Kumbha is a Sanskrit word that means “kalasha” in hindi and “pitcher”, an open vessel with a handle and a spout in English. Also, one of the Zodiac signs “Aquarius” means kumbha, so it is this sign under which this Mela falls.
“Mela” refers to a public gathering for fun or any specific purpose. Kumbha Mela is a very popular and widely respected Hindu pilgrimage.
Although the Purna Kumbh Mela (great Kumbh Mela) occurs every 12 years, but the Ardh(half) Kumbh Mela is observed every 6 years.
In these 12 years there are 4 Kumbh Melas at 4 different locations of Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik, Ujjain, which are “The holy cities”, according to Hindus as the drops of Amrit produced during “samudra Manthan” are believed to fall here.
Time for Kumbh Mela
- As per the Indian Astrology, Kumbh Mela is celebrated when the planet Jupiter (Brahspati) enters the zodiac sign of Aquarius (kumbha). 6There is no fixed date of the event; it is every time decided according to the special cosmic positions and interactions of Sun, moon and planet Jupiter.
- kumbha Mela is celebrated every three years splaying across the cities of Allahbad, also called “prayag” at the conglomeration of holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and saraswati, Haridwar “The road to god” with blessings of maa ganga, at Nasik along Godawari river and Ujjain under the influence of river Kshipra.
- Ardh Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 6 years in the holy cities of Allahabad and Haridwar.
- Purna Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in the city of Allahabad.
- Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated after 12 Purna kumbha Melas that is every 144 years also at the holy city of Aallahabad.
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