The Khumbh Mela is a unique feature of the religious fervour of the Hindus. The peculiar feature has lasted by being religiously celebrated for centuries,, which depict the astute belief of the Hindus in its greatness.

It is believed that, once, ages back some drops of Manna (Amrit) or holy water from Heaven had dropped in this area of the Sangam, and, thenceforward it has begun to be revered as a holy spot. This spot is the place where the three rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati are supposed to meet.

It is believed by the Hindus that, a bath in the river at this point on some specific holy days purifies the human soul and prepares him to have an uninterrupted entry into Heaven. When the time for the Mela comes the area is worth watching when a sea of men, women and children come to wash off their sins.

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every twelve years, and people from every area throng to the place for a dip in the holy rivers. This year, in 2001, people have celebrated the Maha Kumbh which has come after 144 years, and this is the reason for the magnitude and significance of the celebration.

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People of all walks of life, men, women and children, old and young, from India and even from abroad, have come to see the spectacle and enjoy the dip in the holy waters. The scene is to be seen to be believed, as there is a sea of humanity wherever, and as far as the eye can see.

With great discomfort and inconvenience from great distances, people come to take a dip in the ice-cold water in the ice-cold days and nights of January. This scene has to be seen to be believed and understood. All this depicts the blind faith myriads of believers have in the truth of efficacy of this bath being absolutely necessary for the purification of the human soul.

This year at the Maha Kumbh which has to last for a month, massive arrangements have been made to cope with the daily necessities of the pilgrims, which are pouring in, in crores. This Herculean task has been very well done as, the State and Central Governments have joined hands to make it a success.

The arrangements for stay, food, shelter, and above all, the security of the huge masses of population endlessly entering the town have been very well organised. Rail, Air and taxi bookings have all been geared up for the great event.

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This marathon task having been achieved successfully to the satisfaction of all is, I must say, a great action worthy of praise. All this so well done depicts the fact that, if the Government wants to do a job they can do it.

It is a different matter that, they may not wish to perform. The well planned and well organised event of the Kumbh Mela of 2001, has pointed to the fact of Government’s capacity – versus intention.