10. KUMBH MELA WHY IN NEWS?

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO has inscribed ´Kumbh Mela´ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 12th session being held at Jeju, South Korea from 4-9 December.

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

The UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage, defines intangible cultural heritage as the practices, representations, expressions as well as knowledge and skills that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.

KUMBH MELA

The inscription of ´KumbhMela´ was recommended by the expert body which examines in detail the nominations submitted by Member States.The Committee observed that ´KumbhMela´ is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth. The festival, held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, represents a syncretic set of rituals related to worship and ritual cleansing in holy rivers in India.

"The element is compatible with existing international human rights instruments since people from all walks of life, without any discrimination participate in the festival with equal fervour. As a religious festival, the tolerance and inclusiveness that KumbhMela demonstrates are especially valuable for the contemporary world," the MEA note commented.

The Committee also took note of the fact that knowledge and skills related to ´KumbhMela´ are transmitted through the Guru-Shishyaparampara (teacher-student relationship) by way of saints and sadhus teaching their disciples about traditional rituals and chants. This would ensure the continuity and viability of this festival in perpetuity. The first written evidence of the Kumbh mela comes from the writings of legendary Chinese traveller Huan Tsang (Xuanzang) who visited india during the reign of Harsha.

PRELIMS MODEL QUESTION

With reference to kumbh Mela festival, consider the following statements: 1. The earliest historical evidence of the Kumbha Mela is in the works of Huan Tsang, who

visited India during the reign of Harsha. 2. The festival is held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Kedarnath 3. It represents a syncretic set of rituals related to worship and ritual cleansing in holy rivers in

India. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only

0484-3190310

9446331522

9446331522

TPS 18 PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS INDIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE Date: 30-11-2017