Kumbh Mela

When the question of whether or not we had heard of the largest gathering in our world arose like any other I figured of course, common it’s the largest gathering of people in the world, how could I not? Yet, faith had failed me. I had never heard of this so called ‘Kumbh Mela’, the ‘world’s most massive act of faith’ and that caught my interest. Reading article after article the traditions and faith these people have is unwavering, I do not follow any religion or really believe in astrology or upper powers so looking at pictures and reading about the masses of people gathering isn’t something that would naturally capture my attention. As I looked deeper there is much more to this overwhelming gathering,  people live on the side of the river for weeks showing their faith, bathing in freezing waters, listening to spiritual elders speak, little communities with all the essential parts of life bloom and as powerful as it would be I could never venture around the world to do such a task. Not that it’s not an amazing feat but man I’d be scared, so many people are  trampled to death and sustain injuries, not only are there tremendous risks to attend such an event but being a Caucasian would put a target on ones back as well. Maybe my lack of spontaneity or enthusiasm has kept me in the dark as to the world’s largest gathering because for a country to be able to maintain order with millions upon millions of humans travelling to your country would take up a certain amount of time and money to be adequately prepared. How did I never hear of any of this on the news? I have yet to figure out why this has never been a big issue I’ve heard of but am quite interested to see how it goes for all of the followers who pour their hearts into the river this year. Hopefully all goes well in India.