Short Cut to Nirvana: Kumbh Mela

This documentary takes you into the heart of the Kumbh Mela--a strangely beautiful festival in India. It's the next best thing to being there yourself.

The filmmakers do a good job of showing all aspects of the event (the good, the bad, and the ugly), without judging. They act only as observers and leave the viewer to draw their own conclusions.

Still, one can't help but come away with a feeling of hope for humanity. Some of the subjects appear to be "religious phonies", while others dispense sage words about life. But it's clear overall that most everyone there has a real desire for worldwide peace and unity--something that is sadly scarce in the modern world.

Highly recommended!

i didn't know what to expect from this movie, but it blew my socks off!

they take you on a personal tour of this incredible spiritual festival in India...

there are all kinds of spiritual practices you wouldn't believe. some of them are a bit like a circus, actually.

it was also interesting to see the dalai lama and where he fits into all that. he's got an amazing presence.

its fun and entertaining, but most important for me it was really inspiring. it really opened my eyes.

highly recommended!!

It speaks volumes that millions of people can gather to celebrate this festival that takes place every twelve years without any problems, or casualty. That the Mela takes place in India, a poor country in comparison to the West, is a tribute to how the people there have achieved a state of nirvana. In general, all the different gurus, swamis, and different religious people seem to be honestly involved in the well being of their souls and passing this set of rules of conduct for anyone who wants to become spiritual and leave all the material trappings aside.

Director Maurizio Benazzo, and his collaborator, Nick Day, present us images that are exotic and in sharp contrast with what religion is seen and practiced in this country and others. We are taken to different people who speak directly into the camera and tell us their view about spirituality and how they have arrived at that plateau.

There are many interesting side trips to visit with the Dalai Lama, who made an appearance at the festival. His message is how Buddism can coexist with all religions based on mutual respect for other forms of religion. The documentary makes a point in how Hinduism is an ancient religion practiced since much before Christianity.

The directors make a point to watch through the camera lens but never make any statements or be judgmental about any aspect of the way the people that are attracted to do the pilgrimage worship.

Greetings again from the darkness. My knowledge of the Kumbh Mela was limited to only what I had seen on CNN. Co-filmmakers Maurizio Benazzo and Nick Day offer a documentary that gives us more than an insider's view. We often feel as if we are trespassing, or at a minimum, actually in attendance. This Hindu spiritual festival is held every 12 years and climaxes in a Holy river bathing routine as the planets align. Estimates of attendance reach as high as 70 million people. The organization and structure of the event is fascinating as numerous "camps" are built, each around their particular guru. Many of these appear to be circus sideshows, while others are more serious spiritual leaders.

Nick Day held a brief Q&A after our screening and I was very interested to find out that they stumbled upon the charismatic Swami who guides us through this maze of worshipers, gurus and onlookers. This Swami is the driving force of the film and prevents any semblance of routine documentary blandness from reaching the viewer. Although lacking in true spiritual enlightenment, the film provides a unique, front row seat to this extremely interesting event. The influence of the western world to this traditional event is beyond question, but much of the old world religion survives and even thrives. See this one for the glimpse inside a world we rarely get the opportunity to see.

"Short Cut to Nirvana", the movie, is extremely informative yet with good sense of humor.

I felt touched and inspired by its magnitude and simplicity.

It shows 70 million people united for the sake of goodness, for peace and universal love.

The H. H. Dalai Lama appearance, his charisma, and his message of tolerance are deep and relevant.

It made me want to go to the next Kumbh Mela and experience more of it!

Thank Maurizio and Nick for this remarkable experience!

The message stays with you!

Peace for all!