No other fair is all over the world as big as Kumbha Mela of India . This Maha kumbha Mela is one of the most sacred fairs all over the globe. It is held by rotation on the banks of the River Shipra in Ujjain , River Godavari in Nasik , River Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam (concourse) of the three rivers, namely, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad or Prayag which is the ancient name in India . The Maha Kumbha or Purna Kumbh is the biggest and the most auspicious fair, falls once every 12 years in one particular place and every fourth year on all the four places by rotation. The Purna Kumbh or the Ardha Kumbh falls every six years in one particular place and every fourth year on all the four places by rotation.
Nasik , when Jupiter and the Sun are in Leo in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September) 1980, 1992, 2003, 2015.
Ujjain , when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Aries, or when Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon are in Libra during the Hindu month of Vaisakha (April-May) 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Hardwar , when Jupiter is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Aries during the Hindu month of Caitra (March-April); 1986, 1998, 2010, 2021.
Allahabad , when Jupiter is in Aries or Taurus and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn during the Hindu month of Magha (January-February); 1989, 2001, 2012, 2024.
In relation to the Hindu Mythology and traditions, the origin of Maha Kumbha is regarded of ancient period. Demons and Devtas (deities) were fighting with the purpose of getting Amrit (Nectar of the life). Devtas (deities) approach Danavas (Demons) and persuade them to perform Samudra Manthana (churning of the sea) as it was impossible for devtas to do it alone. Making a paddle out of Mount Mander and a rope out of serpent Anant Nag they churned the ocean till it yielded Dhanvantri, the divine physician who emerged holding the kumbh (pitcher) of Amrit that could bestow immortality, as both the demons and the deities lunged for the picture of Amrit. Dhanvantri misrepresented himself into a rook and flew off the heavens, with the pitcher of Nectar of the life. On his journey, which lasted twelve days, he rested at four places as Prayag, Nasik , Ujjainn and Haridwar where the drops of Amrit (nectar) fell there. For this reason, these four places are considered sacred by the Hindus and have become important pilgrim spots.
It is believed that by taking a sacred dip in the water four sacred places on the auspicious day, one acquires salivation from all evil and sin. This would ensure ones salvation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Ritual bathing is done in the open and ideally on the banks of a river or stream with complete submergence of the body under water and an oblation to the sun. The most auspicious day for the ritual bath at Kumbh is on the day of the new moon.
Kumbh Mela in India is incomplete without the presence of the abstinent and sadhus. You may find the Nagas, Urdhwavahurs, Parivajakas, Shirshasins and Kalpvasis at the fair of Maha Kumbha. The particular group of the sadhus initiates the ceremony bath at Kumbh Mela. Various kinds of sadhus's group walk in a procession towards the river and leave after the sacred bath quickly to make way for the other sects. One of the aims of all religious Hindus, who make a pilgrimage to the Kumbh, is to have darshan of these holy men. By touching their feet and listening to them, their followers hope to gain heavenly illumination. This is followed by the dip by the general crowd. After taking bath, the pilgrims put on new clothes and move to the riverbanks to perform puja.
Fair of Maha Kumbha has been an important meeting ground for the religious Hindus and its important has not lessened over the year. Even. In today's era, millions of pilgrims from all over the world, from various walks of life, sects and community throng at the Maha Kumbha fair, and for the most it is a once-in-a-life time trip.
