Kumbh Mela is India’s pride, and Uttar Pradesh is blessed to host the ‘Maha Kumbh’ this year. We are the generation who are witnessing this Maha Kumbh which has been hosted every 144 years. You may or may not visit this giant occasion but the below facts will blow your mind.
Here are the top 10 facts about the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the world:
Ancient Origins
The Kumbh Mela dates back thousands of years and is mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Puranas. It is rooted in the legend of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), where drops of the nectar of immortality (Amrit) fell at four locations.
Four Sacred Locations
The Kumbh Mela rotates among four sites in India:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): At the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
- Haridwar: On the banks of the Ganga River.
- Ujjain: Along the Shipra River.
- Nashik: Near the Godavari River.
Massive Gathering
It is considered the largest peaceful gathering in the world, with millions of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and tourists attending from around the globe.
Timing and Celestial Alignment
The event’s timing is determined by the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in specific zodiac signs. Each location hosts the Kumbh Mela once every 12 years, with an Ardh Kumbh Mela (half Kumbh) held every 6 years at Prayagraj and Haridwar.
Types of Kumbh Mela
Purna Kumbh: Held every 12 years at each site.Ardh Kumbh: Held every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayagraj.Maha Kumbh: Held every 144 years (12 Purna Kumbhs) at Prayagraj.Magh Mela: Annual festival at Prayagraj during January-February.
Spiritual Significance
Pilgrims believe that bathing in the holy rivers during Kumbh Mela cleanses them of sins and liberates them from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha).
Akharas and Sadhus
The event is known for the participation of various Akharas (monastic orders of Hinduism) and diverse groups of ascetics, including Naga Sadhus, who live austere lives and often appear covered in ash.
Cultural and Religious Activities
Apart from the ritual baths, the Kumbh Mela hosts spiritual discourses, devotional singing, religious debates, and processions showcasing the cultural diversity of India.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2017, the Kumbh Mela was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance.
Scale of Organization
Managing the Kumbh Mela involves extensive planning, including temporary cities with tents, hospitals, sanitation facilities, security, and food supplies. It showcases India’s capability to handle massive events with minimal disruption.
