Know about Kumbh Mela

 What is Kumbh Mela :  Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage of Hindus. It is the largest religious gathering of Hindus held four times over the course of 12 years at 4 different locations that are situated on the bank of the sacred rivers. Prayagraj (at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers), Ujjain (River Shipra), Haridwar (River Ganga) and Nasik (River Godavari) are the four destinations.

Why is kumbh Mela Celebrated :  It is believed, the nectar from the pot fell at four locations - Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nasik during an epic battle between the gods and the demons. At these four places, Kumbh Mela takes place. The Hindu devotees throng these places with a belief that a dip in the waters of the sacred rivers will wash away all their sins.

What is Ardh Kumbh Mela :  The Ardh Kumbh Mela (Half Kumbh Mela) is held every 6 years in two different locations, Allahabad and Haridwar. Ardh means ‘half’ which is interpreted as the half of 12 years.

What is MAHA KUMBH mela : The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years at Prayagraj (Allahabad), after the completion of 12 Purna Kumbh Melas. The Purna Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years and hence, the Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years (12*12=144).

Why is kumbh mela held in every 12 Years : The war between the gods and the demons over the possession of the Nectar of Immortality lasted for 12 divine days which are equivalent to 12 human years. Therefore, the Kumbh Mela or more commonly called Purna Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at the 4 holy sites.

What are the main attacration of Kubh Mela : The major attractions of the Kumbh Mela are: a holy bath in the sacred river that is believed to cleanse one from all their sins; the sacred Aartis on the banks of the river accompanied by the prayers and hymns chanted by the priests, the Pravachan, Kirtan, Mahaprasad and the Naga Sadhus.

What are the must do things at Kumbh Mela 

1)  Take a Dip in the Holy Waters

2) Visit an Akhada

3) Meet the Naga Sadhus

4) Listen to Kathas, Participate in Kirtans

5) Eat at Bhandara

6) Visit the ancient temples of the city

7) Attend the Arti

What are the main bathing dates for Kumbh 2021

First Bath: Makar Sankranti (14 Jan 2021)

Second Bath: Mauni Amavasya (11 Feb 2021)

Third Bath: Vasant Panchami (16 Feb 2021)

Fourth Bath: Ram Navami (21 Apr 2021)

First Shahi Bath: Maha Shivratri (11 March 2021)

Second Shahi Bath: Somvati Amamvasya (12 April 2021)

Third Shahi Bath: Baisakhi (14 April 2021)

Fourth Shahi Bath: Chaitra Purnima (27 April 2021)