The Balinese observe Nyepi, or the “Day of Silence,” dedicating 24 hours to self-reflection, meditation, and spiritual cleansing. The entire island comes to a standstill no fire or light, no work, no travel, no entertainment. This silence fosters introspection and renewal.
The Kumbh, as we are all aware, is rooted in the pursuit of Moksha. Crores of pilgrims come together to take a dip, believing that this act will cleanse their sins and help them attain Moksha. The recent stampede at Mahakumbh, which claimed 30 lives, was a tragedy that exposed the shortcomings of all the segments of society.
The Uttar Pradesh state government was well aware of the risks of overcrowding at Mauni Amavasya Snan, yet it failed to ensure crowd control. Stronger barricades and staggered timings could have saved lives. What about the VVIPs, who have special access? Why this obsession with bathing on a particular day, despite knowing the risks their presence can cause? Where is their viveka the ability to discern that their personal desires can endanger ordinary pilgrims? Even non-VVIP pilgrims who were aware of the situation could have planned their trip on another day. And then, there is the silence of our spiritual leaders. From what I could gather, most of them have not commented on the tragedy or offered solace to the bereaved.
From Kumbh Mēlā to Nivritti Mēlā
This tragedy should make us rethink how we mourn, reflect, and also honor the lives lost. A single minute of silence is simply not enough.
For a culture that prides itself on inner growth, perhaps the time has come for us to develop a ritual that transcends rituals one that leads us inward, beyond external customs, toward true awareness of the Self.
Perhaps it is time for a ritual of introspection, much like Nyepi a full day to pause and reflect.
If Kumbh is about a dip in the river to attain Moksha, let’s set aside one day a year to take a dip within a day when we do nothing, do not speak, and disengage from the world. Let’s move from believing that a physical dip has purified us to knowing that when we take a dip within, when we engage in self-inquiry and pursue Jnana marga, we will not be committing anymore sins.
Hari’s Curries
A Buffet of Reflections