The Ministry of External Affairs of India has organized a day long visit to Prayagraj, (where the Kumbh Mela, “Festival of Greatest Gathering of People” is taking place) on 15 December 2018 for the Heads of Missions (HOM) based in New Delhi. H. E. Austin Fernando, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India and Captain Suresh De Silva, Defence Adviser participated in the programme.
All the HOMs reached Prayagraj 0920 hrs. (by Special air India Flight) leaving Indira Gandhi international Airport at 0800 hrs. The delegation departs for Sangam area and visited the Exhibition of Kumbh work, thereafter at 1200 hrs flag hoisting ceremony was held where the H. E. Austin Fernando, High Commissioner hoisted the Sri Lankan National Flag.
The ceremony was followed by the welcome remarks by Minister of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr,) V.K. Singh (Retd.). The delegation had lunch at Kumbh Mela area. After the lunch visited the Hanuman Mandir, Through out the progrmme the delegation was offered with high standard of hospitality by the Uttar Pradesh Government .The delegation depart Prayagraj at 1445 hrs and arrived in New Delhi at 1710 hrs.
Kumbh Mela Festival
India is recognised globally as a country that celebrates its traditions and cultural heritage. And Kumbh Mela, which is the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims on the planet, is one such event that marks the celebration of Hindu heritage. The Kumbh Mela is held every three years in Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nasik. The mela returns to each of these cities after 12 years. Earlier in 2017 at Jeju, South Korea, UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage had adorned 'Kumbh Mela' on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This festival is held every three years, and switches between four various locations— Allahabad or Prayag (Triveni Sangam of Yamuna, Ganga, and Saraswati), Nasik (river Godavari), Haridwar (river Ganga), and Ujjain (river Kshipra). The Mela, which is the world’s largest gathering of its type, draws devotees from all over around the globe and returns to each location after a 12-year span.
Commencing from January 15, 2019, the sacred city of Prayagraj will observe its first Ardh Kumbh Mela after its recent rechristening. The festivities will end on March 4, 2019. The Kumbh Mela is a mystery for anybody who hasn't been at the centre of chaos in Prayagraj.
