As the visitors from across the globe gather to attend the festival of Kumbh, the different akhadas (camps), and snaans (holy baths) become the main attraction this year.
The Quint tried to see the Kumbh up-close in style by hopping on an elephant with its rider, Rehan who has taken part in 11 Peshwai processions so far. His elephant is ‘home’ to him.
‘My house is here. I’ve taken part in 11 Peshwai (processions) ceremonies. I like Juna Akhada’s Peshwai the most. The specialty is that babas who come here with their dhols and and drums. There’s DJ and bhangra also.’Rehan, Mahout
Which one is his favourite Peshwai (procession)?
‘The Nagas consider the elephant as Lord Ganesha. If we mistreat elephants, they get really upset. People laugh when they see a small child controlling such a big animal.’Rehan, Mahout
Rehan who has seen many earlier Peshwais (processions) in Kumbh and says that this year’s decorations have been the best so far. He credits PM Modi for these arrangements.
‘We are happy with Modi ji only as far as arrangements for the Mela are concerned. However, he hasn’t done anything for the poor. Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati used to listen to the poor and also help them. These people [Modi government] don’t listen to the poor. They have made it worse for the poor.’Rehan, Mahout
The Kumbh is being held from 15th January to 4th March in Prayagaraj.
The preparations for these 49 days have been done by the Yogi government after a mega-budget was allotted for the festival.
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