Kumbh Mela 2019 PART-3 (Attractions of Kumbha Mela 2019)

Previous two blogs were about Kumbh Mela and Guinness World Record made by Kumbh mela 2019. Now, Have a look to some attractions of Kumbha Mela 2019.

Attractions of Kumbh Mela 2019

1- Exhibition

Exhibitions set up at Kumbh Mela informs about govt welfare schemes. Number of exhibitions were set up at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj to Inform, educate and communicate about various welfare schemes implemented by the Government. The exhibitions have been set up by Bureau of Outreach and Communication, BOC of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and State Government Departments.

BY- SUKRITI AGRAWAL

These exhibitions were digital and interactive in nature. Some posters depicting achievements of Government were also exhibited with photographs. Their were various exhibitions educating people about literature of India, poets and author of India. Open library were setup, people can read books written by these authors for free.

Historical Exhibitions were also setup to educate about ancient, medieval and modern History of India, freedom fighter of India, about "Ramayana" and "Krishna".

Exhibitions demonstrating art and culture of India.

BY- SUKRITI AGRAWAL

Exhibition of science, were various facts of flura and funna found in river Ganga was shown, about varieties of food, crop, seeds, flower found in India. Environmental conservation and protection practices were shown.

2- Cultural Event

About five cultural pandals were erected in Ardha Kumbha Mela 2019 to showcase a range of musical performances and folk dances. Of all the pandals, Ganga pandal was the main spot, where all the main events was hosted. Pravachan pandal and about four convention centers hosting spiritual and cultural events was the modern facilities.

Ministry of Culture in a statement said, the Bureau has set up a very high tech exhibition at Triveni Road in sector 1 at Kumbh's exhibition ground. Most of the panels are on Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat, Swachh aur Samridh Bharat, Bapu aur Sardar Ke Sapno Ka Bharat and others.

3- Tourist Walks

Trail begins from Shankar Viman Mandapam

Stop 1 - Bade Hanumanji Temple

Stop 2 - Patalpuri Mandir

Stop 3 - Akshya Vat

Stop 4 - Allahabad Fort

Stop 5 - Ram Ghat

4- Laser Light Show

Pilgrims, both domestic and international, can look forward to a laser light and sound show during the Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2019. A brainchild of the UP State Government, the laser light and sound show was held at the Prayagraj Fort Wall in Allahabad. By introducing this initiative, the state government aims to improve tourism in the city.

5- Akhada (Tent of various sadhu and sant)

Millions of "shradhalu" visited these "pandal" tent to meet/see and to listen sadhu and sant. "Akhada", considered an integral part of the Kumbh Mela. The 'akharas' were formed following efforts by the eighth century Hindu seer "Adi Shankaracharya" to unite organisations of ascetics to protect the 'sanatan' way of life.

Each 'akhara' houses followers of similar religious customs, views and ideologies, who specialise in both scriptures and armaments.

According to Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Narendra Giri, 'akharas' may be categorised into three categories based on the deities they worship -- Shaiva, Vaishnava and Udaseen.

Of the 13 'akharas', seven are Shaiva and three each are Vaishnava and Udaseen, Giri said.

The word 'akhara' came from the word 'akhand' which means "indivisible", he said.

Above is the pictue of "SHIVIR" (Tent) of SWAMI AVDHESHANAND GIRI

In above picture, Swami Avdheshanand Giri in center surrounded by shradhalu . Swamiji is guru of thousands and an inspiration to million of people across the globe. He is the revered head of the largest and oldest order of saint- The Juna Akhada.

Also a board member of the World council of religious Leader, Chairman of Hindu Dharam Acharya Sabha.

Shivir of Swami Avdheshanand Giri was well equipped with all the facilities lecture hall, hawan kund, laundry hall, kitchen, storage, hunders of room for shradhalu, big dinning rooms, stall of various organic products, medicine facility, graden with fresh organic vegetables and much more.

Kinnar Akhada was one of the iconic akhada, this akhada was of Transgenders.

6- Shahi snan

'Shahi snan' is the central highlight of the Kumbh Mela and the most important part of the celebration. It is only after the completion of 'shahi snan' that people are allowed to take the holy dip.

The auspicious bathing days of the 2019 Kumbh Mela were Makar Sankranti (January 15), Paush Poornima (January 21), Mauni Amawasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Poornima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4).

7- Thematic Gates

It featured more than 25 thematic gates at the roads connected to the Mela grounds and at the entrance gates leading to different zones in the Mela area. Ideated by the Uttar Pradesh government, the thematic gates will be distinctly made and display the local culture and heritage. The organizers used the local construction methods to make them practically viable and reusable.

8- Cruise rides

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) offered cruise services Yamuna River near Sangam Ghat for the entire duration of Kumbha Mela 2019.In addition, the Mela organizers gave boats and vessels to enhance the festive experience.