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Year 6 - Religious education

Kumbh Mela: a Hindu place of pilgrimage

Pilgrimage: why are people still drawn to ancient places?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will revist the idea of pilgrimage. They will investigate case studies of the sites of Iona, the Ganges and Glastonbury. From this they will learn that there has been a Christian or Hindu presence there for centuries. They will note how there is both continuity and change.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what happens at the Kumbh Mela and the experience of different Hindus.

Key Notes

  • The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of people on earth.
  • The Kumbh Mela is a festival that happens every twelve years in India. It shows harmony of different Hindu traditions.
  • Many Hindus will bathe at the meeting point of the rivers. Others will learn from the sadhus and sadhvi that attend.
  • We can better understand Kumbh Mela by speaking to different Hindus.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Kumbh Mela: a Hindu festival drawing large numbers of pilgrims
  • dharma: acting with compassion for the good of humans and all living things
  • sadhu/sadhvi: a Hindu man or woman who has chosen to lead a life of meditation away from others
  • moksha: the end of the cycle of rebirth; becoming one with Brahman or God

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Kumbh Mela is simply about sadhus and crowds at the Ganges.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of people on earth. The Kumbh Mela is a festival that happens every twelve years in India. It shows harmony of different Hindu traditions.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Kumbh Mela'

a Hindu festival drawing large numbers of pilgrims.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: The Kumbh Mela is simply about sadhus and crowds at the Ganges. Correction: The Kumbh Mela is a spiritual pilgrimage linked to the sacred rivers and sacred time. Hindus may bathe in the river, speak to and learn from the wisdom of sadhus and sadhvus. They may also offer acts of service to other pilgrims.

More Lessons In This Unit

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