The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world and it attracts lakhs of devotees. This year, the Purna Kumbh Mela is being held after 11 years and not the usual 12 years because of the auspicious date. Basically, the auspicious dates are calculated based on the zodiac positions of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. As per reports, 24.01 crore people visited Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in the year 2019. But despite the pandemic, Haridwar is expecting over 10 lakh people on regular days and over 50 lakh visitors on auspicious days. Ahead of Kumbh Mela 2021, here are the fascinating facts about the festival you should know.
1. The Legend Of Kumbh Mela Revolves Around Holy Nectar
According to Hindu mythology, the four holy sites of Kumbh Mela are where drops of nectar or Amrit fell during a fight between the Gods and demons. The devotees hanker after this divine elixir of immortality during Kumbh Mela. It is believed that the four sacred sites turn into purifying nectar allowing devotees to cleanse their soul and end the cycle of birth and death as they bathe.
2. The Shahi Snan Is Believed To Cleanse The Sins
The holy bath or dip is the major event of Kumbh Mela. The festival sees devotees from all over the world take holy dips in the river Ganga to attain Moksha or salvation. The holy dip in the Ganga is believed to absolve themselves from all sins. Kumbh Mela Limited To Just 30 Days This Year Due to Covid; Starting From April 1.
3. Kumbh Mela Is About 2000 Years Old
The earliest mention of Kumbh Mela dates back to 644 CE in the writings of Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang. He mentioned a gathering at the confluence of two rivers where people bathed to wash their sins away. This means that the festival is about 2000 years old.
4. The Date And Place Of Kumbh Mela Is Decided Via Astrological Predictions
Kumbh Mela is celebrated in four locations across India – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik but the exact time and place for the festival is decided via astrological predictions and religious considerations. It is believed that during Garuda’s fight, some drops of nectar spilled over at these four places. Haridwar Gets Stunning Mythology-Themed Graffiti On Walls Before Kumbh Mela.
5. The Maha Kumbh Mela Is Held Once In 144 Years
There are four different types of Kumbh Mela — Maha Kumbh Mela, Purna Kumbh Mela, Adrh Kumbh Mela, and Kumbh Mela. The holiest of them all is the Maha Kumbh Mela that is held once every 144 years in Allahabad. The Magh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is considered to be the oldest version of Kumbh Mela according to the writings of Huien Tsang.
6. Kumbh Mela Is Held Once In Every Three Years
The Kumbh Mela is held every three years. This event takes place in 4 different locations- Haridwar (Ganga river), Prayag (Triveni sangam of Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati), Ujjain (river Kshipra), and Nasik (river Godavari). Devotees from different Hindu sects attend this mela to perform sacred rituals related to their respective groups.
Also read: Haridwar To Ferry Pilgrims And Tourists Via Hovercrafts For Mahakumbh 2021
Watch this space for more details on Kumbh Mela 2021.