A pitcher of humanity

Under the pen name "Kalkut," meaning "life-taking poison," the prolific Bengali writer Samaresh Basu authored a travelogue-style novel more than 70 years ago, titled Amrita Kumbher Sandhaney, which translates into "In Search of the Pitcher of Nectar."

- ATANU BISWAS

It was written in the backdrop of India's first Mahakumbh after Independence in 1954. Like this year, there was an unfortunate incident of deaths due to a stampede that year too, although at a different scale. Hundreds lost their lives in the 1954 Kumbh stampede in Prayag, an event that was also woven into the novel's plot.

Notably, Amrita Kumbher Sandhaney has served as a lens through which generations of Bengali readers have viewed the Mahakumbh.

In recognition of the Kumbh Mela's contribution to "cultural diversity and creativity, as well as tolerance and learning," UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.

As the "largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims on earth," it continues to draw intense global interest. However, its evolution over the centuries can also be traced through the perspectives of some of its illustrious visitors.