Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of people for a religious purpose in the world. Millions of people gather on different places for this auspicious occasion. Kumbha is a Sanskrit word for Pitcher, sometimes referred to as the Kalasha, it is also a zodiac sign in Indian astrology for Aquarius, the sign under which the festival is celebrated, while Mela means 'a gathering' or 'a meet', or simply a fair.

Kumbh Mela in Hinduism is celebrated four times every 12 years, the site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers: at Haridwar on the Ganges River, at Ujjain on the Shipra, at Nasik on the Godavari, and at Prayag (Allahabad) at the confluence of the Ganges, Jamuna (popularly known as Yamuna), and the mythical River Sarasvati.

Famous ancient traveller, Hiuen Tsiang of China, was the first to mention Kumbha Mela in his diary. His diary mentions the celbration of 75 days of hindu month of Magha (January-February), which witnessed half a million devotee including sadhus, common man, rich & famous & kings.

For each site Kumbh Mela comes in every 12 years. Each site’s celebration is based on particular zodiacal positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter, the holiest time occurring at the exact moment these zodiacal conditions are fulfilled. Bathing at this moment is believed to generate the greatest religious merit, but the Kumbh time is regarded as being so holy that other bathing days are designated weeks or even months before and after this climactic time.

It is considered very auspicious by taking bath in River during Kumbh Mela. Around 10 million people gathered for Kumbh Mela in 2007 with thousands for foreign tourists as well. The next Kumbh Mela is in Haridwar (Hardwar) of Uttarakhand state on the bank of river Ganga in 2010.

Naga Sadhus are the most important features of Kumbh Mela are furious and exotic, covered in ash, matted hairs and are known as preserver of faith. Naga Akhadas (where naga sadhu gathers for this occasion) are the most important historical figures of Kumbha Mela. Naga sadhus are people who made their living as mercenary soldier and traders. Apart from the akhadas, attendees at the Kumbh Mela come from all sections of Hindu religious life, ranging from sadhus (holy men), who remain naked year-round or practice the most severe physical discipline, to hermits, who leave their isolation only for these pilgrimages, and even to silk-clad teachers using the latest technology.

Learn more about the myth and legend of Kumbh Mela history