Haridwar Kumbh 2021

We live in a country holding a massive population made of numerous differences and beliefs, but Kumbh Mela is truly one of the most exceptional tailors that stitches our nation together. It’s like a big vessel, a vessel of the universe that stores all the teachings of Sanatan Dharma, Adhyatam, philosophy and what the essence of ‘Bharat’ really is. Ever since I was in college, I’ve been seeing Steve McCurry’s images from the 2003 Kumbh and have dreamt of shooting this event ever since. I decided to fulfil this dream at Haridwar. Kumbh is a synthesis of many aspects of life and nature, and the constant bustle during the mela makes it extremely challenging to plan and execute images you’d imagine. This challenge was something I looked forward to conquering, and even though the mela takes place in 4 cities rotationally- Nasik,Ujjain, Prayagraj and Haridwar, the last seemed most appropriate for me given that it’s the city where I embarked on my spiritual journey- one that’s very close to my heart.