While the politicisation of the Kumbh Mela is something one can understand, what really catches my attention is the criticism it faces from modern Indians.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has turned Kumbh from a rural, bottom-of-the-pyramid phenomenon into an elite experience. Even the deadly 29 January stampede hasn’t dulled the sheen.
Several devotees are arriving at the bank of the Triveni Sangam—a confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati, where they performed the sacred ritual.
The pandal, turning out to be one of the Kumbh's biggest attractions, is also where the CM will be staying. Two special cottages with high-end facilities are being prepared for him.
Modi washed feet of 5 sanitation workers at 2019 Kumbh Mela. Three of them now back on duty at Maha Kumbh say they still face caste discrimination, demand better pay, permanent jobs.
On Sunday, PM Modi praised the digital initiatives for the mela, and the BJP advertised the Sah'AI'yak chatbot, which will guide visitors in more than 10 languages.
The Italian term sprezzatura—a studied nonchalance that conceals intention—best captures the spirit of Trump’s foreign policy so far. The pattern is unpredictability, transactionalism, and disruption as diplomacy.
With 20.2 percent of its total loans in default by the end of last year, Bangladesh had the weakest banking system in Asia. Despite reforms, it will take time to recover.
This world is being restructured and redrawn by one man, and what’s his power? It’s not his formidable military. It’s trade. With China, it turned on him.
Ms. Kissu, the clairvoyant, is back in action.
The Yogi government made a mistake. Should have included her in the Mela management committee.