PRAYAGRAJ: Blending spirituality with modernity, a bodybuilder from Haryana attracted eyeballs as he emerged out of the icy waters of Sangam with his six-pack abs and a tattoo covering half his right arm.
Although tattoos were a part of primitive India with evidence dating back over 10,000 years, they have evolved over the years and have become specimens of modernity. Cashing in on the growing trend, several young devotees were seen converging at Sangam on Makar Sankranti inked with not just spiritual figures, but also modern logos and personal emblems, symbolising their personal journey and beliefs.
“Our body is the greatest temple and tattoos act as a gateway to our personality,” said Mahesh Rana from Gurugram, who has got a huge Lord Hanuman tattoo with modern symbols.
Like Mahesh, a troupe of social media influencers from New Delhi were also sporting branded sunglasses, Rudraksh bracelets and unique tattoos attracting curiosity among the crowds.
Meanwhile, 3.5 crore devotees thronged the Ganga riverbanks, with some carrying clothes, blankets and food on their heads and others lugging wheeled bags. Entire families and groups of people from faraway villages marched in huge lines as security personnel blared warnings to avoid stampedes.
Rajnish Diwedi, a senior police official who oversees security at the festival, said at least 2,700 cameras, some powered by AI, are being used to send crowd movement and density information to four central control rooms, where officials can quickly deploy personnel. Police are also using automated systems to avoid stampedes, he said.
At the Sangam, alongside religious figures and devotees, numerous ‘furry friends’ also joined their owners in the Kumbh festivities. These animals were seen enthusiastically participating in the sacred ritual of bathing in the blessed waters, sharing the spiritual experience with their human companions.
Joining dogs, there were horses and cows painted with vibrant colours too. The day saw mounted police on special microchipped horses patrolling across the mela area to guard devotees and rein in unruly crowds.
In fact, there are several seers who have arrived at Sangam with their pets. These pets, mostly dogs, remain glued to their masters and follow them everywhere.
In a heart-warming gesture, some locals arranged bonfires for shivering devotees and also joined them in singing, dancing and prayers. Amidst bone-chilling cold, tea sellers across the mela area did a brisk business so did those selling plastic canes meant for storing Ganga Jal.
Sri Digambar Ishwargiri, a Naga Sadhu, journeyed from the western city of Junagadh, covering approximately 1,600 kilometres to reach Prayagraj. He believes that immersion in the sacred waters leads towards moksha. Inside his tent, he received devotees seeking blessings whilst sitting cross-legged near a small wood fire and a ceremonial trident.
The akhara region features numerous sectarian encampments, each displaying colourful decorations. This year, however, the entrance gates have become the central attraction due to their distinctive and themed designs.
These themed gates throughout the Mela grounds serve a practical purpose beyond aesthetics, helping pilgrims navigate and identify specific locations.
Situated near Jhunsi, these entrances showcase diverse architectural styles, incorporating aeroplane patterns, shivlings and crown designs, contributing to the magnificent appearance of the encampments.
