'The Kumbh of Vagad'
Photographs of the People of the Beneshwar Tribal Fair, India
Photographs of the People of the Beneshwar Tribal Fair, India
One of India's many, but perhaps lesser known, pilgrimages is to a small river delta formed by the confluences of the rivers Mahi, Som and Jakham in Vagad (a region of South East Rajasthan). This junction marks a Holy spot, a Triveni Sangam: A place where, according to Hindu belief, one's sins are washed away so one might achieve Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Of particular importance to the people of the Bhil Pardhi & Bhil Meena Tribes, thousands travel annually from all across Rajasthan and Central India to bathe in the confluence on the auspicious occasion of a full moon in February*. Some carry with them clay pots, known as 'Kumbh' (a word recognisable from the larger and more famous Kumbh Mela - also a cleansing ritual held at various Sangams). This pot contains remnants of the deceased, which are washed in the Holy rivers in respect of the Pitrs (ie ancestors: literal translation: Fathers) and so aid their journey through the afterlife. *Magh Ekadasha to Magh Purnima in the Hindu Lunar Calendar |
The event is a serious, deeply personal moment for the Bhil people to give homage to God and the departed. However, as with all things in India, a great contrast exists; for it is also a time to celebrate life as well as mourn death, to sell wares as well as donate sacrifices, to sing sad songs and then be merry. Reason to exercise dogmatic practices combines with the opportunity for tribal people to meet up and celebrate. These days the gathering is more commonly referred to as The Beneshwar Mela (mela is the Sanskrit for 'Fair'). The atmosphere is indeed carnival like; complete with big wheels, fairground games, stalls, and candy floss. But, at it's core, the event is still a spiritual one.
For the outsider it's simply a group of very welcoming people, willingly sharing their emotions, creating a truly wonderful experience. The photographs below are of, and a homage to, some of those people. [this text is incomplete, and requires verification. If anybody can fill me in further on the rituals, beliefs, timing and culture I would be most grateful to hear from you] |
© doss@yours |
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