MAHAKUMBH NAGAR, Jan 22: Seventy-year-old Rohini Jha from the Maithli region of Bihar sleeps on the ground in her camp by the banks of the Sangam, waking up early to take a sacred dip, and consumes just one meal each day despite the frigid temperatures.
The 68-year-old is undertaking Kalpvas — a month-long ritual of austerity and spiritual dedication — at the Maha Kumbh.
Running from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima, Kalpvas has been an integral part of the region’s spiritual legacy for centuries. This tradition is detailed in various Vedic scriptures, including the Mahabharata and the Ramcharitmanas, reflecting its profound importance in Hindu faith.
Jha is among more than 10 lakh devotees engaging in Kalpvas at the Maha Kumbh.
On her 11th Kalpvas, Jha reminisces about her first experience at the age of four, accompanying her parents during their own Kalpvas.
“It is deemed auspicious to complete at least 12 Kalpvas. The rituals commence with the arrivals of devotees at the Sangam, where they set up their temporary shelters. This marks the initial step in their spiritual journey,” she shared with PTI.
“The devotees detach from home comforts, embracing a simple lifestyle, symbolizing a release from material ties,” she elaborated.
Jha is joined by seven family members, all senior citizens also undertaking their Kalpvas — a ritual she describes as “living in pain.”
“It is believed that the more adversity or struggle you face during Kalpvas, the more fruitful it becomes… You feel more connected to God and liberated from worldly distractions,” she explained.
“In my youth, I would sleep directly on the sand. Now, at my age, I lay bedding on the sand. The Kalpvas rules are stringent, but people tend to follow them more flexibly now… The intent is what truly matters,” she added.
Throughout the day, she takes at least two holy dips in the Sangam — where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet — and prays frequently.
The Kalpvasis renounce modern comforts to live in makeshift tents near the Sangam. Their daily activities include holy dips, attending spiritual teachings, and enjoying devotional music — all aimed at promoting spiritual growth and inner purification.
Friends and relatives often visit the Kalpvasis to receive blessings and partake in the rituals, even if they cannot remain for the entire month and adhere to the strict schedule.
“Kalpvas typically begins with planting bananas, tulsi, and barley. We are expected to fast and maintain a disciplined lifestyle,” stated Shivanand Pandey (51).
A lawyer, he takes a month off from his practice to participate in Kalpvas.
Describing the tradition, he mentioned, “Kalpvasis commit to camping on the cold banks of the Sangam, dedicating themselves to fervent religious practices and bathing thrice in the icy yet sacred waters, embodying patience, non-violence, devotion, and austerity.”
“To fulfill the pledge, this tradition must be observed continuously for 12 years,” he added.
His wife, Neha Pandey, who has completed 12 Kalpvas and now accompanies her husband, shared that she refrained from taking the pledge this time due to health issues.
“However, I attend every year with my husband. It is auspicious to perform ‘seva’ for a Kalpvasi. A crucial ritual for Kalpvasis is the dawn dip at the Sangam, believed to purify both body and spirit. It’s especially favorable during certain astrological events, known as Kumbh Snan,” she noted.
“Devotees trust that dipping in the sacred waters at this time cleanses them of all sins, leading towards salvation,” she remarked.
Maha Kumbh, a significant religious gathering held every 12 years, is taking place in Prayagraj from January 13 and will continue for 45 days. Over seven crore pilgrims have already immersed themselves in the Sangam.
Mahakumbh Nagar’s Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chaturvedi indicated that over 15 lakh Kalpvasis are expected.
“Most Kalpvasis are accompanied by at least two or three individuals. We have made provisions to ensure they do not encounter any difficulties. The majority of Kalpvasis associate with a spiritual leader or organization, staying in tents arranged by their guru, but there are families that prefer to make their own arrangements, and we provide them support,” he communicated to PTI.
A veteran Kalpvasi, 75-year-old Gopal Nuniwal has seen the transformation of the Kumbh — from the growing crowds of pilgrims to the shifting landscape of the tent city.
“Yet, the essence of Kalpvas remains unchanged. It’s not merely an event, but a way of life. It’s a time to reconnect with oneself and the divine,” he stated.
For the Sharma family from Ballia, Kalpvas is a tradition passed through generations.
“It’s an annual gathering of three generations, pitching the tent in the familiar surroundings of the Ganga. The elders share stories of their Kalpvas experiences from the past, while the younger generation absorbs these narratives and the significance of the rituals,” remarked VK Sharma.
Their days consist of both individual reflections and communal activities.
“We take holy dips, engage in community service, and spend evenings gathered around a small fire, contemplating life’s philosophies. The children, though initially hesitant, gradually become drawn into the rhythm of Kalpvas, learning about patience, resilience, and spirituality,” Sharma concluded.
