Kumbha Mela Festival (photos)

Wisdom Quarterly

Kumbha Mela festival reveals method behind the madness at India's massive spiritual festival

• 2010 PHOTO GALLERY

The "God of Poverty"

In terms of questionable religious practices, nominally Buddhist Japan may now lead the pack. There is a new God of Poverty, which can be struck, kicked, and blamed for financial misfortune -- for a price. The God is willing to shoulder the blame for the current global crisis as well as individual hardships.

• VIDEO: Japan's God of Poverty & Anti-worship Works

This practice echoes the Islamic practice of hurtling stones at the devil (tossing pebbles at a wall called Jamarat during the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca).

• VIDEO: Stoning of the Devil (Reuters)

The custom of self-mortification is not limited to the sages and seers of the East. It is still rampant in some parts of Christendom. Most notable is the annual custom of self-flagellation and voluntary crucifixion in the Philippines.

• VIDEO: Nailed to a Cross for Christ

Finally, no culture can rival India for majestic splendor and strange customs. The country hosts the largest human gathering for a single purpose (with hundred of millions attending Kumbh Mela held every dozen years). Its practices are colorful, with periodic lesser Melas every three years, and national holidays like Holi.

• VIDEO: Holi Preparations in India & Holi (BBC)

Related

• Kumbh Mela: 2010
• TIMEAsia: Photo Essay of Kumbh Mela
• The New Gomorrah (India)