Kumbh- The Nectar of Faith

Presented by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division

The film looks at the ethos of the Maha Parv Kumbh. Inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this event witnesses the largest peaceful gathering of devotees in the world, embodying the true spirit of inclusiveness. They congregate to four locations in India at the designated six-year cycle (Ardh Kumbh) or the twelve- year cycle (Maha Kumbh) with a single purpose—a dip in the Nectar of Faith.

What draws them in multitudes to this festival and what does the Kumbh signify metaphorically? What is the importance of the River Ganga in relation to the Kumbh? What place do these two elements hold in the tenets of Sanatan Dharma?

The film explores these questions and more in a fascinating narrative that is woven by seers from different ascetic orders—Junapethadheeshwar Acharya Maha Mandaleshwar Swami Avadheshanad Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandeleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Shri Panch Niranjani Akhada, Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati Ji of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Acharya Mahamandeleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhada, as well as devotees and scholars.