Kumbha (Revised and Updated): The Traditionally Modern Mela

by Nityananda Misra

In this lucid and enlightening account, Nityananda Misra takes the reader on a whirlwind journey through the modern Kumbha Mela, the largest pilgrimage and the biggest festival in the world attended by crores of people.

The book details the origin and symbolism of the Kumbha Mela, its dates and venues, and its awe-inspiring organization that has been called a wonder of modern-day management. It provides a personal close-up view of the visitors at the largest human gathering on earth-the sadhus, the kalpavasis, the tirthayatris, and members of new-age Hindu movements. The author sheds considerable light on the cultural aspects (literature, arts, and music) of the Kumbha and argues how the mela is perhaps the most diverse and inclusive human gathering and how the tradition is immortal, as if made so by the nectar of immortality which is believed to have spilled on the sites of the Kumbha Mela. Throughout the book, the author shows how diverse participants come and work together at the Kumbha Mela following the spirit of samgacchadhvam (“come together”)-a spirit that permeates the mela in his view.

The author captures his personal experience too in Prayaga, Nashik, and Ujjain, leaving an anecdotal touch to the narrative. The final chapter presents an overview of the upcoming Ardha Kumbha Mela in Prayaga in 2019.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2019

About the author

Nityananda Misra is an IIM Bangalore graduate who works as a quantitative analyst in the investment banking industry. He is passionate about Indian culture, especially classical and medieval Indian literature, classical and folk Indian music, and traditional fine arts and performing arts of India. He is an amateur researcher, editor, and author in the field of Hinduism and Indology. He has edited, translated, or authored seven books so far in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English on Hindu religion, philosophy, and spirituality. He designs and typesets his books himself.

Reviews

[Anuradha Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this book while visiting Kumbha and it made me appreciate it far better. Detailed review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/kumbha-...

[Nilesh Patil · Rating 2 out of 5]

It mostly talks about how kumbha is evolving.

[Arunayan Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although written from personal experiences, the author gave an account of the mela with its various forms.

[Sanhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of facts and figures.
A glimpse of an overview. The Kumbh is a must experience for anyone.

[Vivek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author talks about the origin of the kumbh mela, history, Akharas, his personal experience and most importantly the undying spirit of mela. There are a lot of instances where Nityanand failed to make a good story. Sometimes he just moved from one topic to another without a proper flow. I preordered this book and completed this book during my Kumbh mela visit. I had a great experience at Pragraj and one of the reasons is this book.