In an initiative by Director of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri and under the leadership of Assistant Keeper, Rakesh Bhatt a nine-member team commenced research work at Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv in Ujjain. The month-long Mahaparv will be covered in three parts by research teams of Manav Sangrahalaya. Along with the social scientists two senior photographers and two video cameramen are covering various aspects of the festival.
The first team under Bhatt commenced the documentation work with ‘Peshvai’ of major Akharas. On the opening day and first Royal Holy Dip (Shahi Snan) day was held Friday April 22, IGRMS divided the team in two groups – the first group covered the holy dip at the Ram Ghat and the second group documented the grand processions to the river banks by all the Akharas.
Director of Manav Sangrahalaya, Prof Chaudhuri said “Sangrahalaya has formed three teams which will document largest religious festival with an expected turnout of 50 million devotees in written, photographs and video format.
The first team has commenced the documentation work commencing with first Shahi Sanan.”
In this research and documentation all major Akharas - Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara, Panchayati anand akhara, Panchayati Mahanirvani akhara, Nirvani Ani Akhara, Nirmal Akhara, Digambar ani akhara, Nirmohi Akhara, Panchayati Naya Udaseen Akhara, Panch Atal Akhara, Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara, Panchayati bada udasin akhara, Panchayati Agni Akhara, Panchayati Avhan Akhara etc will be covered along with their customs and religious beliefs and activities.