Kumbh Mela – The world’s largest fair attracts millions of pilgrims
Kumbh Mela is an important event for the people of Hindu religion who believe in Sanatan tradition. The word ‘Kumbh’ means pot or vessel, and ‘Mela’ means festival or fair. Here ‘Kumbh’ means ‘pot filled with nectar’.
In this huge fair, many sadhus (holy men) of various Hindu sects participate in the fair, such as Naga Sadhu (who do not wear any clothes), Kalpavasi (who bathe three times a day) and Urdhvadhur (who believe in subjecting the body to rigorous penance). These sadhus come to the fair in lakhs to perform sacred rituals related to their respective groups and to feel the infinite energy of God.
Some experiences and information related to Kumbh Mela are given below for you, believe me, it will give you a virtual bath in Maha Kumbh.
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Significance of Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is organized at different places every three years. In total, this fair is organized at four different places. Kumbh Mela is organized again at the same place after 12 years. These four places are Haridwar (city located on the banks of the holy river Ganga), Prayagraj or Prayag (Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati), Ujjain (city of Baba Mahakal on the banks of Kshipra river) and Nashik (religious city located on the banks of Godavari river). Thus, Kumbh Festival is a massive Hindu pilgrimage festival, which returns to each place after a period of 12 years. Because it is believed that one day of the gods is equal to 12 years on earth.Story behind the origin of Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela begins with the story of a time when both gods and demons lived on earth. The curse of sage Durvasa weakened Indra and his allied gods and the asuras (demons) wreaked havoc in the world. Lord Vishnu advised the gods to churn the ocean and extract Amrit. But for this task, he needed even more powerful people. For this, Lord Brahma advised the gods to churn the cosmic ocean with the help of the Asuras and extract the Amrit Kalash. When the gods told the demons about this, they agreed. Mandarachal mountain was made a churner and Vasuki serpent was made a rope for churning the ocean. Then the Gods along with the demons churned the ocean and during the churning of the ocean, Amrit Kalash was obtained, along with it Apsara Rambha, Airavat elephant, Kamdhenu cow, Halahala poison and 14 types of gems were obtained. After the Amrit Kalash was obtained, the time came to distribute the Amrit. But when the Asuras came to know that the gods did not want to share the Amrit with them, the Asuras attacked the gods and tried to snatch the Amrit. But the gods started running in the sky with the Amrit Kalash. And the demons chased them for 12 days. While chasing, a few drops of this nectar fell at four places, which are now the sites of the Kumbh Fair. Thus, the Kumbh Mela is organized at these four places at an interval of three years. The Hindu society following the Sanatan tradition believes that bathing in the holy rivers at these places during the auspicious time of the Kumbh Fair washes away sins, purifies the soul and helps them attain spiritual liberation (moksha).History of the Kumbh Mela
The great 8th century saint Adi Shankaracharya initiated the present format of the Kumbh Mela. His original intention behind the event was to organize large gatherings for spiritual discussions and philosophical debates among the Hindu monastic community. These gatherings were intended to strengthen the philosophical foundations of Hinduism, as well as to promote the philosophy of unity in diversity and the spirit of expansion of knowledge among the followers of the Sanatan tradition. Although there is no concrete evidence of when and who started this fair, the first written evidence of this fair which is more than 2000 years old is found in the accounts of the visit of Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang to India. He came to India during the reign of King Harshavardhana. (Read more)Astronomical Significance of the Kumbh Mela
The timing of the Kumbh Mela is determined by astrological calculations, when Jupiter enters the Aquarius sign. This astronomical event is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practice. According to religious beliefs, on these dates the water of holy rivers turns into nectar. The exact dates are calculated according to a combination of the positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. Each site’s celebration is based on a different set of dates according to the different astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, with the holiest time being when these positions are fully occupied. 12-year cycle : Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete its revolution around the Sun. Similarly, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated approximately every 12 years, which aligns with the orbit of Jupiter. According to this cycle, the time of organizing the four Kumbh fairs is decided. The Kumbh Mela organized in Prayag is special because it is organized at the confluence of three rivers. It attracts millions of pilgrims. The Great Kumbh Mela is organized in Prayag after the Purna Kumbh is organized 12 times, i.e. every 144 years.Some Interesting Facts about the Maha Kumbh Mela
- The world’s largest festival, Kumbh Fair, is also considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. In 2017, UNESCO added Kumbh Mela Festival to its list of intangible cultural heritage, citing its central spiritual role in India.
- According to information, Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims ever held on earth. This fair reflects the diversity of Hindu culture, customs, spirituality and religious practices.
- The Kumbh Festival is truly an awe-inspiring spectacle, a testimony to the deep faith of millions of Hindus.
- The holy dip is believed to wash away sins and lead to spiritual purification.
Information about Kumbh Mela
A massive gathering of Hindu devotees, the Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attended by millions of devotees. It is a part of the oral tradition in India. Beyond its religious significance, the Kumbh Mela is a vibrant cultural event. The festival is attended by devotees, religious teachers, sages, saints, holy men and their followers. Overall it attracts millions of devotees from all walks of life, promoting a sense of unity, diversity and inclusiveness. The event showcases the richness of Hindu traditions, including various sects, rituals and arts. The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering, it is an intense spiritual experience that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people for centuries. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, devotion and the human spirit.Types : Kumbh, Ardh-Kumbh and Maha-Kumbh
The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu traditional fair celebrated on the banks of holy rivers in India. It is considered to be the world’s largest peaceful gathering and religious event. Kumbh fairs are classified as follows:- Purna Kumbh Mela’ (sometimes called simply the Kumbh or “Purna Kumbh”), is held at a fixed location every 12 years.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela’ (Half Kumbh) is organized at an interval of 6 years. This fair is held after 6 years have passed since the last full Kumbh between two full Kumbh Fairs. It is held only in Haridwar and Prayagraj.
- Maha Kumbh Mela’, which occurs after every 12 Purna Kumbh Melas, i.e. once every 144 years
Akharas : Warrior Hindu Monks
The main attraction of the Kumbh Mela are the ‘Akharas‘. Akharas are organizations of Hindu saints and sadhus. The word “Akhada” literally means “wrestling ground” but the significance is much richer. Akharas are considered the spiritual and cultural fabric of Hinduism. Many types of sadhus come to the Kumbh Mela. Some sadhus are independent i.e. do not belong to any group (Akhada). While some sadhus belong to an Akhada group. Thus there are thirteen active Akharas:- 7 Shaivite akhadas : Mahanirvani, Atal, Niranjani, Anand, Juna, Awahan and Agni
- 3 Vaishnavite akhadas : Nirvani, Digambar and Nirmohi
- 3 Sikh akhadas : Bada Panchayati Udasi, Chota Panchayati Udasi and Nirmal
Rituals related to Kumbh Festival
Procession : Symbol of Unity and Harmony
The Kumbh Mela procession, also known as “Peshwai“, is a grand spectacle that takes place during the Kumbh Mela festival. It consists of a colourful, vibrant and spirited procession of Hindu sadhus, saints, ascetics and devotees of various religious sects, known as Akhadas. The procession is an important event during the Kumbh fair as it marks the beginning of the holy bathing rituals. With their unique traditions and traditional attire, the Akhadas march full of energy through the streets of the Kumbh Mela town to the beats of music, chants and traditional instruments. The procession features revered saints dressed in colourful attire, carrying sacred objects and riding on decorated elephants, horses and camels. The Peshwai is not only a religious procession but also a cultural celebration. It reflects the rich diversity of Hindu traditions and the devotion of millions of pilgrims who gather at the Kumbh Mela. The procession is a symbol of unity and harmony, bringing together people from all walks of life to participate in this holy event.Shahi Snan : Royal Bath at Maha Kumbh Mela
The ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) is an important ritual during the Kumbh Mela, where Hindu saints and ascetics from various Akhadas (religious orders) take a holy dip in the holy river. It is considered one of the most auspicious times to bathe in the river, as it is believed to wash away one’s sins and bring spiritual purification. ‘Shahi Snan’ is the holy bath performed by saints of various Akhadas (saint groups) in the holy river before any common devotees or worldly pilgrims. This is one of the opening rituals of the Mela, after which the common people can bathe in the holy rivers, i.e. after the saints of Akhadas have taken a dip. On this occasion, millions of devotees gather to watch the procession of sadhus going towards the river for a bath. The saints, often naked or minimally dressed, march in colourful processions singing hymns, and playing traditional instruments. The atmosphere at this time is filled with spiritual energy and devotion. Shahi Snan is usually performed on special days marked during the Kumbh Mela, which are considered to be the most auspicious days. These dates vary depending on the location and year of the Kumbh Mela.Most Important days and dates for Shahi Snan for Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela 2025
- 13-01-2025 : Paush Purnima: The first Shahi Snan, considered highly auspicious.
- 14-01-2025 : Makar Sankranti: On this day in the month of Pausha, the Sun enters Capricorn.
- 29-01-2025 : Mauni Amavasya: A day of complete silence and meditation, followed by a mass dip in the holy waters.
- 02-02-2025 : Basant Panchami: A celebration of the arrival of spring, marked by a colourful procession and holy bath.
- 04-02-2025 : Achala Saptami: It is a day dedicated to praying for happiness, prosperity, health and longevity.
- 12-02-2025 : Magha Purnima: Magh Purnima is the last day of Kalpavas, a month-long penance held on the banks of the Ganga at Prayag.
- 26-02-2025 : Maha Shivratri: The night of Lord Shiva, with a grand Shahi Snan to mark the occasion.
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