Kumbh Mela is an important Hindu pilgrimage, celebrated approximately every 6 or 12 years, correlated with the partial or full revolution of Jupiter. It is considered as one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A ritual dip in the waters marks the festival. It is also a celebration of community commerce with numerous fairs, education, religious discourses by saints, mass gatherings of monks, and entertainment. The seekers believe that bathing in these rivers is a means to prāyaścitta (atonement, penance, restorative action) for past mistakes, and that it cleanses them of their sins. But, now a days in Mega Kumbha Mela of Prayagraj people did some unhealthy practices like drinking river water for purify their soul. Now from the Medical Microbiology perspective discuss the following questions:
1. What types of health issues may arise from drinking river water during the Kumbh Mela?
2. If river water is collected in a bottle, taken home, and distributed among neighbors who could not attend the Mahakumbh—after approximately 10 days—what potential health risks could arise from consuming that stored water?
3. Despite the potential contamination, there are almost negotiable reports of severe illnesses or highlighted medical conditions related to consuming Kumbh Mela water. Why do most people not experience health issues, and how does the human body resist potential infections?
4. The Ganges is considered pure and free from contamination due to its sacred significance. From a scientific perspective, how valid is this belief regarding the microbiological quality of the water?
My question is not about dismissing beliefs but about examining them from a scientific perspective. The coexistence of faith and science has always been a subject of discussion, and understanding the microbiological quality of the Ganges water in relation to its perceived purity is a valid inquiry. Constructive discussions should allow space for both cultural significance and scientific analysis rather than dismissing either outright. If you have scientific insights to share, I’d be happy to hear them. Satyendra Mondal
Not interested in discussing about the religious belief.
But as of in normal, we know the most indicator of water pollution is Escherichia coli, the fecal contaminator, which severely cause water quality into unpotable water
Albino Wins Absolutely, I agree with you—E. coli is indeed a key indicator of water pollution, and MPN testing is widely used to assess potability. But honestly, water quality assessment is much broader, right? Parameters like BOD, COD, heavy metals, and even microbial diversity studies etc. give a complete picture. It’s always interesting how many factors come into play when it comes to water safety, especially during such large gatherings.
Absolutely sir
There are so many parameters to be analysed regarding water. But during the great crowd we can't analyze everything as physical, chemical and biological parameters. As a fast spread, microbes can be detected. Water borne pathogens should be detected and reported daily to check the portability of water
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