Kumbh Melas
Kumbh Mela , the very name signifies Ganga river, huge congregation of devotees, sadhus, etc. Considered as the largest gathering of humanity on the earth, Kumbh Mela has been termed as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO in 2017. This reflects the significance of Kumbh worldwide. Kumbh at Prayagraj (earlier known as Allahabad) encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, social and cultural customs and practices making it extremely rich in knowledge.
Hindus all around the world are known to celebrate festivals with much passion and fervour, sometimes to express joy and hope and sometimes to appease the gods in the hope of attaining salvation. The Kumbh Mela, held every three years, is one such festival, a pilgrimage of faith for Hindus looking to wash their past sins. The mela, which is the world’s largest gathering of its type, draws lakhs of bhakts (devotees) from all over the country and around the globe.
In message about the Kumbh Mela, Uttra Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, said, “Kumbh also signifies the coming together of people from various cultures from all across the world and participating in the spectacle that is the largest peaceful congregation of humanity. Participating in the ritual of the holy bath at the Ghats is an honor and a privilege.
“UP Government has envisioned Divya and Bhavya Kumbh scheduled from January 15 to March 31, 2019. We have resolved to provide an unforgettable pilgrimage experience to crores of devotees visiting Kumbh. Blending the grand traditions of Kumbh with the deployment of modern techniques and solutions so that the kalpavasis, spiritual gurus, dignitaries, foreign visitors and the pilgrims have a life emancipating experience during their visit to Prayagraj.”
Different Kumbh Melas
Prayagraj: Allahabad now known as Prayagraj is a holy city for the Hindu devotees which are believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma first offered his sacrifice after the creation of earth. This city was one of the four spots where ambrosia dropped due to which it is a Kumbh Mela destination. World’s largest religious gatherings, Kumbh Mela in Allahabad takes place at the confluence of three sacred rivers of India, Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Here Kumbh is held when Jupiter is in Taurus and the sun and the moon are in Capricorn. Devotees throng the Ghats of Prayagraj to take a holy dip in order to attain Moksha.
Haridwar: Haridwar dubbed the Gateway to Lord Vishnu is a holy city for Hindu devotees. The Ganga River flows through the land of Haridwar increasing the pilgrim importance of the city. Haridwar is also known to host the world’s largest fair, Kumbh Mela every 12th year and Ardh Kumbh Mela every 6th year where the devotees accumulate near the banks of the Ganga River. This event commences when Jupiter is in Aquarius and sun enters Aries. The devotees take a holy dip in the river water to wash away their sins and move one step closer to attaining moksha.
Ujjain: The City of Temples situated along the Kshipra River, Ujjain get most of its religious importance from Shri Mahakaleshwar temple. Other than this, it is also one of the 4 places where Kumbh Mela is held. Kumbh that is known as Ujjain Simhastha commences when the Jupiter is in Leo. The devotees accumulate near the Kshipra River and take a dip in the water. It is believed that this Snan (bath) washes away all the sins committed by people. This dip cleanses the soul and brings the person closer to attain moksha.
Nashik: Situated on the banks of river Godavari, Nashik is a city that holds a lot of cultural and religious importance for Hindus. One the reasons that make it a very important place is the Simhastha celebration. Kumbh Mela in Nashik also known as Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is a very auspicious fair that is either held when Jupiter is in Leo or when Jupiter, Sun, and Moon are in Cancer on a lunar conjunction. During this time devotees come and take a dip in the holy water of Godavari River at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple and RamKund in Nashik. People believe that by doing so they get rid of their sins and helps them in attaining moksha.
Kumbh Mela 2019 Dates Your Should Remember
An auspicious gathering, Kumbh Mela is one of the most famous fairs where devotees from across the globe come to attain spiritual clarity and wash off sins in the ritual bathing at the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj. And amid the blissful sights of miracles performed by Sadhus adorned in saffron, you can come attain salvation from the bathing dates given below, this 2019 Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj.
Kumbh Mela Dates: from January 15 to March 4, 2019
- Makar Sankranti (1St shahi Snan) 14/15 January 2019
- Paush Purnima 21 January 2019
- Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bath 2nd Shahi Snan) 04 February 2019
- Basant Panchami (3rd shahi Snan) 10 February 2019
- Maghi Poornima 19 February 2019
- Maha Shivratri 04 March 2019
Although taking a dip in the sacred waters on all days of Prayagraj Kumbh beginning from Makar Sankranti (first day of the month of Magh, when the Sun enters Capricorn) is considered holy, yet there are some specific auspicious bathing dates. There are magnificent processions of saints and their disciples, and members of various Akharas (religious orders) take part in the ritual of Shahi Snan also known as ‘Rajyogi Snan’ at the start of Kumbh. Shahi Snan is the central highlight of Kumbh Mela and the most important part of the celebration. It is only after the Shahi Snan is complete, that people are allowed to take the holy bath, in the belief that the people will get the added advantage of the essence of holy deeds and thoughts of the saints by taking the dip after them.
Makar Sankranti (15 January, 2019)
This day marks the entry of Sun in its next astronomical position as per the Hindu calendar. This day marks the beginning of donations at Kumbh Mela. It is customary for pilgrims to donate as per their will.
Paush Purnima (21 January, 2019)
Paush Poornima is the 15th day in the month of Shukla Paksh of the Hindu calendar month Paush. Poornima signifies the rise of the full moon. The Kumbh Mela’s unofficial beginning is marked by this day. This day also marks the beginning of Kalpvasa.
Mauni Amavasya (4 February, 2019)
It is widely believed that on this date the planetary positions are most favorable for bathing in the holy river. On this day, Rishabh Dev, considered as the first sage broke his long vow of silence and bathed in the holy waters at Sangam. The maximum number of pilgrims are found in the mela on this day.
Basant Panchami (10 February, 2019)
This day is indicative of the changing of seasons and marks the arrival of Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati as per Hindu Mythology. Kalpavasis wear yellow colored clothes this day to mark the importance of Basant Panchami.
Maghi Purnima (19 February, 2019)
This day is known for its association with the worship of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that Hindu god Gandharva travels from the heavens to Sangam. This day sees a surge in pilgrims at the holy ghats owing to the belief that they will be guided to heaven in their humanly form.
Mahashivratri (4 March, 2019)
This day is symbolic of the last holy bath of the Kalpvasis and is directly related to Lord Shankar. As per mythology, this day is awaited in the heavens as well.
