VISUAL SYMBOLISM IN MAHA KUMBH AKHARA PROCESSIONS: EMBODIED PERFORMANCE OF SANATAN DHARMA
ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts May 7, 2026 Gaurav Rohitbhai Umretiya, Dr. Sunil H Der
Akhara peshwais at the 2025 Prayagraj Maha Kumbh grand processions of 13 akharas (7 Shaiva, 3 Vaishnava, 2 Udasin, 1 Sikh) embody Sanatan Dharma as kinetic epistemology, transforming Triveni Sangam's chaos into eternal order for 50 crore pilgrims. Saffron-clad Nagas thunder forth, dhwaj snapping (Juna's red Hanuman "Jai Shri Ram"), trishuls skyward, vibhuti-smeared torsos gleaming amid damru...