Kumbh Ka Mela/ Fair, the most powerful faith draws the energies of
thousands of people to this spectacular field. Poush Poornima, Makar
Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami and Magh Purnima are the main
four dates of Kumbh Mela. These are also called as the bathing dates. The
actual dates of these vary according to the stellar constellations.
As per Hindu legend, once it was decided by Gods and Demons that they will
churn out Amrit - the nectar of immortality together. Once its taken out
from the Garbh of Sagar - centre of Sea, it will be distributed equally
amongst the Gods and the Demons. However, when the Kumbh (urn) containing
Amrit came out, the demons ran away with it. Gods chased them for twelve
days and twelve nights. In this chase, Amrit got split at four places on
earth, namely Nasik, Prayag, Ujjain and
Haridwar. It is
in these places, four times in twelve years, the Kumbh Fair is held.
About Kumbh Fair
As per Hindu ideology, Kumbh Ka Mela is the most important Fairs of all. It
is the day of saints. Kumbh ka Mela occurs after every 12 years. Or its a
fair which occurs four times every twelve years and rotates among four
locations. There are two types of Kumbh Melas - the Maha Kumbh Mela and the
Ardh Kumbh Mela. Maha Kumbh Mela occurs on the 12 th year and is held at
Prayag. This Mela is attended by millions of people, making it the largest
gathering in the world. Ardh Kumbh Mela is held on the 6th year and can be
at any of the four holy locations.
Kumbh
Fair:
Kumbh Ka Mela involves taking a dip in the holy Ganges waters. It is
supposed that whosoever takes a dip in the holy waters at any of the
four places - Nasik, Prayag, Haridwar and Ujjain, he is sure to attain
Moksha and so overcomes the cycle of birth and death forever. It is also
the day when people pray for their place in heaven. Thousands of Pandits
and Pujaris ( holy men), do the puja for the common folk on this day.
People also believe, if prayers are done for those who have died and
have not yet reached heaven, if a cow is donated on this day and place,
then gates of heaven are open for them.
Kumbh Ka Mela is the day of Naga Sadhus. For them, the gates of the
Ghats (river bank) opens in the wee hours. Special permissions have to
be taken to see the unique and revered procession of these naked sadhus.
The procession is called the Royal Procession as Sadhus come on the
backs of Elephants and specially made Rathas. Thousands of Sadhus walk
after these Rathas to the bank of Ganges. As soon as they each the bank
all of them raise their voices in the praise of almighty. Millions of
voices make one voice and this voice resounds in whole of the Prayag.
Then they all plunge in the holy waters.
After this procession is over, the Ghats are opened for the common
folks. Here they can see the various antics of Sadhus like walking on
the water, talking with a snake, magic, tantras - all of them are here.
A huge ground is open where millions of people come and stay in tents.
Arrangments for their stay and food is done by the Indian Government but
foreigners are not allowed to stay in these Tents.
Our Suggestions
- Kumbh Ka Mela is a auspicious Hindu Mela. People of other religion
are not allowed in it. Its only a few years back that Foreigners are
allowed to see Kumbh Ka Mela.
- Kumbh Ka Mela is held in four major cities Nasik, Haridwar, Prayag
and Ujjain. One can reach these places easily by train.
- Kumbh Ka Mela has a lot of religious sanctity. Seeing it, its
advisable to be in the Fair with a guide.
- If you want to see the morning fair of Naga Sadhus then you have
to take special permissions days before the fair begins. For taking
photographs too, you have to take permissions.
- Do not bring children at all. There is a herd of 7 - 8 million
people. People get lost here, so you too should be accompanied with a
companion or seek advice from the police deployed in Kumbh Fair.
- Its advisable to have food in your booked Hotel. The grounds of
Kumbh do not provide any food except prasahad and the street food is
too oily to eat.
- Do not bring along important documents and other valuables as
there is a lot of hustle and bustle in the fair. Its better to keep
them in the Hotel Locker. Keep India Currency with you as foreign
Currency will not be accepted here.
- There are best Hotels and Restaurants where you can stay in Nagaur
and Jodhpur during the Fair. For further information, contact us.
- For the exact dates of the fair, contact us.
- For Tours and further information, contact us.
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