India is synonyms of dynamic culture & vibrant festivals. We celebrate all Festivals in India with great enthusiasm, huge excitement & joyous manner. Interestingly, for some of us, it is an occasion to celebrate and seek the blessings of the almighty for a good future, and for some of us, these festivals are a marked day to satisfy the divine beings.
The festival of Kumbh Mela in India is probably the biggest act of faith, celebrated among Hindus. It is commended at regular intervals determined by planetary positions. People take holy dips on these auspicious dates to wash their past sins. The Kumbh Mela is the biggest congregation on the earth as millions of millions of devotees not only from India but almost every corner of the world flocks to Kumbh Mela. Along with divinity, there are many other scientifically, historically, and thoughtful bases attached to this grand event.
The Kumbh Mela rotate itself on 4 major cities of India named below
- 1) Prayagraj Kumbh Mela (earlier Allahabad) at bank of “Triveni Sangam”
- 2) Nashik Kumbh Mela at bank of river “Godavari”
- 3) Ujjain Kumbh Mela at bank of river “Kshipra”
- 4) Haridwar Kumbh Mela at bank of river “Ganga”
The occurrence of Kumbh Mela is determined according to the planetary position of the Sun, the Moon and the Jupiter hold in that period in different zodiac signs.
The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled in Haridwar from 14th January 2021 to 27th April 2021.
Types of Kumbh Mela in India
Maha Kumbh Mela: It is only held in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad). It arises every 144 years or after 12 Purna Kumbh Mela. The previous Maha Kumbh Mela was organized in Prayagraj in 2013.
Purna Kumbh Mela or Kumbh Mela: It repeats every 12 years. Kumbh Mela held at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. The previous Kumbh Mela was organized in Prayagraj in 2013, Nashik in 2015 & Ujjain in 2016.
Ardh Kumbh Mela: It is also called Half Kumbh Mela which is held every 6 years only at two places Haridwar and Prayagraj. The previous Ardh Kumbh Mela was organized in Haridwar in 2016 & Prayagraj in 2019.
Magh Mela: Also known as Mini Kumbh, held annually and only at Prayagraj. Since it is organized in the month of Magh according to the Hindu calendar, it is named Magh Mela.
History of Kumbh Mela
The significance of Kumbh is nectar. What's more, it is said that the story behind the Kumbh Mela is when the divine beings used to live on the earth. It is said that Sage Durvasa's revile had debilitated them and the evil presence caused devastation on the planet. At that point, Lord Brahma prompted the Gods to produce the nectar of everlasting status with the assistance of Asuras (demons). Later Asuras came to realize that the divine beings have planned not to share the nectar with them so they pursued them for 12 days during which the nectar fell at four places where Kumbh Mela is being held now.
However it is difficult to exactly state the starting of the Kumbh Mela but as per few scholars, the Kumbh fair started in 3464 BC & it is a tradition existing more than 1000 years prior to Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro culture.
The ‘Kumbh-Mela’ has got mentioned in the book of Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang. In his ‘Bharatyatra’ journey description undergone in 629 BC he mentioned about Hindu fair/Mela at Prayag (now Prayagraj) in the kingdom of legendary emperor Harshvardhan.
Importance of Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is generally significant for the Hindus. At each Kumbh occasion, millions of Hindus partake in the festival. During the 2019 Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, more than 110 million devotees accumulated from all over the world. Holy people, clerics, and yogis from all edges of India accumulated to take an interest in Kumbh. Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled to be organized on the bank of Holi & Grand River “Ganga”. As per the projection of Mela Admiration, around 150 Million are expected to participate in the upcoming Kumbh Mela Prayagaraj 2025.
The fair attracts Akharas, Spiritual gurus/saints & Naga Sadhus etc. Actually, the fair-ground turn into Mini India during the period of Kumbh Mela. The Mela represent the cultural diversity & set of beliefs in true sense.
The Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025 is not just a platform for religious activities but also provide an excellent opportunity to study thoughts on Astrology, Yoga, Meditation, Hindu rituals, etc.
Along with religious congregation, the Kumbh fair offers unique commercial activity as well. Usually, Kumbh Mela lost for 40-50 days with a population of millions & looks like a temporary city. Surprisingly there is almost every facility available in Kumbh city which one can expect in a well-established city like Bank, Hospital, Market, Food points, entertainment options etc. From last few Kumbh Mela, there are substantial business activities has been witnessed including FMCG companies, Book launch, Product launch, Retail shops, Surveys, Awareness programs, etc.
Needless to say, the Kumbh Mela is a perfect showcase of India’s rich culture & the grand Hindu Sanatan Dharma which offers a unique experience for a lifetime to each & every participant in this world's largest festival.
More Details: Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025 | Kumbh Mela Packages | Accommodation
Very informative
Thank you so much.!
When and from where will the entry passes to kumbh 2021 be available?
Dear Sir,
Thanks for writing to us. The government is still in the planning phase regarding the entry pass. Once the things will be finalized, we will update them in NEWS SECTION of the website. Meanwhile, we request you to kindly SUBSCRIBE for regular updates about Kumbh Mela.
Thanks & Regards
Team- Kumbh Mela India