Being In It And Being Of It: Conversations at the Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, 2013

Being in it and being of it is a contemporary visual handbook, documenting experiences and conversations from one of the largest faith gatherings on earth, the Kumbh Mela of Allahabad in 2013. The anthology of writings within this compilation has been segregated based on 8 underlying themes that appear consistently throughout the experience at the Kumbh Mela.
These translate into 8 individual volumes, each of which corresponds to a theme. The various aspects spoken of within these volumes include: Place, Time, Astronomy; History, Mythology, Belief; Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati; Seva, Sadhana, Satsang; Guru, Disciple, University; Abstinence, Penance, Charity; Faith, Fate, Worship; Services, Sellers, Spectacle.

Voices In The Book

Thoughts gathered from conversations with people at the Kumbh mela while they experienced it in real time form the narratives (voices) that drive the content within the books. A brief introduction of these individuals, gives a sense of the varied backgrounds they hail from.

Preface

An attempt to create an unbiased, experiential and communicative narrative of faith which seeks to invite people to come and experience the Kumbh Mela for themselves.

Maps And Navigation

A series of maps anchor and harbour the information architecture designed to navigate 8 volumes spanning 1600 pages that form Being in it and being of it. The usage of the map is contextual for and within the framework of a particular volume; functioning as a visual intervention to steer the flow of the layered content.

vol 1: place, time, astronomy

Why visit the Kumbh Mela? Crores of people in attendance make the Kumbh Mela one of the biggest human gatherings in the world. With the perfect setting on earth and in the celestial skies, it is the chosen destination for many who wish to be engulfed by the Mela’s inclusive vibe. A multitude of people visit the Kumbh, uninvited.

vol 2: history, mythology, belief

How did it all begin? An event of this magnitude makes you wonder. There is the age-old myth and then there is the logic that defies it. A guru, a mahant, a naga baba, a Sanskrit professor and a professor of Ancient History, amongst others, voice their views.

vol 3: ganga, yamuna, saraswati

What is the Sangam? The word signifies a confluence, a union of the revered rivers. Nobody is big or small, rich or poor. At the Sangam, all are one.

vol 4: Seva, Sadhana, Satsang

What is the essence of the Kumbh? To open our minds to the possibility of something deeper and higher. Something visceral. A massive event such as the Kumbh runs seamlessly due to the tireless efforts of many. Steeped in sadhana and guided by satsang, attaining moksha is the end goal.

vol 5: Guru, Disciple, University

What does one learn at the Kumbh Mela? Religion, rituals, reasoning and responsiveness to what is within. The guru-shishya custom forms the basis of many a tradition. The Sangam, where the waters of the Ganga and Yamuna unite with the mystical river Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, is a befitting backdrop for learning the lessons of life.

vol 6: Abstinence, Penance, Charity

What does one do at the Kumbh? Surrender completely. Even if it is only for the duration of the Mela. This sentiment forms the basis of kalpavas, a practice exclusive to the Mela held in Prayag. Gestures of charity are encouraged to bridge the gap that separates the privileged from the poor.

vol 7: Faith, Fate, Worship

What lies at the heart of the Kumbh? All things begin and end with faith and so does the Kumbh. If you trust in its workings, it will work for you. Various individuals share their thoughts on the symbiotic relationship between faith and rituals, their belief in providence and their ways of worship.

vol 8: Services, Sellers, Spectacle

Who manages the Kumbh Mela? The authorities overseeing the logistical and operational aspects bring to life a vibrant gathering that serves as a spiritual adventure. Varied accounts of people that work diligently at the Mela and behind the scenes are revealed. Their efforts are evident in the facilities made available to the visitors.