NEW DELHI: The revival of ‘Tribeni Kumbho Mohotshav’, at Bansberia in West Bengal, found a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. A section of his 32-odd-minute Mann Ki Baat address was dedicated to the Mohotshav.
“More than eight lakh devotees participated in it…But do you know why it is so special? It is special because this practice has been revived after 700 years,” PM Modi said. It should have been started after Independence, but it could not happen, he pointed out. It was only after relentless efforts of the people through Tribeni Kumbho Porichalona Shomiti’ that it could be started, he said. “I applaud the efforts of the people who not only revived a tradition but also are protecting the cultural heritage of India,” the PM told listeners.”
Tribeni, a town in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, was the host to the Kumbh Mela before the Islamic invasion of Bengal took place. It has been known as a holy place for centuries and also finds mention in various Mangalakavya, Vaishnava literature, Shakta literature and other Bangla literary works.
The mela was discontinued after the Turkic invader Zafar Khan Ghazi invaded Bengal in 1298 CE But after an over 700-year-long wait, the Kumbh Mela of Tribeni made the much-awaited return to the land of its origin in February last year. “This is a very commendable effort to connect our youth to the country’s golden past. There are many other such practices in India, which need to be revived,” PM Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat address.
