The epic spectacle of Maha Kumbh Mela will be take place in Haridwar in 2021. One of the biggest carnival in the Hindu culture, this event is truly Wirth experiencing. If you want to understand the diverse circus that India is, then Kumbh Mela is the place to be.

Millions and millions of people attend this fair. They all gather under one roof and celebrate one of the greatest spectacles in the world. Coming to the Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a mere outing, but a journey that you will take throughout the carnival. It is a story in making, and you are the writer of your memories.

There are only four places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated and they are – Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. It takes place every 12 years, and each place gets to host the Mela in a 3-year rotation. Taking a dip in the holy river to attain moksha is the main highlight of this festival.

The History of Kumbh Mela

haridwar kumbh melasource: Condé Nast Traveller India

According to Hindu mythology, there was a great war between demons and gods, mainly for the possession of elixir for immortal life. During this fight, few drops from that elixir had fallen on the earth, and specifically in four places- Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. According to legends these places have holy powers since they are blessed.

Thus, the Kumbh Mela takes place so that the attendees can gain some sacred powers from these holy lands and free themselves from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

There are different types of Kumbh Melas are well:

Every six years the normal Kumbh Mela takes place.

The Ardh or Half Kumbh Mela takes place once in six years. Only Prayagraj and Hardiwar can host this Mela.

Finally, the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years, in those four places.

How Is The Place Decided?

This time the Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Haridwar. 2021 is the date for the next Mela . The selection of the place for hosting the Mela is also based on the movements and positions of planets and stars.

The Highlight

Kumbha-Mela-Naga-Sadhu-Shahi-SnanNaga Sadhu Shahi Snan, Haridwar Kumbh | source: kubiksy.com

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than just a carnival. You will find everything going on here, and will never have a dull moment. There is so much going on at the Maha Kumbh Mela that you might even lose track of time. People, photographers, and pilgrims from all over the world come to the Mela to dive into the most ethereal of experiences.

The highlight of this fair is the bathing ritual that takes place by the banks of the river.  Thus, this time it will be held by the banks of River Ganga. This ritual is one of the most mesmerizing events to watch. Seas of people, pilgrims and devotees rush to the river, clad in simple saffron-colored clothing. They take a quick dip into the river to cleanse away all their sins and attain moksha. The most amazing factor of this bath is feeling the enthusiasm, faith, and devotion of the attendees. The devotees jump into the cold water without even hesitation.  It is truly inspiring.

The dates of the main bath are as follows:

  • Makar Sankranti (1st Shahi Snan) 14 January 2021
  • Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bath 2nd Shahi Snan) 11 February 2021
  • Basant Panchami (3rd Shahi Snan) 16 February 2021
  • Maghi Poornima 27 February 2021
  • Maha Shivratri 11 March 2021
  • Somvati Amavasya 12 April 2021
  • Ram Navami 21 April 2021
  • Chaitra Purnima 27 April 2021

Sinchita is a student, who has always dabbled with a bit of writing here and there. She has always made herself look into things in a different way than others, which has allowed her to explore certain feelings and emotions which many cannot. She is a bold writer and believes in the saying, 'a pen is mightier than the sword'. She strongly believes that the writing should be so compelling that the writer feels that they are on a journey they read through the article. The writing must make the reader feel something, otherwise it pointless

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