The sacred tradition of Kalpvas began on Paush Purnima with a holy dip at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, where millions of devotees gathered in spiritual unity.
As per the Padma Purana and Mahabharata, performing Kalpvas during the Magh month at Sangam bestows virtues equivalent to a hundred years of penance. Following the rituals, thousands of devotees have started their Kalpvas by planting bananas, Tulsi and barley, observing fasting, and adopting a disciplined lifestyle.
Performing Kalpvas in the holy city of Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh is considered especially auspicious. Over 10 lakh devotees are estimated to observe Kalpvas this year, dedicating the entire month of Magh to spiritual practices.
Tirth Purohit Shyam Sundar Pandey explained its significance: “Kalpvas literally means living by the Sangam for a fixed time, typically from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima. Some devotees also perform Kalpvas for shorter durations of three, five or eleven days, depending on their capacity. Completing 12 years of Kalpvas during Maha Kumbh is considered highly rewarding and liberating in scriptures.â€
According to Sanatan tradition, Kalpvas is a spiritual gateway, transitioning an individual from the ‘Vanaprastha’ to the ‘Sanyas’ ashram. It serves as a profound practice for inner and outer rejuvenation.
The Padma Purana outlines 21 rules of Kalpvas, including thrice-daily bathing in the Ganga, simple meals, abstaining from vices, truthfulness, non-violence, celibacy, compassion and devotion through chanting, meditation and satsang.
On Paush Purnima, devotees began their Kalpvas by taking a ritualistic dip at Sangam during Brahma muhurta, installing Lord Shaligram and Tulsi, and taking vows with Ganga water and Kusha grass. Devotees planted barley and bananas near their tents as per tradition, with bananas symbolising Lord Vishnu.
Throughout the month, the kalpvasis will follow a disciplined routine of bathing, meditation, chanting and worship, detaching from worldly ties to pursue spiritual growth.
The Kalpvas tradition, enriched by rituals, satsangs and devotion, represents a journey of self-purification and a profound connection to the divine, highlighting the spiritual essence of Maha Kumbh.
