Kumbh Mela, January 2013

Mapping the Ephemeral Mega City
Temporary pop-up cities for the largest pilgrimage on earth Sadhus, traveling merchants, healthcare, and cell phone reception—Kumbh Mela today
Many people are not familiar with it, and yet Kumbh Mela is the largest celebration on earth: depending on the zodiacal positions of Jupiter, the sun, and the moon, Hindus travel to certain places along holy rivers, the Ganges for example, for the purpose of bathing and cleansing themselves of sin. In 1989 fifteen million people are said to have attended, in 2001 around thirty million, and in 2013 approximately thirty-four million. In order to transport, house, and feed these enormous crowds of people, functioning temporary structures are required, which in each case are created by the communities hosting the gathering. In 2013, a team from Harvard University monitored the large-scale event from its preparation to the actual celebration itself. The fascinating prototypes for flexible urban planning were investigated and documented, and the organizers received advice in issues around environmental protection. The volume presents the comprehensive research findings and includes city maps, aerial images, and photographs—for instance a spectacular photo series by Iwan Baan.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.