Maha Kumbh Mela

The date for Maha Kumbh Mela is determined by the planetary positions in accordance with the Lunar Calendar and is celebrated during the confluence of Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra) and Jupiter (Brihaspati). It is observed four times every twelve years with the site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places. The Ardh Kumbh is organized after six years of Maha Kumbh at Allahabad and Haridwar.

Legends

Kumbha is a Sanskrit word for Pitcher. The legend says once the Gods (devtas) and Demons (asuras) got together to churn the ocean to extract Amrit ( nector of immortality). After years of their struggle, Shri Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean with a Kumbh ( pitcher) of Amrit – Amrit Kalash. The Gods and the Demons started fighting for this immortality nector  and then Lord Indra’s son, Jayanth took the Kumbh and disappeared for 12 days and 12 nights (which is equilavelent to 12 human years). During this time the Kumbh was moved to four cities of Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain and Nasik where few droplets of the nector got sprinkled. Thus these four cities became auspicious and holy and the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in every city after 12 years.

The main ritual performed at the Kumbh Mela is the ritual bath. Taking a dip in the sacred water of the holy rivers during the auspicious Kumbh Mela is considered to wash away all the past sins and leads to the attainment of Moksha – freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The proceedings of taking the holy dip is led by the procession of Sadhus coming from all corners of India which is then followed by the common devotees. After the Kumbh Snan, pilgrims worship by the river banks. Other rituals during the Kumbh Mela include singing devotional songs, spreading devotional messages and offering food to others. Major attraction of the Kumbh Mela are the Naga Babas gathered to take the ritual bath.