In Pics: Sadhu Swag and Why the Simhasth Kumbh Didn’t Disappoint

With clean ghats and good organisation, the Kumbh mela in Ujjain didn’t disappoint. Here are some photographs.

A Nagasadhu about to light his chillum at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

The Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela has been in the news for the 86 arrested thieves, the nine people who died in a tent collapse, for the sewage water leaks, or for a certain celebrity who took a dip. But nobody seems to marvel at how well it’s been organised.

Despite all the negative press and warnings from worried relatives, I spent an evening at the Kumbh on the eve of the Shahi Snaan, when the footfall was supposedly one of the highest. Contrary to popular public perception, it’s not all that bad.

Aarti at the Bhookimata temple on the banks of the Kshipra river at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

The ghats of the Kshipra were clean, the water was being oxygenated and the area to take a dip was well marked. There were plenty of clean mobile toilets and changing enclosures. The parking areas were easily accessible by hand-pulled carts or e-rickshaws for those who did not wish to walk and there was plenty of accommodation within the Kumbh enclosures.

A Nagasadhu smeared in ash sits with the ‘blessing broom’ at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

A Nagasadhu strikes a pose with his cooler and table fan at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

A Nagasadhu lights up his chillum inside his akhada at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

Rudraksh Baba strikes a smile for the camera at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

A majestic Shiva structure at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

The Nagasadhus take turns to sit on this swing that hangs from the tree at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

The Ram ghat by night at the Simhasth Ujjain Kumbh Mela 2016. (Photo: Rishika Baruah/ The Quint)

So apart from the roadside nimbu paani that got my stomach, my Kumbh quest was fascinating. I am going again, the next time, to spend more time.