Tripura Kumbh Mela was full of devotion and celebration at Kumbh Nagar, Ranibazar on the sacred banks of River Howrah

Agartala: On Sunday, the Tripura Kumbh Mela got underway, bringing devotion and celebration to the holy banks of the Howrah River at Kumbhnagar, Ranirbazar.

The large-scale spiritual event will begin on December 25 and go until January 1, 2025. As thousands of devotees, pilgrims, saints, and Naga Sadhus from all over India gathered to participate in prayers and ceremonies, the site sprang to life and became a place of spiritual paradise.

“From December 25 to January 1, the Tripura Kumbh Mela of 2024-25 will take place,” said Saint Ranjitand Maharaj, Head of the Tripureswari Kumbh Mela Committee. It has long been a custom to hold this magnificent fair every three years. Tripura is hosting the Kumbh Mela for the second time.

The Kumbh Mela’s importance stems from its close ties to the mythical Samudra Manthan, or ocean churning, that occurred during the Satya Yuga. Here, Mount Meru served as the churning rod, Vasuki Nag served as the rope, and a tortoise—a Kurma form of Lord Vishnu—served as the base while the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean. Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanvantari, the Parijata tree, and the Amrit (nectar of immortality) in a vessel were among the celestial jewels that surfaced during this churning, according to Ranjitand Maharaj.

Ranjit and Maharaj went on to say, “A conflict broke out after a disagreement between the Devas and Asuras over the Amrit. Four droplets of Amrit fell in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain during the altercation. It is said that one drop fell in Tripura as well, although spiritual insights revealed this much later.

Our sages and spiritual leaders, with their deep understanding of science and the universe, have long recognized celestial phenomena like the stars and planets, much as science has just lately reached the moon.

For instance, ancient sages estimated that the sky contains nine lakh stars. The 12 Jyotirlingas, the 51 Shakti Peethas, and holy pilgrimage destinations like Kashi are just a few examples of the hallowed locations and customs that arose from divine insights during these spiritually upsetting occurrences, Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI.

“The Kumbh Mela in Tripura is held at Kumbhnagar in Ranirbazar, along the banks of the Howrah River,” Ranjitand Maharaj said. Dashami Ghat, which is revered like the Ganga, is part of the site. This is also the location of a shrine devoted to Maa Kumbh Kali. To get spiritual merit equal to visiting all of the holy pilgrimage sites, pilgrims may bathe, pray, and take part in the fair.

“It is said that bathing here offers the same advantages as bathing in the seven sacred lakes known as the Sapta Sarovars,” Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI.

Thousands of devotees from all across India come together for the Tripura Kumbh Mela, which is supported by the state’s administration, citizens, and respected priests. The fair is attended by thousands of Naga Sadhus, monks, and saints, as well as many spiritual leaders. With daily rituals, sacrifices, and prayers for world peace, the event is brimming with heavenly energy and majesty.

Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims consume the prasad daily, while 2,000 to 2,500 saints are served in the communal kitchen, according to Ranjitand Maharaj. Special prayers are held in various spiritual camps, and there is a strong sense of cultural richness and dedication in the air. “I invite the people of Tripura, India, and the world to come to this divine event,” he said. Experience the customs of Sanatan Dharma and see Naga Sadhus, monks, and saints in action.

“This Kumbh Mela offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in spirituality, humanity, and divinity,” said Ranjitand Maharaj. I want Maa Kumbh Kali to grant everyone’s wishes and blessings. May everyone have happiness, tranquility, and blessings throughout this Kumbh Mela.