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The Kumbh Mela in India is among the greatest and most sacred of the north Indian fairs. The Kumbh Mela is held by rotation, on the banks of the River Godavari in Nasik, River Shipra in Ujjain, River Ganga in Haridwar and the confluence of the three rivers, namely, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad or Prayag (ancient name) in India. The Purna Kumbh or Maha Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, falls once every 12 years in one particular place and every fourth year on all the four places by rotation. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and the spiritual benefits increase manifold. The Purna Kumbh is followed by the Ardha Kumbh in importance. Like the Purna Kumbh, the Ardha Kumbh falls every six years in one particular place and every fourth year on all the four places by rotation.


The origin of Kumbh Mela can be traced to Hindu mythology and traditions. According to the Puranas, when the Gods were defeated by the demons, they approached Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, to seek the boon of immortality. Vishnu told them that the secrets of life and death are hidden in the ocean of milk. The Gods promised the demons that in lieu of their help to churn the ocean, they would divide the treasure alternately. Mount Mandar was placed over a tortoise and was tied with the serpent Vasuki to churn the ocean. Gradually the ocean started yielding the holy cow and the flying horse; the lyre and the siren, Lakshmi and Vishwakarma and many more items. Finally, Dhanvantari, the divine physician, came out holding the Kumbh or pitcher of Amrit or the nectar of life that could bestow immortality. A huge fight took place between the demons and the gods because it was the turn of the demons to take the gift. But the gods did not want them to have nectar, as that would make them immortal. Thus Dhanvantari decided to elude himself from the demons and fled to the heavens with the pitcher. On his journey lasting twelve days, he hid at four different places, namely, Prayag, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar, where the drops of nectar also fell. Therefore, these places are considered holy by the Hindus and have become important pilgrim spots.


The most important ritual of the Kumbh Mela in India is the ceremonial dip in the water. The Hindus believe that a bath in the holy waters on the auspicious day will cleanse them and their ancestors back to the eighty-eighth generation off all evil and sin. This would ensure their salvation or moksha from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Ritual bathing is done in the open and ideally on the banks of a river or stream with complete submergence of the body under water and an oblation to the sun. The most auspicious day for the ritual bath at Kumbh is on the day of the new moon.


Kumbh Mela in India is incomplete without the presence of the ascetics and sadhus. You may find the Nagas, Urdhwavahurs, Parivajakas, Shirshasins and Kalpvasis at the fair. The particular group or akhara of the sadhus initiate the ritual bath at Kumbh Mela. The different group of sadhus moves in a procession to wards the river and leave after the holy dip quickly to make way for the other sects. One of the aims of all devout Hindus, who make a pilgrimage to the Kumbh, is to have darshan of these holy men. By touching their feet and listening to them, their followers hope to gain spiritual enlightenment. This is followed by the dip by the general mass. After the bath, the pilgrims wear new clothes and move to the riverbanks to perform puja.


Over the years, the importance and sacredness of the Kumbh Mela in India has risen several times. Millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come to attend the Kumbh Mela in India. For majority of people, it is once-in-a-lifetime trip. it is the time for business and profits for thousands of traders, shopkeepers and businessmen.