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Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela (Template:Lang-hi) is a major Hindu pilgrimage and religious festival in India. It is held every twelve years, rotating between four sacred river-bank pilgrimage sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. It is recognized as the world’s largest peaceful religious gathering, attracting millions of devotees, saints, and tourists from across the globe.[1]
Significance
According to Hindu belief, bathing in the sacred rivers during Kumbh Mela helps one achieve salvation and cleanses one of sins. The festival derives its name from the Sanskrit word "Kumbh," meaning "pitcher"—a reference to the pot of nectar over which the gods and demons fought, according to the mythological Samudra Manthan.[2]
Types of Kumbh
- Maha Kumbh Mela – Held only in Prayagraj every 144 years
- Purna (Full) Kumbh Mela – Held every 12 years at all four locations
- Ardh Kumbh Mela – Every 6 years at Prayagraj and Haridwar
- Magh Mela – Annual gathering in Prayagraj
Major Locations
1. Prayagraj – At the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati 2. Haridwar – On the banks of the Ganges 3. Ujjain – On the Shipra River 4. Nashik – On the Godavari River
Key Rituals
- Shahi Snan – Royal bath by ascetic orders (Akharas)
- Ganga Snan – Bathing in the holy river
- Kalpvas – A month-long religious stay at the riverbank
- Katha, Pravachan, Yagna – Spiritual discourses, fire rituals
UNESCO Recognition
In 2017, Kumbh Mela was inscribed by UNESCO on the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."[3]
Recent Events
- 2013 Allahabad Kumbh – Attended by over 120 million people
- 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh – Digitally managed; 200+ million footfall
- 2021 Haridwar Kumbh – Organized during the COVID-19 pandemic with restrictions
In Popular Culture
Kumbh Mela has featured in international documentaries by BBC, National Geographic, and in various Indian films. It symbolizes unity in diversity, spiritual devotion, and faith on a massive scale.