Hindu ascetic who plays music on bed of thorns draws crowds at India’s Kumbh Mela

Record ID: 1899844

  • Title: Hindu ascetic who plays music on bed of thorns draws crowds at India’s Kumbh Mela
  • Date: 15th January 2025
  • Summary: PRAYAGRAJ, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JANUARY 15, 2025) (ANI- No use India) HINDU ASCETIC RAMESH KUMAR MAJHI LAYING DOWN ON THORNS DEVOTEE GIVING CASH AS ALMS AND SEEKING BLESSINGS VARIOUS OF ASCETIC PLAYING TRADITIONAL INDIAN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT 'DAMARU' COINS AND CASH GIVEN AS ALMS LYING AT ASCETIC'S FEET ASCETIC PLAYING 'DAMARU' (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) ASCETIC, RAMESH KUMAR MA
  • Embargoed: 29th January 2025 16:12
  • Keywords: Hindu festival Hindus India Kumbh Kumbh Mela Maha Kumbh Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh ascetics bathing crowd damaru devotees faith festival guru music percussion instrument pilgrims religion
  • Location: PRAYAGRAJ, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
  • City: PRAYAGRAJ, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
  • Country: India
  • Topics: Asia / Pacific,Religion/Belief,Society/Social Issues
  • Reuters ID: LVA001LRFSD3J
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: An Indian Hindu ascetic laying on a bed of thorns while playing a 'damaru', a traditional percussion instrument, attracted devotees at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela on Wednesday (January15).
    Ramesh Kumar Manjhi, a frail man left gathered spectators awestruck as he collected thorny bushes, later to be turned into a makeshift bed. People moved by the sight were seen giving cash and coins in alms to the ascetic.
    Manjhi showcased gratitude towards his 'guru' and God as he credited them with the knowledge for the dangerous feat. "I have been doing this for the last 40-42 years," said Majhi as he played his 'damaru'.
    Held every 12 years, the six-week Kumbh festival attracts more than 400 million visitors. The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons.
  • Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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