Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.

Recently, India concluded with the largest public bathing event - Mahakunbh 2025.

Public bathing has been a recurring practice across cultures and societies because -

▷ Part of religious doctrine. [eg] Baptism in Christianity.

▷ Considered a holy practice. [eg] Ganga Holy dip.

▷ Seen as a way to purify the soul from the accumulated sins.

▷ The public water bodies are considered sacred. [eg] Yamuna Grhate.

▷ Folklore revolves around rivers, especially mythology. [eg] Vindhyachal on banks on Yamuna and Ayodhya on Saryu.

▷ It was seen as a way to provide people with amenities when concept of pipelines not developed. [eg] Mahakydance's great bathing structure.

▷ To remind people that there is a path of correction.

▷ Prevalence of metaphysics and shaping the socio-cultural influence.

▷ At some places, it's a way to perform rituals. [eg] Siberian cold dip.

▷ Water is considered as one of 5 core elements, which made the world economy is centred around water (aquaculture) thus given heavily potion.

▷ Water is sacred. [eg] Water God in Greece.