This year’s Mahakumbh is showcasing the widespread presence and cultural influence of the northeastern states, with a special focus on the tradition of Satradhikars in Assam, where rituals will be conducted based on the Assamese Namghar culture.
The northeastern satras are participating in the Mahakumbh for the first time this year.
To honour their significance, the Yogi Adityanath government has extended a special invitation to the saints from the northeastern region, granting them the status of state guests. Special preparations are underway in the Pragjyotishpur area of the Kumbh complex to accommodate these cultural events, beginning on January 12.
Mahant Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shri Keshav Das Ji Maharaj of Yogashram Bihalangini, Assam, shared that a Namghar is being built in the Pragjyotishpur area of the Mahakumbh, marking the first time such a structure is coming up at the Kumbh.
The Satradhikars will stay here and participate in the Shahi Snan. Religious gatherings will be held, and an uninterrupted Bhagwat Katha will take place, running for 168 hours over seven days, from January 21 to January 27.
An exhibition showcasing the cultures of all seven northeastern states will also be held, offering a complete picture of their society, culture, and religion. Artists have already arrived to prepare for it, and the exhibition will be inaugurated on January 12, he informed.
He further shared that the event will feature a performance by Ram Vijay Bhavana, which will be staged in the style of Ramlila. Additionally, there will be a Manipuri dance performance and a Satrik dance. A Bamboo Dance from Nagaland and an Apsara dance will also be showcased, all falling under the Satrik culture.
Devotees will display their artistic skills at the Mati Akhada, a unique tradition of yoga practice with its own distinct form. A model of Kamakhya will be set up, and the sacred water from Kamakhya will be distributed among the devotees.
Regarding the arrangements at the fair, he mentioned that the arrangements are excellent. The fair administration is making efforts to ensure that all the saints and sages are satisfied and have the necessary facilities.
“The kind of arrangements made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have deeply impressed, satisfied, and excited them. Yogi Ji has invited 125 saints from the Northeast, giving them the status of state guests, and they are receiving calls from the CM’s office. Their accommodations will be arranged in our own Khalsa”, he remarked.
Padma Shri awardee Chitta Maharaj of Tripura, along with ancient satras like Dakshin Pad Satra, Gadmur Satra, and many Satradhikars, will come and participate in the Shahi Snan. This is the first time that the Satradhikars will be participating in the royal bath at the Kumbh and staying there.
The akhadas will honour them, and there will be dialogues with the saint community here. The Pragjyotishpur camp is set to be inaugurated on January 12, with programmes commencing shortly after. CM Yogi’s efforts in organising the Kumbh have generated significant awareness across the Northeast, sparking excitement among the people.
Meanwhile, the Mahakumbh Police conducted a mock drill in the Thana Akhara Mahakumbh Mela area at 2 am on Wednesday to check preparedness for handling any emergency situation effectively.
The mock drill involved activating alarms to address various emergency scenarios, practising evacuation procedures, and training on the effective use of fire safety equipment.
The primary objective of the drill was to prepare devotees for prompt and appropriate action during emergencies while providing hands-on experience in operating fire safety equipment and coordinating with fire personnel for safe rescue operations.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, along with other gazetted officers and personnel, were present during the exercise.