In Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges, BBC journalist Amol Rajan navigates his grief following the death of his father by seeking a connection with his Hindu heritage at the Kumbh Mela. This documentary chronicles his journey during the largest religious gathering on earth, highlighting the spiritual experiences of the pilgrims as well as the chaos and tragedy at the event. Despite Rajan's atheism, the film poses poignant questions about faith, identity, and loss, framed by the political context of a Hindu nationalist government funding this mega-event. It offers a mix of introspection and social commentary, showcasing the human experiences amidst the festival's grandeur.
"The people in front of me were just stepping on women... Lots of very poor, very old, very fragile... they were like human debris on the floor."
"An atheist like me can benefit from a holy pilgrimage... it's a deeply personal premise of what turns into an intimate, moving, entertaining yet oddly depoliticised documentary."
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