PRAYAGRAJ, Feb 10: The Kalpavas tradition, characterized by fasting, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection, is profoundly meaningful during the Maha Kumbh.
This year, over one million devotees have engaged in Kalpavas at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, faithfully following sacred rituals. According to ancient texts, undertaking Kalpavas at the Sangam during the Magh month bestows the benefits equivalent to a thousand years of penance, a significance that is elevated during Maha Kumbh.
Traditionally, the Kalpavas period will wrap up on Maghi Purnima, February 12, when devotees will take a sacred dip in the Sangam, conduct puja and daan, before heading home.
Kalpavas is particularly important during Maha Kumbh, the grand celebration of spirituality and faith. This year, devotees from all corners of the country have congregated at the Sangam’s shores to observe Kalpavas. According to religious texts, the observance will come to a close on February 12, aligned with Magh Purnima.
The Padma Purana describes Kalpavas as a month-long period of fasting, self-control, and Satsang at the banks of the Sangam, which runs from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima. Some devotees choose to observe Kalpavas from the Ekadashi of Paush month to the Dwadashi of Magh month.
On February 12, participants in Kalpavas will take a holy dip in the Sangam, signifying the end of their fasting. The ritual to conclude Kalpavas follows the teachings of Lord Dattatreya as prescribed in the Padma Purana.
True to tradition, those completing Kalpavas will bathe in the Sangam with their Tirthpurohits, concluding their sacred pledge according to established customs.
Scripturally, Kalpvasis are expected to bathe in the Sangam on Magh Purnima, maintain fasting, and then return to their Kalpvas huts, where they listen to the Satyanarayan Katha and perform Havan Puja.
Upon fulfilling their Kalpvas commitment, devotees offer donations (daan) to their Tirthpurohits based on their means. Additionally, the barley sown at the start of Kalpavas is immersed in the Ganga, while the Tulsi plant—considered a manifestation of Maa Lakshmi in Sanatan tradition—is brought home as a blessing.
The 12-year cycle of regular Kalpavas culminates in the Maha Kumbh festival. Following their return home, a communal feast is held in the village to celebrate the completion of Kalpavas.
(UNI)
