The Naga sadhus are important figures at the Maha Kumbh, with their long dreadlocks, bodies covered in ash, and holding tridents, swords, and wooden sticks. These items show their dedication and strength. Traditionally, this brotherhood of warrior ascetics came from higher castes, tracing their roots back to Adi Shankaracharya. But something new happened at this Maha Kumbh: more than 20% of new Naga sadhus came from Dalit and tribal backgrounds, marking a significant change in society’s rules. Out of 8,715 people who decided to live like Naga sadhus, 1,850 were from Dalit or tribal communities.
Also, around 250 women, known as Naga sadhvis, took on this strict path. They came from places like the forests of Chhattisgarh, riverside villages in Bengal, and the hills of Arunachal and Tripura. These women left their old lives behind, shaved their heads, and performed a special ritual called Pind Daan to symbolize their new beginning, free from caste and lineage. They are now focused only on their spiritual journey.
The Maha Kumbh will officially end on February 26, but the 13 akharas (groups of sadhus) are beginning to leave. The first sign of this is when they lower their flags. After a final special bath on Basant Panchami, the akharas are having a traditional meal called ‘kadhi pakoda’ before departing. These akharas belong to different groups that worship Lord Shiva, Lord Ram, or Lord Krishna.
On February 7, the Naga sanyasis from the Juna akhara will start to leave. They will have their ‘kadhi pakoda’ feast and then lower their flags. Their journey will begin with a stop in Kashi, where they will join in a large celebration, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, play a special version of Holi, and take a holy dip in the Ganga before heading back to their own places.
Seers from the Awahan and Panch Agni akharas will also participate in similar celebrations in Kashmir before returning home. Some Bairagi akharas will head to Ayodhya or Vrindavan, while the Udasin and Nirmal akharas will travel to Punjab, especially Anandpur Sahib.
After Basant Panchami, the Holy dips at the Maha Kumbh will mostly be for everyday devotees, as the seers of the akharas will not stay for these events.
Leave a Reply