindi Aarti, 'Om Jai Jagdish Hare,' written by Pandit Shraddharam Sharma Phillauri in 1875, remains an integral part of rituals across India.
Much like Maha Kumbh, the century-old Gita Press has also embraced modern technology. Now, many of its books are available online for free. An official from Gita Press said people from about 15 countries regularly access Sanatan literature through their website. The initiative with the Adani Group at the Maha Kumbh aims to connect the youth to the Sanatan culture, the official added.
Adani Group at Maha Kumbh
The Adani Group and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have joined hands to serve meals to devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mahaprasad will be offered every day for the entire duration of the fair, which will end on February 26. Nearly 2,500 volunteers are involved in this initiative. Golf carts have been arranged for the differently abled, elderly, and mothers with children.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani visited Prayagraj with his family on 21 January. The family offered prayers at the Triveni Sangam and Gautam Adani visited the camp of ISKCON temple, offered prayers and helped in the preparation of Mahaprasad. He also served the sacred meal to devotees and later joined them in having the Mahaprasad, along with his family.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela draws millions of visitors and devotees every day, it is seen as an example of how century-old traditions embrace modernity and how traditions are celebrated and shared in the digital age.
