It is the world’s largest religious festival and humanity’s largest gathering, an event that draws tens of millions of people to sacred riverbanks in India. Over the course of 45 days, they travel to take a dip and wash away their sins. Although a tradition of the Hindu faith, people of all nations, castes, and creeds arrive in celebration of humanity’s diverse beauty.
This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is expected to stand out even further for its sheer scale. Officials estimate about 400 million will arrive at the confluence of its three holy rivers—the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, which is believed to have dried up around 5,000 years ago.
As is Amma’s way, her form of celebration is to lead free medical care for the various pilgrims who will arrive, from lifelong sadhus to large families with their joyful children. The Medical Unit from Amrita Hospitals includes a dedicated team of 15 doctors, 15 nurses, 10 paramedical personnel, and additional support staff. As well, members of AYUDH, our youth wing, and volunteers are taking part in whatever way they can.
“By sending the medical team to the Kumbh Mela, Amma is upholding the message of strengthening love among different cultures,” said Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
The facilities include one of our Telemedicine Vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including ultrasound scanning, echo test, X-ray, automatic laboratory, ECG, and pulmonary function test. There is also a minor operation theatre set up in the van that can be converted into a labour room in emergency situations.
In addition, the medical team has set up a D-level ambulance with defibrillator ventilator systems and a temporary hospital with ten beds. They are also distributing free medications worth ₹50 lakh ($60,000). Amrita’s medical care will be available 24 hours a day in Prayagraj until the end of the Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will end on February 26.
The unit has already brought relief to many. One young man from a poor family arrived for further treatment of his fractured arm. Although he had gone to a local hospital one month earlier, he was still in a great deal of pain. Amrita doctors performed an X-ray and found an area in the elbow that was not yet healed. They applied a plaster that he must now wear for two months.
“In other hospitals, money has to be paid. Even for a plaster, money has to be paid. They even take money for slips, be it one rupee or two rupees. Here not a single rupee had to be paid,” he said, expressing his gratitude.
Amrita’s medical services have also pioneered a unique project for women. The hospital has deployed a state-of-the-art mammography van to inform people about early detection for breast cancer. It travels throughout Kumbh Mela offering free medical services that include breast cancer screening, blood tests, and X-rays.
“As we know, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women. And it is not just a statistic. It affects the lives of all our mothers, daughters, and friends,” said Brahmachari Mokshamrita Chaitanya, alongside the dedicated team of well-qualified doctors and staff.
Adjacent to the medical facilities, the Ashram has also established an area to conduct pujas (traditional rites) and homas (fire rituals) during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Throughout the days and nights, pujaris, monastics and pilgrims are chanting sacred names and offering prayers, especially for world peace and harmony.
“On certain days, around 7.3 million people took a dip at the sacred confluence of these three rivers. There were no barriers of caste, creed, or nationality—nobody was concerned about any of these identities of the person standing next to them,” expressed Brahmachari Viviktamrita Chaitanya. He is the Senior Pujari in Amritapuri and travelled to Prayagraj to lead the ceremonies.
“This is Sanatana Dharma, ever embracing all, just like our Amma.”
In addition, the Ashram is caring for countless numbers of people by providing free food. When the Maha Kumbh Mela ends on February 26th, these teams will return home with inner rivers in their own hearts flowing with love.
The young man who received a second plaster to heal his fractured arm.
