A 65-year-old French woman named Pascal has travelled from France to participate in the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Being a devotee of Lord Shiva, Pascal expressed that she is very spiritually connected to Hinduism. “My attachment to Lord Shiva and Hinduism comes from the heart,” she said.
She said that she got interested in Hinduism when she first came to India in 1984. She has, over the years, studied extensively the Bhagavad Gita and Puranas. Pascal knows everything about Kumbh Mela, its origin, including the story of Samudra Manthan and the drop of Amrit. “I know everything about Kumbh Mela and the tale of Samudra Manthan,” she said.
At the Kumbh Mela, Pascal is happy to meet fellow devotees. “I like this meeting Sadhu Sanyasis and Hindus here,” she said. She is wearing a Rudraksha necklace as a gift from a friend. “Wearing it feels like it protects me,” she explained.
Praising the very well-arranged event, Pascal said people made all efforts for the invitees. “Mahakumbh is amazing. Millions of people are here, and I feel so safe. Staying, food, drinkable water, sleep provisions are available free of charge. The preparations are outstanding,” she added.
Local authorities have put into place elaborate arrangements for crowd and fire management between January 13 and February 26. “The police have been conducting practice drills and rehearsals to make sure devotees face no trouble,” DIG Krishna said. Inspecting the entire area, SSP Kumbh Rajesh Dwivedi had also taken note of all matters.
