Dwaine potts

Rel-1000
Dr. Alisa Perkins
July 19, 2015
Journal: Kumbh Mela
The main ritual event of the Khumb Mela is a mass group bathing for the purification
from past sins. Bathing in Hinduism is a very religious practice because it represents a
purification of the body and the inner being. That being said bathing in a river is an extremely
spiritual thing and bathing in the Ganges is the most spiritual form of bathing or cleansing. After
bathing it is traditional to offer up marigold flowers and pray while lifting the water and letting it
fall back as a gift to the deity.
Rashom has come for the cleansing of his sins or karma but also for to begin a life long
change for himself. Rashom has come to the Kumbh Mela with his Guru Swami Vishwananda,
whom he had recently met at a Yoga class. This journey for him was very special and important
because he was able to share it with his Guru. A Guru being a spiritual leader who takes
responsibility for your spiritual journey and serves as a guide.
Kanan Thakerar- London based business woman who has come to Khumb to be the best
person she can be. She was raised in a very orthodox Hindu family. As a young adult she became
more liberal in her beliefs but she is not searching deeper in the spiritual side of her faith. She
describes he religious life to be a series of currents where sometimes she is more spiritual than

not but says there is always this under current of of passion or her religion that she believes to be
in her blood.
Riya Thakerar- Currently studying economics in London, is looking to prepare herself
mentally and spiritually. She is not very religious only going to the temple for special occasions
or events.
Sadhus- Renouncers. They live lives of sacrifice not to receive anything because there in
not guarantee that anything will come of it; however they give blessings to people. It is an
interesting thought that these people who have detached themselves from earthly desires and
distractions give their blessings upon the same earthly people they have detached themselves
from. It is also interesting because most major religions in the world share this in common to
some degree.
Shivali- Shivali has come to the Kumbh not only to pray and bath but also for inspiration
for her artistry. Shivali is a pop singer who sings devotional Hindu pop songs. She is also a
follower of Shiva the destroyer. It was also a part of her experience at Kumbh this year that
she was not sure if she had the faith required to take the dip in the river to be cleansed. She does
however put her hands in the water and pray to the lord to apologize to the lord for not truly
taking a dip.
Helen OHagen- Has come to experience the energy of Kumbh. She has recently come
out of silence which is a practice of being silent and making no eye contact with other humans
except for ones Guru.