GG News Bureau
PRAYAGRAJ, 6th Feb. For generations, boatmen from the Nishad community have played a vital role in the Kumbh Mela, ferrying millions of Hindu pilgrims to the sacred confluence of rivers. These skilled rowers not only transport devotees but also narrate the spiritual significance of the waters and the festival’s rich history.
“We bring the devotees to the holy place,” says Chhote Lal Nishad, a 52-year-old boatman. “We allow pilgrims to bathe with love and happiness and then return safely.” The Nishads consider their profession a proud inheritance, passed down through generations. Their deep understanding of the river also makes them crucial in rescuing drowning bathers.
The Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering held every 12 years, sees a surge in the boatmen’s trade. Millions of pilgrims attend the six-week festival, seeking purification through ritual bathing. While the Nishads typically row pilgrims to the heart of the confluence, authorities have imposed restrictions this year for safety reasons, barring them from the most crowded areas.
This restriction has been a blow to the Nishad community, who rely on the river for their livelihood. “The river is the only support for the Nishad community,” says Chhote Lal Nishad. “If there is no river we will die of hunger.” He expressed disappointment at the impact on his earnings.
Despite the restrictions, the Nishad boatmen remain busy, transporting pilgrims to alternative bathing sites. Many devotees prefer the traditional wooden boats over modern vessels. “The wooden boat moves slowly, and the joy and experience… is something which you cannot feel in modern boats,” says Ajeet Kaur Prajapati, a pilgrim from Delhi. The traditional boats offer a unique and cherished experience, deeply connected to the spiritual heart of the Kumbh Mela.
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