Myanmar delegate joins guests from 187 countries at the Kumbh Mela 2019 in India

23 February 2019
Myanmar delegate joins guests from 187 countries at the Kumbh Mela 2019 in India

Foreign delegates from 188 countries who visited Kumbh Mela 2019 at the invitation of the Indian government, including a delegate from Myanmar.

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred or holy river. Tens of millions of devotees and visitors are attending.

According to Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the tradition of Kumbh Mela is ancient and it has continued because of its eternal relevance.

As he notes, this is possibly the largest peaceful congregation of humanity, with millions expected to attend over the duration of the event. People with all sorts of cultural and religious backgrounds from across India come to the event.

The President of the ICCR extended his warm welcome to the many foreign guests. Mizzima Editor in Chief Soe Myint represented Myanmar at on the visit.

As Vinay Sahasrabuddhe noted, visitors are coming from virtually all the countries of the world, gaining an opportunity to “witness the divinity and majesty of this spiritual confluence.”

Kumbh is a symbol of peace and harmony amongst all human beings. The Kumbh Mela has been inscribed on the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2017. This reflects the significance of Kumbh worldwide. Kumbh at Prayagraj encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, social and cultural customs and practices making it extremely rich in knowledge.

Kumbh also signifies the coming together of people from various cultures from all across the world and participating in the spectacle that is the largest peaceful congregation of humanity. Participating in the ritual of the holy bath at the Ghats is an honor and a privilege.

The UP Government has envisioned Divya and Bhavya Kumbh scheduled from January 15 to March 31, 2019.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new Airport Complex, and an Integrated Command and Control Centre for the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj on December 16. PM Modi also performed Ganga Pujan, and visited the Swachh Kumbh Exhibition. PM Modi visited the Akshay Vat in Prayagraj and laid the Foundation Stone for various development projects at Andawa in Prayagraj.

Addressing a large gathering on his visit, Modi announced that pilgrims for the Kumbh this time will be able to visit the Akshay Vat. He also said the government is making every effort to ensure good connectivity to Prayagraj. The projects inaugurated would help both infrastructure and connectivity. He said the new airport terminal had been completed in a record time of one year.

According to the Indian PM, every effort is being made to ensure a unique experience for devotees coming for the Kumbh. He said the effort is to showcase India’s glorious past, and vibrant future.PM Modi also said the government is working to ensure a clean Ganga River. He said the sewage treatment plants and beautification of Ghats would go a long way in this regard.

As the organizers say, they have resolved to provide an unforgettable pilgrimage experience to the devotees visiting Kumbh.

A visit to the Kumbh Mela is said to be a life-transforming event. Blending the grand traditions of Kumbh with the deployment of modern techniques and solutions so that the kalpavasis, spiritual gurus, dignitaries, foreign visitors and the pilgrims have a life emancipating experience during their visit to Prayagraj, according to the event’s official website.