Ardh Kumbh in Haridwar

Ardh Kumbh in Haridwar matches the religious fervor that is associated with a Purna Kumbh Mela. The Haridwar Ardh Kumbh is held, as the name suggests, after 6 years of the Purna Kumbh Mela, the last one having occurred in 2004. One of the most important of the fairs and festivals in Haridwar, the Ardh Kumbh Mela sees a congregation of millions of people from across India. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of Ganga in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela would wash away all the sins and free oneself from the pangs of life and death.

As the Indian mythology describes, the Gods and Demons were fighting over a pot containing the nectar for immortality and in the tussle a few drops fell in four different places before reaching heaven. These four places are Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar where the Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela are held when a special planetary alignment takes place every 12 and 6 years respectively.

Over a period of one and a half month, the pilgrims, hermits and saints take holy bath in the sacred water to get some benefits of the divine nectar of immortality. The ritual of bathing begins at dawn despite the cold wind and fog of January. Some auspicious dates witness a congregation of upto 15 million devotees taking the dip.

The whole of Haridwar sees a special arrangement to ensure safe and secure pilgrimages for all. Arrangements for proper bathing, accommodation, and a total co-ordination become an absolute necessity. Thousands of police and volunteers work day and night to ensure smooth pilgrimage for all.



Last Updated on 17th Oct 2012