The Kumbha Mela in India is highly spiritual in nature and has never-ending popularity. It is the greatest and most sacred festival in Hindu Dharma. Not only in the Guinness World Records, but also in all other record books, it is only the Kumbha Melas which have the title of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Not only Indians but people from all over the world join this Holy festival to show their devotion.
Where and when is the Kumbha held ?
There are 4 Holy Hindu religious places in India where this Kumbha Mela takes place on a rotational basis. 1. Nashik (Maharashtra) – On the banks of the Godavari River, 2. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) – On the banks of the Shipra River, 3. Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – On the banks of the River Ganga and 4. Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – On the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati Rivers. The confluence of these Rivers is called ‘Sangam’.
In each of these locations, this Holy Mela takes place at the interval of every 12 years. Therefore, mathematically, this Kumbha Mela takes place at the interval of every 3 years. However, the typical astrological and religious calculations decide the place and the time for this Holy Mela.
The legend behind the Kumbha Mela
The episode of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the ocean, the Ksheer Sagar) is mentioned in various ancient Indian Scriptures (Srimad Bhagavat, Vishnu Purana, Mahabharat and Ramayan) which narrates how after the Gods lost their strength, the thought of churning the Ksheer Sagar to obtain Amrut (The nectar of immortality) then occurred to them. They realised soon that the feat could not be accomplished without the help of their adversaries, the Asuras (Demons). A provisional arrangement was made between the two with the promise of sharing the Amrut.
After the task was accomplished, a fight ensued between the two groups over the possession of the Kumbha (A pitcher) containing the Divine nectar. They fought for twelve days and nights, which equates to twelve human years. While the fight was on, the vehicle of Shri Vishnu, the Garuda (A celestial bird) flew away with the Kumbha.
During this flight some drops of Amrut spilled over at 4 places on earth – Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Commemorating this celestial event the Kumbha Mela is held 4 times every 12 years at these 4 places.
Reasons for Hindus visiting Kumbha Melas
On the occasion of these Kumbha Melas, devout Hindus come in pursuit of purging their souls and washing their sins away by taking a Holy dip in the sacred waters of the Rivers on the banks of which these places are located. It is believed that during this time, the water of these Rivers turns into a purifying nectar allowing the devotees to cleanse their souls as they bathe.
The Kumbha Mela of Haridwar enjoys exceptional importance. The place is termed as the gateway to Heaven in Hindu Scriptures. The last Kumbha Mela was celebrated in Haridwar from Makar Sankranti (14th January 2010) to Chaitra Purnima Snan (28th April 2010).
Haridwar Kumbha Mela, a tourist attraction too
Apart from being one of the most auspicious religious events for all the Hindus worldwide, the Kumbha Mela at Haridwar is always a grand visual feast, attracting visitors, media, filmmakers, correspondents, writers and the common curious onlookers from the world over. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board plays a major part in providing basic amenities to the visitors.
Bathing dates
Kumbha Mela 2021 will begin from 11th March at Haridwar and will continue till 27th April 2021. The bathing dates for this Mela are mentioned ahead.
Magha Pournima – 27th February 2021
Mahashivaratri (Shahi Snan) – 11th March 2021
Somvati Amavasya (Shahi Snan) – 12th April 2021
Baisakhi (Shahi Snan) – 14th April 2021
Ram Navami (Snan) – 21st April 2021
Chaitra Pournima (Shahi Snan) – 27th April 2021
Rituals that devotees perform at the Kumbha Mela
A Holy bath is the main ritual. As per belief, the Holy bath on the most auspicious day of the New Moon will end their and their ancestors’ sins, so as to be free from the cycles of rebirth. From the early morning at 3 O’clock devotees start bathing here.
After sunrise, different groups of Sadhus move in a pre-decided pattern towards the River to bathe. Usually, the Naga Sadhus bathe at first, while other groups compete with each other so as to get the early chance of bathing. This is really a magical moment.
After the bath, the devotees wear fresh clothes and proceed to worship on the River banks. After this, they go to various Sadhus so as to listen to their Spiritual Discourses.
The various types of Sadhus present are :
A. Nagas : They cover their whole body with Holy ash and have long matted hair. Due to the constant exposure to the weather, their bodies are able to face extreme temperatures too.
B. Urdhwavahurs : These Sadhus do tough penance and make their body capable of bearing the unbearable pain.
C. Parivajakas : These Sadhus keep a Maun-vrat (Ritual of Silence) and do not even utter a word.
D. Shirshasins : These Sadhus stand vertically on their head and meditate.
E. Kalpvasis : These Sadhus have spent their life on River banks, and devote their time in performing various spiritual activities such as meditation, rituals and bathing numerous times a day.
How to attend the Kumbha Mela
From the tourist point of view, the Kumbha Mela is an unforgettable experience, and most challenging too. Therefore, the authorities make special arrangements, especially for the foreigners. Also, tight security is provided.
For a Holy view of the biggest congregation of various Sadhus, it is necessary to make sure that you are there for a Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) on a pre-determined auspicious date.
It is only the Kumbha Melas which have the title of the largest religious and spiritual gatherings in the world !
Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti to propagate Dharma during Kumbha Mela
Nearly 7 crore devout Hindus and foreigners are likely to visit the Kumbha Mela. To obtain the benefits of spiritual practice at this Holy place and during the Kumbha Mela, Saints, Sages, seekers of spiritual institutions, sects, devotees, etc. try to stay in the Kumbha Kshetra.
During this Kumbha Parva, propagation of Dharma will be done and awareness on establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ will be created on an expansive scale. Over 100 seekers of Sanatan Sanstha and volunteers of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti from all parts of the country will participate in this mission.
Under this mission, 4 large exhibitions of boards will be set up depicting the task for the Nation & Dharma. Holy texts and sattvik products of Sanatan Sanstha will be displayed too in the exhibitions. The ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ Periodicals will also be on display. In addition, a mobile exhibition of the texts and sattvik products will move around. Activities such as lectures in various religious tents, contacting like-minded Saints, organising Hindu Rashtra Conventions will also be undertaken.
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