BBC One presents Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges on Wednesday, June 25, at 9:00 PM, a deeply personal documentary following journalist Amol Rajan on a pilgrimage to India’s Kumbh Mela. Born into a Hindu family but now a non-believer, Rajan uses this journey to reconnect with his roots and find a way to process the grief following his father’s passing.
The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival that only happens every 12 years, looks to be the largest gathering in human history, drawing over 500 million pilgrims. Rajan’s initial intent is to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges, a ritual believed to purify the soul and potentially release his father’s soul from the cycle of life and death.
However, the pilgrimage takes a devastating turn. On the most auspicious bathing day, a massive crowd crush leads to reports of at least 30 pilgrims dying and many more injured. The chaos forces Rajan to abandon his plans to enter the river, leaving him to deal with his spiritual quest amid real-world tragedy and the vast, undeniable risks that come with such immense gatherings. The program gives a candid view into the unexpected dangers that can happen with a large collection of people.
The documentary explores Rajan’s struggle with faith and grief, painting a picture of a man seeking answers and peace in a setting of profound belief and unforeseen disaster.
