Once in 12 years, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh , India explodes in the colour SAFFRON as it is home to the “SIMHASTHA KUMBH”.
The Gulmohar Trees ( Hindi), Flamboyant ( English) , and Delonix regia ( Scientific name) join the celebration of Faith in the Month of May and explode in the colour of the season, Saffron.
The Kshipra River In Ujjain is seen through the Flamboyant Saffron flowers of the Gulmohar Tree.
The Trident or “Trishul” is the Symbol of the Ruling Deity of Ujjain, “Mahakaal” or Lord Shiva.
The Trishul rises over the flamboyantly flowering Gulmohar Trees and the Saffron Bridge across the Kshipra River during the Maha Kumbh Festival.
The Ghats of the River Kshipra turn Saffron too as the River is worshipped in celebration of the Life-giving Powers of Water.
Millions will bathe in the River during the Month long festival ” Simhastha Mahakumbh” held once in 12 years during a time determined by the Planets and Stars. The Sun enters Aries and Jupiter the constellation of Leo symbolizing the timing of this explosion of Faith and the colour saffron.
The “Dumroo” or Drum, held by the Saffron Sadhu,is another symbol of Lord Shiva.
The reverberating and enchanting sound of the “Dumroo” symbolizes the healing Power of Sound.
Be Enchanted by the saffron colours in Ujjain as I take you through the Heart of India during a Festival of Faith.
A recent update of this site
Six die as storm hits Kumbh Mela. Lightning and thunderstorms hit the site of the ongoing Simhastha-Kumbh Mela in Ujjain. Four devotees and one sadhu died when a pandal collapsed due to strong winds. A woman pilgrim died after being struck by a bolt of lightning. Squall, coupled with rain, suddenly hit the area, uprooting several camps of sadhus.
Source: Mukul from Enchanted Forests and news sources.
