Oxford Sanskrit Text Society (STS) – a charity that aims to educate the public about the cultural, intellectual, and historical traditions of the Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains of South Asia – is organising a study trip to the Prayagraj Maha-Kumbh Mela [the festival of the sacred pitcher] for scholars, students and enthusiasts of Hindu philosophy and texts.
Set to take place from 14 January to 26 February 26 2025, the Mela is returning to the city of Prayagraj after 12 years.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the oldest and largest pilgrimage gatherings in the world, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and religious beliefs. The Mela, which brings together ascetics, saints and seers and millions of pilgrims from across the globe - is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years, with its locations spanning over four locations in India, namely Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj.
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Historically, the Mela has been a site of intellectual and religious exchange, with ascetics, scholars, and laypersons alike participating in its various rituals, making it a living embodiment of Hindu philosophical and ritual traditions.
The study trip charges a fee of £500 – covering the accommodation, food and local travel costs – and will include multiple engaging activities for the attendees:
1. Study of Hindu philosophy and Indian spiritual tradition
2. Workshops on Yoga, spiritual traditions and Sanskrit texts by academics and practitioners
3. Reading of Sanskrit texts led by Prof. Diwakar Acharya, Spalding professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford
4. Cultural immersion with the practitioners
5. Group reflection sessions
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The study trip is supported by the STS’s partner organisations National Hindu Students Forum (NHSF) and the International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS), a newly formed think tank in London, founded by Dr Sachin Nandha. The think tanks aims to help society learn from the wisdom of Dharma and advance research and policy proposals to help improve relations between India and the West.
*Info: Maha-Kumbh Study Trip