Kumbha mela – the mighty Indian pilgrimage

Kumbha mela is India’s largest congregation on pilgrims. Millions and millions of people gather from India and even from other countries across the world, visit India during this event to gather around the river banks of Ganges and Godavari to bathe in the sacred waters of Ganges in order to wash away their sins.  It’s a myth of the Hindus that has been followed over millions of years. Devotees across the globe take a lot of efforts to reach this pilgrimage just to give one’s presence during this divine event.

This majestic event of kumbha mela is celebrated for every three years at Haridwar. The event is called Ardhkumbha mela, which happened after a time gap of six years at Haridwar and Allahabad. The biggest of the kumbha mela event is called MahaKumbh or purna kumbha mela. It is celebrated once in 12 years. The massive event is celebrated in four cities – Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. 

Puranic Lore

The timing in which the pilgrimage is held is planned depending on the movement of the planets. According to the hindu mythology and veda puranas, the demigods or devas, had lost all their powers and strength since they were cursed by the great sage Durvasa maharishi. To regain their powers, the devas approached Lord Shiva and Bramha who the directed them to Lord Vishnu, who eventually advised them to churn the milky waters of ksheer saagar for nectar (Amrit). The devas had to make a deal with the asuras for churning the ocean and dividing the nectar equally. But then when the kumbha of nectar arrived, Lord Vishnu flew away with the kumbha to avoid the asuras from getting any part of it.

However few drops of the nectar dripped from the pot, in few places which are believed to be the present locations of the pilgrimage - – Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. 

The next event of maha khumbhamela is scheduled to take place earlier in the next year. It is estimated by the Indian government that around ninety million pilgrims and tourists are expected to take part in this massive event. The government is already taking precautions steps to avoid commotions during the big event.

Hope you would visit there for yourself to be a part of this massive pilgrimage also to wash away one's sins.