Shubhyatra >> Uttaranchal Yatra >> Kumbh Mela

KUMBH MELA

Sanctity : Holiest Hindu Festival
Held : Every 12 years
Purpose : Taking the Holy Bath
Other Host : Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad

Hari Ki Pauri
Crowd Gather at Harki Pauri During Kumbh Mela in Haridwar



FACT FILE
Location : On the Bank of Ganges in Haridwar.
Legend : Holy Nectar of God Spilt in the Four Pious Cities.
Important Rituals : Religious Bath, Devotional Singing, Mass Feeding of Holy Men Women and Poor, Religious Assemblies.
Activities : Cultural Programmes, Discussion Programmes, Yoga Classes, Ayurvedic Healing Classes.
Indulge In : Religious Fervency, Taking a Pious Dip in Shipra River, Meditation on the Banks.
Best Time For Aarti : Evening – At Dusk.
Must See : Shirshasins, Who stand all 24 hours and meditate for hours standing on their heads.
Also Visit : The Ardh Kumbh Mela Held in Haridwar Every Six Years.
Staying Options : Haveli Hari Ganga, Sagar Ganga Resort, Hotel Classic Residency.
Getting There : Air - The main Airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (52 kms). Air Deccan Connects Delhi to Dehradun, From There one can Take a Bus or Train.
Rail - Haridwar is a Major Railhead Which is Well Connected to Various Cities and Towns of India.
Road - When Travelling from Delhi, NH 54 Passes Through Haridwar. Other Highways Also Connects Haridwar to Delhi, Dehradun, Nainital and Other Major Cities and Small Towns.

Kumbh Mela in Haridwar

Hundreds and thousands of Sadhus and pilgrim taking dips in the Ganges, Diyas (Mud Lauttaranchals) carrying people wishes flowing on the waters, people drenched in holiness with folded hands in front of the holy temples are some of the most common sights that one can experience during the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. Shut your mind and let your heart soak in all the spirituality, that draws people to the holy land of Haridwar every 12th year. This is the largest concentration of religious gathering in the world. Take up exclusive Kumbh Mela tours to this holy city of Hardiwar, and conquer the supreme throne of Nirvana. As per the mythologies, anyone who takes the divine dip in the Ganges during Kumbh Fair, will be cured of all his sins and free himself from the cycle of birth-rebirth.
Kumbh Mela is held every 3 years in 4 different cities viz Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Then there is the Ardh Kumbh Mela that takes place periodically, every twelfth and sixth year in Haridwar. The upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is in 2010.

Kumbh Mela and the Legends

The history and legend claims Kumbh Mela to be associated with Lord Indra. It is said that while serving his penance, Lord Indra dropped a few drops of the holy nectar to the four holy hosts of Kumbh Mela and hence these places gained reverence and this festival began to be held every 12 years. Astrologically, the Kumbh Mela takes place when planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries.

Bathing During Kubh
Pilgrims Taking Ganga Dips to Cure Themselves of Their Sins


The Spiritual Ambiance in Haridwar

The most famous ghat of Haridwar – Hari ki Pauri, is where millions of people participate in this festival by taking holy dips in the Ganges. People from great distance travel on foot or buses to arrive on the holy river of Ganges. There are special arrangements and facilities offered by Uttaranchal Tourism department for the pilgrimage, special camp accommodations are set with good hygiene facilities, accessories to perform rituals and proper arrangements for bathing in hallowed waters. In the mornings trillions of people can be seen emerging on the river banks to take dips. This is followed by worshipping in the various temples. Meditating Sadhus, and saints add to the spiritual ambiance and the whole town seem to be drenched in holiness. In this unique fair, many bridges, shops and temporary dwellings are also constructed.
There are various Ashrams in Haridwar where you can attend spiritual lectures delivered by the religious leaders along with meditation facilities if interested can also take up various Yoga and Ayurvedic programmes. Cultural programmes are also held in the Ashrams. The divine atmosphere in Haridwar magnetize millions and trillions of foreign attraction. Where are you?



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