Saints from different Akharas and sects have begun to arrive at Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 which will start on Paush Purmina on January 13 and end on Mahashivratri on February 26.
The Mahakumbh, which is the world’s largest congregation, is expected to witness about 45 crore footfalls this year at the Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims at the Mahakumbh come from diverse sections of society including ascetics, saints and ordinary pilgrims. The saints from different Akharas making entrance into the Mela is a sight to behold. The Akharas take out their traditional processions called ‘Peshwai’ on elephants, horses and chariots while entering the Mela.
The myriad saints and ascetics gathering at the Mela are subjects of curiosity including Naga sadhus who remain at the centre of attention due to their unique personalities. Just like their male counterparts, female Naga sadhus also visit the Kumbh Melas. Females Naga sadhus are referred to as Mata, Mai, Avdhutani or Naagin.
Just like the male Naga sadhus, the female Naga sadhus also renounce the material world and their families and lead a life of celibacy. They also perform yoga, meditation and religious rituals. However, unlike male Nagas, female Naga sadhus cannot renounce clothes. They are reqwho uired to cover their bodies with a single piece of unstitched saffron cloth which is called Ganti. They also wear a tilak and dreadlocks.
Becoming a Naga Sadhvi involves a rigorous initiation procedure. The initiation starts with performing their own Pind-daan and severing all ties with their families. After being initiated by a guru they lead a solitary life and perform penance and intense religious practices. They follow strict Brahmacharya for about 10-15 years before finally attaining the status of a Naga Sadhvi.
Naga Sadhvis live a life of austerity, engaging in spiritual practices and living in caves, jungles or close to a river, emulating the life of Lord Shiva. They reside in Akharas to study and practice their religions.
While the number of Naga Sadhvis is small, they are an important part of the Kumbh Mela. Just like Naga Sadhus, Naga Sadhvis also perform religious rituals and take part in holy ‘shahi snan;.
Teenage girl become Sadhvi in Mahakumbh
In a surprising incident, a teenage girl from Agra, Uttar Pradesh renounced the material world and decided to become a saint at the Mahakumbh Mela. The 13-year old girl has been staying at the Mahakumbh camp for a month along with her parents and a sister. The girl’s family was reportedly invited by Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara.
According to reports, the girl named Rakhi, wanted to become an IAS officer. But after coming to the Mahakumbh, she decided to become saint. Her family supported her in her decision and decided to donate her to the ashram and perform her Pind-daan.
