The Mahakumbh, one of the largest and most sacred Hindu gatherings, is set to take place from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Occurring once every 12 years, the event is expected to attract 40 to 45 crore visitors, including both locals and foreigners. Alongside pilgrims, several VIPs and millionaires are also anticipated to attend. Among them is Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who is reportedly set to participate in the Mahakumbh and observe the spiritual ritual of ‘kalpavas’.
Media reports suggest that Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and chair of Emerson Collective, is expected to arrive at the MahaKumbh on January 13. She will stay at the camp of Swami Kaliashananda, the ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ of Niranjani Akhara. Laurene is likely to participate in the religious congregation until January 29 and take a holy dip during the event.
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Kalpvas is an ancient Hindu tradition observed by devotees called Kalpvasis, from Paush Purnima to Maghi Purnima. During this period, Kalpvasis take daily dips in the Ganga and visit the camps of various seers and saints to listen to sermons and engage in ‘bhajan’ and ‘kirtan’ during the Kumbh Mela.
Kalpvas, mentioned in the Mahabharata and Ramcharitmanas, is focused on self-purification and spiritual discipline. It begins with devotees setting up temporary tents at the Sangam, leaving behind their comforts. Daily rituals include taking a holy dip in the Sangam, symbolizing self-introspection and spiritual purification.
Kalpvasis observe a disciplined spiritual practice during the period of Kalpvas, which involves daily ritual baths in the sacred Ganga for purification. They visit camps set up by saints and seers to listen to sermons and engage in devotional singing (bhajan) and chanting (kirtan). Adopting a simple, austere lifestyle, Kalpvasis focus on spiritual growth, often living in tents, fasting, and dedicating time to meditation and prayer. They may also perform various rituals and offerings as acts of devotion. These practices aim to purify the mind and body, seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
