PRAYAG: Following the third and the last Shahi Snaan on Basant Panchami, saints and seers along with thousands of Naga Sadhus camping in various akharas have started to bid adieu to the second Kumbh of the century, Maha Kumbh 2013.
While the Nagas of Shaiv Akharas, which have been center of attraction for devotees and tourists alike, will head towards the city of salvation-Kashi (Varanasi), the seers of Vaishnav and Udaseen Akharas will disperse and head towards their respective destinations from Prayag (Allahabad). After the shahi snaan, seers of all seven Shaiv Akharas including Mahanirwani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Juna, Ahwaan and Agni, following the ancient tradition on such occasions, have started dismantling the akharas. After enjoying a sumptuous treat of kadhi-pakora and loosening the strings that kept the Naga ‘dharm dwajha‘ (saffron flag) fluttering atop their respective camps, the seers have begun to disperse and head towards Varanasi.
At Kashi, the Seers and Naga Sadhu, of the Shaiv Akharas, will take a dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Maha Shivratri on March 10 and play Holi with colours to celebrate a successful Maha Kumbh before dispersing. The reason for the seers to head to Varanasi for these rituals and not perform them at Allahabad is the inauspicious planetary configuration called Panchak or Dhanista Panchakam. Dhanista, Shatbhishak, Poorvabhadrapada, Uttarbhadrapada and Revati Nakshatras are known as Panchaks and it occurs when the moon’s longitude exists between 296 and 360 degrees. In Southern India, this constellation of five stars is called Dhanistha Panchakam. According to Hindu scriptures, no auspicious events are carried out during this period.
The three Vaishnav Akharas, including Shri Dighambar Ani, Shri Nirwani Ani and Shri Nirmohi Ani, as well as those of the three Akharas of Udaseen sect including Shri Panchayati Bada Udaseen, Shri 
Panchayati Naya Udaseen and Shri Nirmal Panchayati too have begun preparations for leaving the Maha Kumbh.
For thousands of pilgrims performing Kalpwas on the banks of Sangam the departure is another 10 days away as their month-long camping and a life of austerity will come to an end only with the bathing of Maghi Purnima on February 25. Because of adverse conditions following the recent heavy rains, many of these Kalpwasis too have been leaving the Mela. – Times of India, 20 February 2013
Overnight downpour wreaks havoc at Mahakumbh Mela
Prayag: Despite a flood-like situation and nearly half-submerged tents in Maha Kumbh, a large number of kalpvasis have refused to shift from there to over 26 schools vacated for them in Allahabad city.
The rain on Saturday night played havoc, leaving over 100,000 resident pilgrims high and dry as at least 20,000 tents sunk in an incessant downpour and cyclonic winds. The rainfall in Allahabad broke all records with 60 mm (2.4 inches) downpour in the last 24 hours.
At least 15 sadhus and 20 kalpvasis have also sustained injuries and been admitted to several hospitals in Mela and the city. Interestingly, while the sadhus started leaving the Mela area on Saturday morning and the security forces shifted to the vacated schools, a large number of kalpvasis stayed back.
The month-long kalpvas (staying near Sangam to perform round the clock rituals) which had started on January 25 would conclude on February 25. The kalpvasis during this period cook their food on their own and take it once a day. They also take a holy dip two or three times a day and continuously worship all the Hindu gods.
The impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds was so intense that all 18 magnificent gates which were erected to welcome the pilgrims collapsed. A large number of electric poles also fell on the ground resulting in complete blackout. A.K. Mittal, designated nodal officer of UP Power Corporation said the department was working on a war footing to restore electricity supply in the camps.
Ramawati Devi, a kalpvasi of Madhya Pradesh’s Satna said, “We have completed our 22 days of kalpvas. So leaving holy Sangam area eight days before wouldn’t be a wise decision. It is God’s place where we are staying and taking holy bath every day. How will we come here from the schools 10 to 20 kms from here?” – Hinduism Today, 17 February 2013
See also
- Ten things about the Kumbh Mela that you never knew – Avinash Sharma
- ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ Nithyananda skips Kumbh bath, will be stripped of bought title – Deccan Herald
- Afzal Guru’s Execution: Security tightened at Kumbha Mela – Neeraj Saxena
- Kumbha Mela: At Prayag Hindus put aside their differences and bathe together – Omar Rashid
- UP government has not given basic facilities to Kumbha Mela camps – Mrigank Tiwari
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BHARATA BHARATI 