Disciplined lifestyle of Kalpawasees during Kumbh Mela, Allahabad

From the archive record

Over the years the number of Akharas has swollen from seven that were established by Shankaracharya to 13 of the present times these orders that were created to fight hostile forces are now fighting a battle for supremacy among each other. At Kumbh, the largest showcase of Hindu religiosity this battle takes many forms including exhibitionism each Akhara tries to outdo the other in displays of splendor among other things organizing mega feasts is one way of doing just that. ar away from the carnival-like showcases of Sadhus are Kalpawasis. Unlike the floating the floating population who come for a short while mainly for a quick dip. The Kalpawasis are the devout pilgrims who spend the whole month at the Kumbh. Their lifestyle is altered to exude piety, living in tents eating simple food st