Maha Kumbh Mela (Every four Years)

What: The largest pub­lic gath­er­ing and biggest col­lec­tive dec­la­ra­tion of peace and faith, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a Hin­du pil­grim­age held four times over the course of 12 years, in which tens of mil­lions of pil­grims flock to bath in one of four sacred rivers in the belief that the sacred water can absolve them of sins.

The Maha Kumbh Mela lasts for 48 days and is held in one of four spir­i­tu­al loca­tions with­in India, and along­side bathing in the sacred water a num­ber of cer­e­monies and pro­ces­sions take place includ­ing the ‘Pesh­wai’ on ele­phant backs, and the cap­ti­vat­ing rit­u­als of the Naga Sad­hus dur­ing ‘Shahi Snaan’, which com­bined with the Indi­an art and cul­ture dis­plays in the kalgram sec­tion of Maha Kumbh Mela, a range of light shows and the­mat­ic gates make the Maha Kumbh Mela one of the gretest fes­ti­val on earth.

When:  Maha Kumbh Mela takes place four times over the course of 12 years and lasts for  approx­i­mate­ly 48 days, as the fes­ti­val moves dur­ing the 12 years see the more infor­ma­tion sec­tion for exact dates.

Where: The Kumbh Mela is held in one of four loca­tions with­in India:

• Praya­graj (at the join­ing of the Gan­ga, Yamu­na and Saraswati Rivers),
• Nasik (Riv­er Godavari)
• Ujjain (Riv­er Shipra)
• Harid­war (Riv­er Gan­ga)

Dura­tion: Maha Kumbh Mela lasts for approx­i­mate­ly 48 days, for those not observ­ing the full dura­tion of the fes­ti­val tim­ing a vis­it to wit­ness the  ‘Pesh­wai’ and ‘Shahi Snaan’ is high­ly rec­om­mend­ed.

Tick­ets: Atten­dance to the fes­ti­val is free, although expect large crowds and an increase in prices in hotels, accom­mo­da­tion and trans­porta­tion.

Need to Know:  The Maha Kumbh Mela attracts mil­lions and is a reli­gious fes­ti­val so be sure to be care­ful and respect cul­tur­al tra­di­tions, for those bathing in the rivers be sure to car­ry med­ical sup­plies and be aware of the near­est hos­pi­tal and emer­gency num­bers.

More Infor­ma­tion: For exact dates, loca­tions and detailed advice for the Maha Kumbh Mela vis­it http://kumbh.gov.in/en

See Also: Maha Kumbh Mela (Once Every 12 Years) — (Read More)