Kumbh Mela – HARIDWAR
Kumbh Mela is a Grand festival of Hindu Religion. It is the largest gathering of Hindu people and also the largest religious gathering in the world. Kumbh Mela attracts hindu pilgrims from all over the worlds. The main ritual is to take holy bath. Hindu people believe that if they take bath on specific date during Kumbh Mela, it will remove their sins and they will get “Moksha”. Moksha is end of the cycle of rebirth. It represents the Hindu religion in all expects more better than any other festival. Kumbh Mela Festival is one of the oldest hindu festivals. This is unique festival in terms of variety and vastness which you can rarely find anywhere apart from India. Millions of pilgrims come together on this festival to wash their sins in the holy waters. It is believed that if you take bath during the Kumbh Mela it will awaken the inner consciousness and will enlighten your Soul & Spirit.
Legend Behind The Kumbh Mela
The Myth behind the celebration of Kumbh Mela goes like this, after the Deva-Asura war, which went on for quite some time, both the involved parties came to a conclusion that they instead of fighting should come together and churn the milky ocean to obtain the Elixir. The sea was churned and elixir was obtained but it was not meant for the Asura or the demons hence the god who appeared from the sea with the Kumbh or the pitcher of elixir ran from the chasing Asuras. In this chase a few drops fell on earth and now at these four places the Kumbh Mela is conducted.
Kumbh Mela at Haridwar
Kumbh Mela Festival is celebrated after 12 years in 04 cities. So Haridwar also host the Kumbh Mela after 12 years. Apart from main Kumbh Mela at Haridwar and Allahabad, Ardh Kumbh Mela Festival is also celebrated after six years one by one in each of 04 cities. So in Haridwar we have either Kumbh Mela or Ardh Kumbh Mela Festival after every six year. Kumbh Mela at Haridwar and Allahabad is more special because both city has Holy River Ganga. River Ganga is most holy river in India. Every day hundreds of people take holy bath in River Ganga to wash thier sins even if there is no special occassion. So when there is a combination of auspicious time of Kumbh Mela and the Holy River Ganga, taking holy bath will be certainly a lifetime moment. That is why when Kumbh Mela is in Haridwar and Allahabad (both city has river ganga) it is more visited by people than Ujjain and Nasik Kumbh Mela.
Ardh Kumbh Mela
Ardh Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Haridwar from January to April. Taking holy bath at River Ganga is special on any day. So when there is Holy time of Kumbh Mela, at Holy City Haridwar and the Holy River Ganga, it will make this holy bath certainly a very very special. There are some perticular auspicious dates when Haridwar will be visited by thousands of pilgrims.
Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar Tips
Though all the Kumbh Melas enjoy almost similar quantity of devotees but the name of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages. Hence the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar enjoys exceptional media coverage and Tourist traffic. Haridwar – The place is termed as the gateway to heaven in Hindu mythological scriptures. So, First of all arrive at Haridwar two or atleast one day before the above dates. Book the hotel in advance as early as possible. 03 nights stay will be enough. During the Ardh Kumbh Mela Festival on the above dates Haridwar will be very very busy so trasnportation options will be limited. You should book hotel close to Har Ki Pauri to avoid long waiting time in traffic. The core areas of the city will have very limited option for transportation. Cycles will be the best way for main areas but by walk you will reach more quicker.
