This story is about my experience, at the 2001 Maha Kumbh Mela.

The 2001 maha Kumbh Mela was different from the one in 1989. for one thing there was a lot to more politics. There were more people it's true and so many of the sadhus were just there for the pure joy of sharing and expressing their religion. But the mainland and administration, that is the government department that oversees the operations of the Mela, is extremely corrupt. It has developed in the last 50 years or so that the government has autonomous control over the Mela and therefore cannot be questioned as to their motives. For instance, the main bathing the area, known as the sangam, was declared off-limits for any ashrams or sadhus to camp on, however, the administration had many of its officers staying in this area, in fact camping with their families.

They had planned from the very start to divert to all of the arriving pilgrims to waterfront area up river from the main bathing section. Allowing the special sangam area to only be accessed by them and their friends. They even created a special high-quality road going directly to the sangam area, however only official cars were allowed in the mela on the main days. Very convenient.

In all fairness however, I must say that not all of the administrative staff are corrupt. There are a few really good souls in amongst the wolves...