Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the auspicious Maha Kumbha Mela on Sunday, 2 February 2025 at its Sivananda International Cultural Centre, (SICC), La Mercy, as part of its Centenary Celebrations. The Maha Kumbha Mela is currently being observed in Prayagraj, India at the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswati rivers. It began on 13 January and ends on 26 February 2025. The Kumbha Mela, which takes place every 12 years on the banks of the holy Ganga River, the most sacred river in India, draws millions of pilgrims. This year marks the Maha or Purna Kumbh which occurs only once every 144 years, and we are truly blessed to see this in our lifetime. The number expected to attend this year is approximately 400 million – the largest gathering of human beings on the planet. Such is the power and glory of Mother Ganga! The origin of the Ganga is ascribed to celestial glory. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita: “I am the Ganga among rivers”. For devotees, the Maha Kumbha Mela is an opportunity to wash away sins and gain spiritual merit (punya). The alignment of Jupiter, the sun and the moon during the festival is believed to amplify the sacredness and sanctity of the rivers, making them life-giving and soul-cleansing.
The programme on Sunday, 2 February 2025 comprised a morning Sadhana Programme which included a Ganga Havan and guest artistes from 6am to 8am. Ganga Arati and offering of Ganga Jal at the four sacred pools (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Bhagirathi) was from 8am to 9.50am. The Satsang began at 10am and concluded at 12.30pm.
Hundreds of devotees, members of the public, donors and well-wishers from all parts of the country converged at the serene and beautiful Sivananda International Cultural Centre for the morning Sadhana programme in Bhagirathi, which has cascading water features. Many came by buses arranged by local Hindu organisations. After the Invocation, soulful chants of sacred Mantras reverberated during the Ganga Havan, signifying purification, spiritual growth and connection with the divine. The divine energy was palpable and the atmosphere was electric with spiritual fervour.
Guest artiste, Archarya Rathna, Isaiselvamani V. Karthiegasen Pillay and his entourage rendered Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of Mother Ganga. His love-offering at this Maha Kumbha Mela added beauty, divinity and deep spirituality to the event.
Devotees offered Ganga Jal as oblations to the Divine. Colourful stalls with memorabilia, Ganga Jal, a water feature with banners and audio-visual educative material on the Maha Kumbha Mela and Mother Ganga, adorned the forecourt of the Main Prayer Hall, creating a sanctimonious atmosphere.
Sri Swami Sivananda, in the article “The Glory of Ganga” from the book, Mother Ganga, said, “For a Hindu, the word Ganga or Ganges has its own sacred association. Every Hindu thirsts for a dip in the Ganga, and for a drop of Her water at the time of his death. Aspirants and mendicants build their huts on the banks of the Ganga for practising penance and meditation. Bhishma spoke very highly of the glory of the Ganga in his parting instructions to the Pandavas from his bed of arrows. In the Satya Yuga, all places were sacred. In the Treta Yuga, Pushkara was considered the most holy place. In the Dvapara Yuga, Kurukshetra was regarded as the most sacred place. In Kali Yuga, Ganga has that glory. Devi Bhagavatam says: ‘He who utters the Name of Ganga even from hundreds of miles afar is freed from sins and attains the abode of Lord Hari’.
“Ganga is known by various names like Bhagirathi (brought by Bhagiratha), Jahnavi (let out by Jahnu), etc. Sri Sankara, in his praise of Mother Ganga, accounts for Her origin thus: In the beginning, Ganga occupied the vessel (Kamandalu) in which Lord Brahma performed His daily ablution; then She flowed down washing the Feet of Lord Vishnu; and adorning the head of Lord Siva, finally She came down to the earth as the daughter of Jahnu”.
Pujya Swamiji’s message was pregnant with deep spiritual truths and profound advice to devotees. He focused on the importance of the Guru, faith and self-surrender, the Law of Karma, importance of Sadhana, namely Home Satsangs and God’s omnipotence and omnipresence. In highlighting the importance of faith and self-surrender, Pujya Swamiji questioned, “Suppose a calamity happens tomorrow, will we lose our faith? We will not, because we know that the whole universe is permeated by God”. Pujya Swamiji’s assurance in the following words is gratifying, “We in the Divine Life Society, who are disciples of Gurudev should never live in a state of fear or insecurity, because we have God by our side, and we have our Master by our side, and we can turn to him whenever we want”. Pujya Swamiji assured us that Home Satsangs and repetition of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra are sure to protect sincere devotees.
The Guest Speaker, The Honourable Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Thelma John David, alluded to the magnitude of the Kumbha Mela. She said that in the historical context, the Kumbha Mela was celebrated for centuries, connecting millions through shared spirituality. She also highlighted the link between South Africa and India through its rich heritage. She said that for Divine Life Society it is a trifecta of celebrations, as the Society is celebrating Sri Swami Sivananda’s Sannyas Centenary, Pujya Swamiji’s Birth Centenary and the 75th Anniversary of the Society. She commended the Society and Pujya Swamiji’s vision in bringing Mother Ganga to South Africa in the form of Ganga Ranis which are accessible to multitudes.
Kriti Lalla from the Kala Darshan Institute of Classical Music and Dance presented two well executed Kathak dance items in honour of Mother Ganga. Her outstanding performances were graceful, professionally executed and an apt offering to the Divine Mother.
The video on the origin and significance of the Maha Kumbha Mela, aptly captured this mammoth event, and alluded to man’s attempt to attain Moksha through a process of purification by taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers. Vivid visuals and narratives brought to life the atmosphere, ambience, emotions and energy of this event – the largest gathering on the planet.
Of significance is that the Maha Kumbha Mela is not just a religious festival but a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural heritage. It showcases the spiritual depth of Hinduism and the enduring power of tradition, attracting people from all over the world. On an esoteric level, it has deep spiritual significance for us all, of purification, cleansing – physical, mental and spiritual, a journey of the soul towards enlightenment and spiritual growth. The hundreds who visited Sivananda International Cultural Centre have truly benefited. The nectar of Ganga Rani, the refreshing Bhagirathi, the awe-inspiring Yamuna and Saraswati are sure to have touched the inner fibre of many, who in some small way, have felt the presence of the Divine Mother in her pristine and celestial beauty.
