Kumbh Mela in Haridwar

The fervor of Kumbh Mela in Haridwar represents the passion and belief associated with the Indian religious diaspora. As the mythological origin goes, divine Amrit, the elixir for immortality, emerged in the Samudra Manthan or the churning of ocean and while the Gods and Demons tried to flee away with its priceless Kumbh or pot, a few drops fell in Haridwar and three other places making them the venues for Kumbh Mela.

It is believed that the Kumbh Mela occurs when the Sun enters into Aries and the planet Jupiter enters the sign of Aquarius. A holy dip into the Ganges of Haridwar is believed to free people from the cycle of birth and rebirth and so millions of people take the bath in Haridwar during this fair in January - February.

The most important event among the fairs and festivals in Haridwar, the Kumbh Mela is held in a cycle of 12 years, which is known as Purna Kumbh Mela. Ardh Kumbh Mela marks the half of the cycle that is 6 years, which is also celebrated in a large scale. A Maha Kumbh Mela periodically is celebrated after 12 Purna Kumbha Mela which counts to be after 144 years. The Purna Kumbh Mela focuses rotationally on four places of India which includes Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain, and Haridwar though the celebration occurs everywhere.

Ritual bathing in the Ganges is done publicly followed by paying tribute to the Sun. Millions of people, sages and saints congregate on the banks of Ganges, perform rituals and meditate in the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar. The government makes large scale arrangements for secure bathing, accommodation and also basic amenities for millions of people to have a safe pilgrimage.



Last Updated on 17th Oct 2012