KUMBH MELA

Location: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
Significance: Largest fair of Hindus in World
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The Confluence Of Human And The Divine
AT A GLANCE
Since time immemorial, The Kumbh Mela, the greatest of the Indian fairs, has enamoured people from all walks of life. Irrespective of all worldly barriers of caste, creed, region, the Kumbh Mela has wielded a mesmeric influence over the mind and the imagination of the ordinary Indian. The mela brings alive the most spectacular India, now almost relegated to the pages of history.

Symbolically speaking, the forces of creation are collected in one vessel (Kumbh) and a celebration (mela) ensues, which is why this event is called 'Kumbh Mela'. "Kumbh" meaning the pot and "Mela" a sacred Hindu pilgrimage, attracts the world's largest congregation of religious pilgrims.

Millions of Hindu worshippers take a dip in the holy River Ganges at the confluence of the three rivers; the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, to wash away their sins as part of a festival, in the small town of Allahabad . The month long Mela (festival) represents a time when the river is believed to turn into purifying nectar, allowing the devotees to cleanse their souls as they bathe.

The Confluence Of Human And The Divine
It is a very important occasion that takes place, every three years, at the following four locations of India, alternatively:

• Prayag, at the confluence of three rivers Ganga , Yamuna and the mythical river, Saraswati,
• Haridwar (in the state of Uttar Pradesh), where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas,
• Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Shipra river, and
• Nasik (in Maharashtra), on the banks of Godavari river.

The Purna (complete) Kumbh or Maha Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every 12 years, is always held at Allahabad, for the 'Sangam' or the confluence of rivers is considered to be exceptionally sacred.

This Mela presents the surrealistic view of a mini-India, where trans-sectarian Hindus are one on the issue of the virtues of the holy bath. All the devotees experience and understand the invisible, ultimate reality of wholeness and oneness, in the same way as does a pilgrimage to Mecca to Muslims and Jerusalem to Christians of different quarters of the world.

Displaying a passionate paradigm of Hinduism both at its best and its worst, it is undoubtedly, the greatest religious fair and the highest state of water symbolism. Though representing the infinitesimal Indian civilization, this mela in its magnificent form, reminds us of our extraordinary religious and spiritual legacy, and helps to maintain national integration by arousing psycho-traditional urges of the people.

The Genus Of Kumbh Mela
Maha Kumbh Mela: This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-life-time Indian festival, occurring every 144 years. The shift of consciousness engendered by the concentration of spiritual energy in Allahabad in India, during this event must be experienced to be believed.

Purna Kumbh Mela: Takes place after every twelve years and the last one took place in January 1989. Millions of Hindus bathe in Ganges for purification. It is an ancient tradition that is sacred and gives inner peace.

Ardh Kumbh: Held in the 6th year after Kumbh Mela, i.e. it falls between two Kumbh Melas. It has got the same religious value and attracts millions of people. It has the same main bathing days as in Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela: The mela is held every three years, rotating through the four cities of Prayag, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain.

Magh Mela: The Annual Mini Kumbh is held every year except the years of Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela. Magh Mela is held in the month of Magh (Jan-Feb); hence the name. During this period, about two or three million devotees throng this place.

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Maha Kumbh Mela - Allahabad

Location: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
Significance: Largest fair of Hindus in World
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THE MAHA MELA 2001

The most awaited event that occurs after a gap of 144 years is considered to be the most auspicious of all the Kumbh Melas. The culmination of twelve Poorna Kumbha melas, one occurring every twelve years, leads to the Maha Kumbha Mela.

The first Maha Kumbh Mela of the millennium had taken place during January-February 2001 and was a month long-festival. This gala event evoked a lot of enthusiasm and religious fervour among the devotees and excitement in the media. The visitors got to witness the largest congregation in the world, on this occasion.

The perfect polarization of various benevolent forces at a specific spot, due to the alignment of planets, constellations, and other celestial bodies, has an extraordinary effect on our planet. This energy is further intensified by the presence of thousands of saints and sages who come together during this cosmic event. This happens every twelve years and twelve of such events, over a span of 144 years, add up to the grand Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh, 2001
January 9, 2001: Paush Poornima
On this last full moon of winter, many pilgrims reached this sacred site.

January 14, 2001: Makar Sankranti
This day was first of the important bathing days, because according to the religious belief on this festive day the sun enters the constellation, Capricorn.

January 24, 2001: Mauni Amavasya
Called 'new moon of the saints', on this day, the saints bathe in the Sangam, with more than five million people taking their bath in the holy Ganges. It is considered an auspicious day to initiate new pupils into the various holy monastic orders.

January 29, 2001: Vasant Panchami
The fifth day of the brighter half of the lunar month, it marks the advent of spring, in North India.

February 8, 2001: Magh Purnima
This is the full moon of the month Magha (January-February).

February 21, 2001: Maha Shiv Ratri
This is the great night of Lord Shiva and the night is spent singing devotional songs, in praise of the God.

The Camp, 2001
For the first time at this festival, a camp offered luxurious accommodation, security and a unique atmosphere to participate in many activities, both within and outside the camp.

The campsite, set on a six-acre plot on the banks of Ganges will consist of two blocks namely, Accommodation and Dining Block and the Activity Block.

Tented accommodations were the only ones with luxurious facilities. These tents were also situated at a safer distance from the maddening crowds. The tents were traditionally designed, with all modern amenities. There was also a reception tent with money changing facilities, a well-equipped medical dispensary and dining tents.

Attractions And Activities At Mela, 2001
The Kumbh Mela has become an important meeting ground for the devout Hindus and its importance has not diminished over the years. The Kumbh is not without its spiritual debates and disputes on divinity, where new doctrines are propounded and debated and existing ones are reviewed.

For thousands of traders, shopkeepers and peddlers who gather there, the mela means business and profits. Many come to enjoy the lively and colorful bustle of crowds buying curios and magical stuff and generally having fun.
Daily Yoga Classes for beginners were held and the training imparted by teachers approved by the All India Yoga Institute.
Kerala Herbal Oil Massage And Naturotherapy Centre was a prime attraction with basic oil massage followed by a steam bath and various other courses.
Daily New Age Workshop conducted free workshops and hold discussions on New Age theories.
Daily Audio-Visual Presentation on Indian culture, history, spirituality, science and literature offered an excellent opportunity for interaction, to the like-minded people.
Resident Astrologer was available 24 hours a day.
Crafts Mela became an opportunity to the craftsmen from all over India to display their crafts and people will be able to buy from them directly.
Daily Evening Performances By Eminent Indian Artists, both classical and folk, was the most breathtaking feature of the mela.
Ayurvedic, Herbal Medicines And Body Shop sold herbal body products patented and approved by FDA.
Media And Business Centre has a direct TV uplink and Internet access.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air: Closest airport is Varanasi, which is connected by daily flights from Delhi, from where the camp is about 2-1/2 hours drive.
By Rail: Allahabad, which is 15 kms away, is the closest railway station.
By Road: It is on National Highway 2 & 27 that are connected to the rest of the country by good motorable, all-weather roads.

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KUMBH MELA - NASHIK

Location: Right Bank River Godavari
Altitude: 565 mt. Above Sea-Level
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July 27 to Sept 7, 2003
Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar - described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. Kumbha in Sanskrit language means 'pot or pitcher’. Mela means 'festival'. Thus Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot. Or in this case a festival celebrating the appearance of the pot of nectar.
The Kumbh Mela 2003-2004 is the most important Hindu spiritual gathering, which takes place once every 12 years. The mela will be the largest single gathering of humanity on the planet. It is visited by a number of foreign visitors as well. The Kumbh Mela is an ancient festival finding mention even in the epic Mahabharat. The fair will start on 27 July 2003 with the first holy bath in the river Godavari (first “Snan”). Thousands of Sadhus and devotees will gather at Nasik near Trimbakeshwar for the event. The final ritual is on August 27, 2004.

NASHIK- Nashik is one of the important religious centre of Maharashtra, located on the bank of the Godavari river 565m above sea level and about 185-km from Mumbai. It is particularly a city of temples and there are around 2,000 temples, both big and small. As the legendary home of Rama, hero of the Ramayana, Nashik is one of the most sacred places of Hinduism; ancient Buddhist, Jain temples are also here. Traditionally the place attracts tourists, as it is known to be holly place. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive here to take a holly dip at the 'Ramkund' in the river Godavari, which is considered the 'Ganges of the south'. Ramkund is the spot where the river Godavari turns to right at an angle of 90 degrees and gains importance, as Lord Ram is said to have taken his daily bath here, during his stay at Nashik.

TRIMBAKESHWAR - One of the holy places of not only Maharashtra but the whole of India is near Nashik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. About 38 kms away from Nashik Road Railway Station, it is connected by bus and taxi service.

The Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh, 2003
The main bathing dates are Aug. 12 and Aug. 27.July 27th, 2003 : Kumbh mela Dhwaja Rohan Shravan Shuddha (Start of the Kumbhmela) at Trimbakeshwar & Nashik.

Aug. 08th, 2003 :
Shravan Shuddha Pratham (First) Snan at Nashik.

Aug. 12th, 2003 :
Shravan Shuddha Pornima ( Full Moon ) Pratham (First) Snan at Trimbakeshwar.

Aug. 27th, 2003 : Maha Parva - Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya (Second) Snan at Nashik.

Aug. 27th, 2003 :
Maha Parva - Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya (Second) Snan at Trimbakeshwar.

Sept. 01st, 2003 :
Maha Parva - Bhadrapad, Rushipanchami Dwitiya (Second) Snan at Nashik.

Sept. 07th, 2003 :
Bhadrapad Shukla, Vaman Dwadashi Tritiya (Third) Snan at Trimbakeshwar.

Aug. 27th, 2004 :
Kumbh mela Samapti (End of the Kumbhmela) Trimbakeshwar & Nashik.

HOW TO REACH NASHIK

By Air: Nearest airport from Nashik is at Mumbaii , which is 185-km away from the city.

By Rail: Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected by road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.

By Road: Nashik is 185-kms from Mumbai and is well connected by road. Pune-Nashik highway is 220-kms away from the city. There are also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.

Local Transport: Visitors can use taxis, tourist cars, auto-rickshaws and vans, which are easily available and ideal for families and groups.

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KUMBH MELA - UJJAIN

Location: Right Bank River Shipra
Original Name: Avantika
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05th April to 05th May, 2004
The very auspicious Kumbh Mela that takes place once every 6 years in India is falling in April to May 2004 at Simhastha, Ujjain.
Millions of years ago in a celestial wrest for a pot of nectar, four precious drops fell on the earth creating four of India's holiest places where millions gather once every 12 years (one year for every day of the battle) to take a dip in the holy water thus breaking the cycle of death and rebirth...the Kumbh Mela. Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar are the four places where the Kumbh Mela takes place and come 2004, Ujjain is where the action is as the city turns saffron for the spectacular event that is the Simhastha. Literally translated 'simhastha' signifies the movement of the planets into the zodiac of Leo or Simha Rashi.

UJJAIN- Ujjain is situated on the right bank of River bank or River Shipra. It is a very holy city for the Hindus a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika. There is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. It's origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manbthan (churning of the primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The story goes that after the nectar was discovered, there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.

Five Auspicious Bathing Days At Kumbh Mela, 2004

Monday, 05th April 2004: PURNIMA

Monday, 19th April 2004: KRISHNA AMAVASYA

Thursday, 22nd April 2004: SHUKLA TRITIYA

Saturday, 24th April 2004: SHUKLA PANCHMI

Tuesday, 4th May 2004: SHAHI SNAN PURNIMA

HOW TO REACH UJJAIN

By Air: The nearest airport is at Indore (55 km), it is connected by air to Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi and Gwalior.

By Rail: Ujjain is an important railway station on the Western Railway network and connected with most of the major cities in India.

By Road: It is within easy driving distance from Bhopal (183 km), Indore (55 km) and Mandu (158 km).

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HISTORY

Location: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
Significance: Largest fair of Hindus in World
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The Genesis
The observance of Kumbha Mela dates back to the Vedic times, before the creation of the universe. There is a legend that speaks for the origin of the Kumbh Mela.

Thousands of years ago, perhaps in the Vedic period, gods and demons agreed to work together for obtaining 'amrita' (the nectar of immortality) from the churning of the Milky Ocean, and to share the things thus obtained, equally.

Nevertheless, when the Kumbha (pot) containing the ambrosia appeared, the demons ran away with the pot and were chased by the gods. There ensued a battle in the skies, for the possession of the pot for twelve days and twelve nights (equivalent to twelve human years) between the gods and the demons. It is said that during the battle, drops of 'amrita' fell on to four places: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Thus, Kumbha Mela is observed at these four locations, where the nectar fell.

History Speaks
Historically, the origin of the Kumbh Mela can be traced to the river festivals in which pots of grains were soaked in the waters of the holy rivers and put to seed, with the rest of the grain, during sowing time. It has also been considered to be a pre-Aryan fertility ritual, for the Kumbh symbolizes the Mother Goddess and also the womb, the generative pot. Rivers, as givers of life and agents of fertility, became 'tirthas' (holy places) as they act as bridges between heaven and earth, the mortal humans and the eternal divine.

Records of the celebration of this festival go back to the 10th century, where mention is found in various Indian art forms and in writings of Arabian, French and English travellers. The Mela finds mention in the Vedas and also in Ramayana, written by Valmiki. Photographs of the gala event are available from the last fifty years.

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COSMIC CONFIGURATION

Location: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nashik
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
Significance: Largest fair of Hindus in World
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THE COSMIC CONFIGURATION
According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. The particular year when the Kumbha Mela is held at any one of the four holy places is determined, with reference to an almanac.

At Prayag, the period is the Hindu month of Magha (January-February) and the highest merit attached is to the bath taken on the new moon day, when the Jupiter is in Aries and both the Sun and the Moon are in Capricorn.

At Hardwar, Kumbha is held in Phalgun and Chaitra, when the Sun passes to Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius. The bath at Ujjain, on the bank of the river Kshipra is fixed for the month of Vatshakha, when these planets are in Libra.

At Nasik, on the banks of Godavari (Narmada), the function is timed to take place in Shravana, when the three planets are in Cancer. Thus, by rotation, the Kumbha Mela is held at these places.

In the case of Prayag and Hardwar, in between two Purna (full) Kumbha Melas, an intermediate one, called the Ardha (half) Kumbha is also held. The Ardha Kumbha Mela is held at Prayag and Hardwar in the years in which Purna Kumbha Mela is held at Ujjain and Nasik, respectively.

Every year in the month of Magha (January-February) a fair, known as Magha Mela, is held at Prayag at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati and is attended by thousands. It begins on the Makara Sankranti, the last day of the preceding month Pausa.

The Magha Mela is replaced by Maha Kumbha Mela every twelfth year, when the Sun is in Aries and the planet Jupiter in Aquarius (Kumbha).

The People
The ascetics and sadhus are an integral part of the Kumbh. One of the aims of all devout Hindus, who make a pilgrimage to the Kumbh, is to have an audience, 'darshan' of these holy men. By touching their feet and listening to them, their followers hope to gain spiritual enlightenment.

The most conspicuous sadhus at the Kumbh are the 'Nagas' or the naked sadhus. The 'Nagas' smear their bodies with ash and sport long, matted hair. Constant exposure to the elements and rigorous self-control makes them impervious to the extremes of hot and cold.

Besides the 'Nagas', there are several other types of sadhus-the 'Urdhwavahurs', who practice severe physical austerities and their bodies are usually emaciated and limbs shrivelled. There are the 'Parivajakas', who live under a vow of silence and go about tinkling little bells to get people out of their way. The 'Shirshasins' stand all 24 hours and sleep with their heads resting on a vertical pole attached to an oblong pole or meditate for long hours standing on their heads. Spending the entire month of Kumbh on the banks of Ganga, meditating, performing rituals and bathing thrice a day, are the 'kalpvasis'.

The Rituals
The main rite performed at the mela is the ritual bath. Orthodox Hindus, who give great importance to the performance of ritualistic actions, believe that a dip in the sacred waters on the auspicious day will cleanse them of all the evil. This ensures their salvation or freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Ritual bathing is a public act and is performed in the open and ideally on the banks of a river or stream. It includes the complete submergence of the body under water and a libation to the sun. The most auspicious day for the ritual bath at Kumbh is on the day of the new moon.