Transient Transformations: Memory and Identity Lessons from Kumbh Mela

Abstract

The Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj, India, is the largest religious gathering and ephemeral city in the world. This article explores the physical and social dimensions of the festival, drawing parallels with other temporary architectures and paying particular attention to the role of memory. The physical structure of the city, organized into a flexible grid, accommodates millions of pilgrims while preserving spaces for the community and its collective identity. The material memory of the site, layered with historical and spiritual significance, intersects with the intangible memory carried by pilgrims through traditions and cultural practices. This blend of tangible and intangible elements fosters a sense of continuity, even in a temporary setting. By examining the Kumbh Mela, the study highlights the importance of memory in creating cohesive, resilient communities within transient urban landscapes, and offers valuable lessons for the design and planning of other temporary settlements.

Keywords

• Ephemeral Cities
• Sites and Services
• Camps
• Cluster
• Collective Memory