At The Indian Express Round Table Conference, held in Kolkata on Monday, speakers described Maha Kumbh as a cultural experience, and a melting pot of culture.
The theme of the discussion was “Maha Kumbh: A confluence of culture and modern infrastructure”, and was presented by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
Taking part in the discussion, actor Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee said though he is not a believer of God and finds more divinity in Rabindra Tagore’s writings, Kumbh mela is important.”
“There is a cultural inclusion that the Kumbh mela brings. The mela is not only about the yatra now, it is also a tourist attraction. Like Durga Puja in Bengal, the Kumbh mela is highly commercialised now… The mela is a huge opportunity to showcase local artisans, and the respective government needs to understand this.”
GM Kapur of Kolkata Chapter INTACH said: “The Kumbh Mela is a symbol of unity, inclusion. Pilgrims from diverse backgrounds come together for shared spirituality. The Kumbh Mela is a platform of social and philosophical exchange.”
Reshmi Chatterjee, a museologist, spoke about the ways the youth could be connected or drawn to the Kumbh Mela. “Kumbh is a pot of Amrit and the youth is very aware of the preservation of the environment or river conservation. We are going back to our roots and it is a platform for bonding. To connect the youths, the schools can hold excursions as it is a wonderful place to learn,” Chatterjee added.
Professor and poet Dr Somrita Ganguly said she wants to visit the Kumbh Mela this year. “If not now, then when? As a Bengali, I immediately thought of Durga Puja. How people of all caste, creed, and religion visit pandals and no one is there to check the identity cards . Kumbh is also such a cultural experience. The mela is a melting pot of culture.”
Sanjay Kothari, founder Just Holidays, spoke on the tourism aspect of the Kumbh Mela. “India is a place of pilgrimage and people who have money are ready to spend it for comfort. This year the Maha Kumbh will witness more tourists.”
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated after every 12 years, will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.