Kumbh Mela

UNESCO inscribed Kumbh Mela in 2017 on the Representative  List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Havan (ritual) Pooja by Naga Saint © 2015 by Sanjay Jagtap, India

  • Mythological significance of Kumbh revolves around the story of the samudra manthan or ocean churning which was done by the gods and demons to obtain the invaluable ratnas or the jewels and amrita or the nectar of immortality.As mentioned in the Skanda purana, kumbhmela is celebrated where the amrit kalasa was put down , and where the nectar had spilled along with putting down of the kalasa. It is believed that these drops gave mystical powers to these places.

  • The normal Kumbh Mela is held  every 3 years, the Ardh(half) Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad (Prayag) while the Purna (complete) Kumbh mela takes place every twelve years, at four places Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, based on planetary movements.
  • Devotees believe that by bathing in the Ganges one is freed from sins liberating her/him from the cycle of birth and death. 
  • It is attended by millions of people irrespective of caste, creed or gender. Its primary bearers, however, belong to akhadas and ashrams, religious organizations, or are individuals living on alms. Kumbh Mela plays a central spiritual role in the country, exerting a mesmeric influence on ordinary Indians. 
  • The event encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge.

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