Kumbh Mela - Largest Holy Gathering in the World
Kumbh Mela which is said to be one of the largest gatherings in the world is going to be held this time in Haridwar (Kumbh Mela 2010). It is not only the largest but one of the oldest gatherings which are attended by sadhus, saints, tourist and people of all religion from all over the world. According to the religious belief by the Hindus, it is said that the waters of the Gangers change into nectar on this auspicious time. So, people in a large number gather to take a dip in the holy water of Ganga, to wash away the sins and evil from their life.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in Allahabad – at the confluence of the three holy rivers. This year the Kumbh mela festival also known as the Magh Kumbh Mela will be held in the sacred city of Haridwar, which is just a few hours drive from Delhi. This year it is expected that more than 10 millions people is going to be the part of this holy gathering which is going to take place at Haridwar also known as Gateway to God.
Religious Belief
Some brief description behind the religious belief of this holy gathering or the Kumbh Mela. It is said that the Gods were really distress as they were cursed for the creation of the earth. They were getting feeble day by day. So they went to Lord Brahma, the creator of this world according to the Hindu Mythology and he advised them to churn the ocean to obtain the amrit. Churning of ocean was not an easy task, so they ask help from the demons and promised to give half the amrit. At last the amrit was obtained after putting efforts for a long time. Later gods fled away taking the nectar. Demons chased the gods and they had to hide the nectar in four places. During the time of the war the drops of nectar fell on the earth on these 4 places (Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain) where today the holy gathering of Kumbh Mela India takes place.
Important Bathing Dates of the Haridwar Magh Kumbh Mela
14 January 2010 - Makar Sankranti Snan
15 January 2010 - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan
20 January 2010 - Basant Panchmi Snan
30 January 2010 - Magh Purnima Snan
12 February 2010 - Maha Shivratri - Pratham Shahi Snan Bath
15 March 2010 - Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi Snan Bath
24 March 2010 - Ram Navmi
30 March 2010 - Chaitra Purnima Snan
14 April 2010 - Baisakhi - Pramukh Shahi Sanan
28 April 2010 - Shakh Purnima
Hari Ka Pauri of Haridwar will be the main bathing ghat where you can see the large number of people, sadhus, saints and maha rishis taking dip in the divine water of the River Ganga. Many astrologers also believe that during the time of the festival water at Hari Ka Pauri turns into nectar and taking dip at the spot will wash away the sin and evils from an individual’s life.
So don’t miss this golden opportunity to give a new beginning to your life with new soul, mind and body by being the part of this holy festival, Kumbh Mela Haridwar.
Rakesh John is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on guide Kumbh Mela Tour Packages. Now he is rendering his services to http://kumbhmela.co.in/index1.html
