Ep 5. Kumbh Mela

In season 1 episode 5 of Sacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler, viewers are taken on a journey to the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious festivals in the world. Bruce Feiler travels to Allahabad, India to witness the spectacle of this ancient pilgrimage that draws millions of people from all walks of life.

The Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years, rotating between four different holy cities in India. Allahabad, known as the "King of all Tirthas," is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country and the location of the largest Kumbh Mela. It is believed that bathing in the waters of the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during the festival can cleanse one's sins and bring salvation.

Feiler joins the throngs of devotees who make their way to the festival, encountering sadhus (holy men), devotees, and even politicians who have come to participate in the holy ritual. He explores the massive tent city that has sprung up to house the millions of visitors, meeting people from all over India and the world who have come to experience the festival.

Feiler also meets with Swami Chidanand Saraswati, a spiritual leader who explains the meaning behind the Kumbh Mela and the importance of the Ganges river, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. He witnesses the mass bathing ceremony where millions of people wade into the rivers, and he joins a group of sadhus for an early morning meditation and chanting session.

Throughout the episode, Feiler delves into the rich history and symbolism behind the Kumbh Mela, exploring different aspects of the festival such as the symbolic meaning of the cow and the significance of the different sadhus he encounters. He also learns about the challenges the organizers face in hosting such a massive event, including issues related to sanitation and security.

The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious festival, but a cultural event that brings together people from all over India and beyond. Feiler captures the energy and excitement of the festival, showing viewers the incredible sights and sounds of this unique event. Sacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler provides an immersive and inspiring look at the world's most important spiritual events, and this episode on the Kumbh Mela is no exception.