Kumbh Mela: A dip into the world’s largest religious gathering

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu gathering to take a dip in the holy rivers of Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. People believe that taking a dip in the river during this time of Kumbh clears all past sins. The present year’s Kumbh Mela is  Ardh-Kumbh and it occurs every six years.
Prayagraj or Allahabad city is organizing Kumbh Mela this year at the sacred confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The period for the Kumbh Mela 2019 is from Jan 13 to Mar 4.
The Kumbh Mela is also world’s largest peaceful public gathering. The past edition of Prayagraj Kumbh in 2013 witnessed about 120 million pilgrims. People have high regards for the day of Mauni Amavasya (also known as Somwati Amavasya). February 4th, 2019, will be this day.

Auspicious days during Kumbh Mela Allahabad

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Kumbh Mela history

Millions of years ago, a pot (Kumbh) of elixir emerged during Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. Gods and demons fought to claim it. Lord Vishnu flew with the Kumbh on Garuda to prevent demons from seizing it. En route, few drops fell on the rivers flowing in Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain; making these places sacred as well as the rivers. And that’s the inception of earth’s largest pilgrimage gathering- Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela is organized according to the Hindu calendar with a faith that these rivers water become more pious especially during this period.

Why visit Kumbh Mela

The new generation might be thinking of reasons apart from faith to visit the Kumbh Mela.

And we could say, there are a lot. Each one of us should try to be a part of this spiritual festival at least once in our lives. Here’s why.

#ExperienceFaith

“About 120 million people visited Kumbh Mela 2013.” See yourself how such a large number of people follow the same faith.

#TheJoyofGivingUp

You get to meet the nude-saints called Naga Babas, who gave up all worldly possessions even clothes to Gods. and here we are, stressful about what to wear the next day to the office.

#MiraclesDoHappen

You will start believing in either miracles or the fact that practice makes everything possible. The saints performing gymnastics, holding themselves in complicated yoga positions for days, fasting without water, half buried in the sand, are some facts we can bring here. Rest, we leave to your astonishment when you visit the Kumbh Mela.

#FindingSelf

After visiting Kumbh Mela, we bet you will stop complaining life and thank God for everything you have. The Kumbh festival also brings self-realization and the fact that a small place we occupy in the world. No matter how rich or poor one is, there is no discrimination at Kumbh. Everyone is a devotee, just oneself.

Hence, take a dip into the river to forget past and for a new start; find yourself among millions at India’s holy gathering of Kumbh Mela. Allahabad is also a historic city. You can also tour Allahabad on your Kumbh Mela visit. Here’s a quick trip planner.