Amid the grand spiritual atmosphere of the Maha Kumbh, 68-year-old Rohini Jha from Bihar’s Maithili region is enduring the biting cold and living in austerity as she performs Kalpvas – a month-long tradition that has been a part of the region’s spiritual heritage for centuries. She sleeps on the ground in her camp on the banks of the Sangam, wakes up early to take a holy dip, and has just one meal a day as part of the deeply rooted practice.

The Sacred Journey of Kalpvas

Kalpvas, which spans from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima, is a significant practice for devotees, highlighting austerity, spiritual focus, and self-discipline. The tradition has been part of the spiritual landscape of India for centuries and is referenced in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and the Ramcharitmanas. Rohini Jha, who is on her 11th Kalpvas, recalls that she began this sacred journey at the tender age of four, accompanying her parents. “It is believed that performing at least 12 Kalpvas is auspicious,” she shared, emphasizing the spiritual fulfillment it brings.

Embracing Simplicity and Detachment

Devotees who undertake Kalpvas forsake their comforts and lead a simple, detached life during this period. They reside in temporary tents near the Sangam, symbolizing their disconnection from worldly pleasures. “The more pain or difficulty you face during Kalpvas, the more successful it is… You feel closer to God, and free from worldly concerns,” Jha explained. She is accompanied by seven family members, all senior citizens, who also practice Kalpvas.

The practice, although challenging, strengthens spiritual devotion. Jha, who once slept directly on the sand, now uses bedding due to her age. “The rules of Kalpvas are strict, but now, people follow them flexibly. It’s the thought and the devotion that matters,” she added.

The Rigorous Daily Routine

Kalpvasis, the practitioners of Kalpvas, maintain a strict daily routine. They bathe at least twice a day in the holy waters of the Sangam — the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. They also attend spiritual discourses and listen to devotional music throughout the day. This strict regimen fosters inner purification and spiritual growth.

While family members and friends visit the Kalpvasis to seek blessings, they cannot stay for the entire month or follow the rigorous routine. Kalpvas usually begins with planting tulsi, bananas, and barley, marking the beginning of their disciplined and austere journey.

A Spiritual Family Tradition

For the Sharma family from Ballia, Kalpvas is more than a ritual – it is a tradition passed down through generations. “We set up our tent in the same familiar spot near the Ganga, and the elders share stories from their youth. The younger ones gradually learn about patience, resilience, and spirituality,” said VK Sharma. For them, Kalpvas is a blend of individual devotion and collective spiritual activities, from community service to quiet philosophical discussions around a fire in the evenings.

A Commitment to Spiritual Growth

The commitment to Kalpvas is seen as an intense spiritual journey, with devotees like Shivanand Pandey taking a break from their regular lives to focus solely on their religious practices. “Kalpvasis pledge to camp on the cold banks of the Sangam, bathe thrice a day in the sacred waters, and observe a disciplined lifestyle focused on patience, non-violence, and devotion,” Pandey explained. This pledge, according to tradition, must be followed for 12 continuous years to be fulfilled.

His wife, Neha Pandey, who has completed 12 Kalpvas, accompanies him each year, although she did not take the pledge this time due to health reasons. She believes in the auspiciousness of performing ‘seva’ — service — for a Kalpvasi. “The dawn dip in the Sangam is believed to cleanse both the body and the soul, absolving devotees of their sins,” she added.

The Growing Spiritual Gathering

The Maha Kumbh is a massive religious gathering that occurs every 12 years, with over seven crore pilgrims expected to take part this year. Over 15 lakh Kalpvasis are anticipated to participate, with each Kalpvasi typically accompanied by two or three people. The administration has made arrangements to ensure they have the support they need during their time at the Sangam.

Vivek Chaturvedi, Mahakumbh Nagar’s Additional District Magistrate, highlighted the importance of the event. “Most Kalpvasis are connected to religious organizations or seers, and they stay in tents arranged by their gurus. We also provide support for families who make their own arrangements,” he said.

The Essence of Kalpvas: Timeless and Unchanging

For 75-year-old Gopal Nuniwal, a seasoned Kalpvasi, the essence of Kalpvas remains unchanged despite the evolving landscape of the Kumbh. “It is not just an event; it is a way of life. It is a time to reconnect with your inner self and the divine,” he remarked.

As the Maha Kumbh continues, the practice of Kalpvas offers a profound spiritual experience for devotees who seek peace, devotion, and connection with the divine. For many, including Jha and the Sharma family, Kalpvas remains a deeply personal and transformative journey, marked by self-discipline, austerity, and a strengthened bond with their spirituality.

The tragic deaths of 17 villagers in Badhaal, Rajouri district, have sparked widespread concern. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the village today, assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the cause behind the mysterious deaths. His government is committed to finding answers and ensuring that such incidents do not repeat.

Investigation Underway

Addressing the media during his visit, Omar Abdullah confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the deaths. He stated that an inter-ministerial team from the Centre, along with local authorities, is working diligently to identify the cause. “Why this happened? We need an answer to this question. It’s not a disease, so a police investigation is underway,” the Chief Minister explained.

The deaths have predominantly affected children from three families, raising fears among the local population. Initial tests have ruled out any bacterial or viral outbreaks. “Our first focus was to determine if this was due to a contagious disease. Tests were conducted, and no harmful bacteria or viruses were found,” Omar Abdullah added.

Swift Response to Tragedy

Upon receiving information about the deaths, the state government acted swiftly. The Health and Medical Education department mobilized medical teams, and the district administration, alongside the police, worked to contain the situation. The authorities are investigating whether food or water contamination could be linked to the deaths, with initial reports suggesting the possibility of pesticide contamination in local water sources.

Assurance of Support

The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, assuring them of full support from the government. Omar Abdullah emphasized that immediate steps are being taken to prevent the spread of this tragedy to other families in the region. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.

During his visit, the Chief Minister was accompanied by key officials, including Minister for Jal Shakti Department Javed Rana and local MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary. The MLA presented a proposal for compensation, which the CM confirmed was under active consideration.

Health Infrastructure Improvements

Responding to questions about the adequacy of healthcare facilities in the region, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by remote areas. “While we cannot build large hospitals everywhere, we are working to improve health infrastructure at the district level,” Omar Abdullah said. He assured that efforts to strengthen Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and Sub-District Hospitals would continue.

Central Government’s Involvement

A high-level team from the Centre, led by GK Garg, Director at the Ministry of Home Affairs, visited Badhaal to investigate the incident. The team is collecting food and water samples from the affected families to identify any potential contaminants. Authorities have already sealed a local spring after pesticide traces were detected in the water.

The Central team, working in close collaboration with local officials, is determined to identify the root cause of the tragedy. Experts are analyzing the collected samples, with early indications suggesting contamination as a possible cause.

Call for Restraint and Unity

In the wake of the incident, Omar Abdullah urged political leaders and the public to refrain from politicizing the tragedy. “Our priority is to understand what happened and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. Let the concerned agencies do their work without political interference,” he said.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are confident that answers will soon be provided to the public. Meanwhile, efforts to support the affected families continue, with the administration pledging timely compensation and assistance.

The Road Ahead

With the tragedy still unfolding, Badhaal remains at the center of attention. The investigation into the cause of the deaths is a top priority, and the cooperation of local and central authorities is crucial in bringing the matter to a close. The residents of Badhaal, and indeed the whole of Rajouri, await answers, and the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth remains unwavering.

As the investigation continues, the community hopes for justice and clarity, and that necessary measures will be taken to safeguard public health and prevent future disasters.