India is a land of diverse culture with a rich traditional heritage that binds every Indian citizen in the threads of brotherhood. Though Indians do not nee reasons to celebrate but when it comes to devotion and religious fervor, the enthusiasm of the Indians is unmatched. This is the prominent reason behind the immense success of the world’s largest crowd gatherer Fair, the Kumbha Mela. Held at four locations in every twelve years, the fair attracts maximum visitors from across the world. Marking the win of truth over sin, the Mela occurs when the Sun enters Aries and Jupiter in Aquarius.
This is the ominous time when the holy Ganga becomes purgative and ready to submerge the sins of every human being bathing in it. According the Indian Astrology, the holy bath in rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythological Saraswati at Parayag (Sangam) during Ardha Kumbha and Maha Kumbha also frees one from the ongoing burden of births and rebirths. After every 144 years comes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, which is attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering across the globe. The Kumbha Mela is also famous for Naga Babas, the sadhus with holy healing prowess.
Historical Significance
The origin of Kumbha Mela is distinctly traced back into the Vedic Ages when the episode of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the ocean of milk) occured. The battle between demons and gods for the ‘Kumbha’ continued for twelve days and twelve nights and in between, Garuda, the celestial bird flew away with teh Kumbha of elixir. This action anticipated the fall of four drops on earth: Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
Kumbha Mela 2010
Tabulated to be held from January 14 to April 28, 2010 in Haridwar, India, 2010, The Kumbh Mela is awaited with eagerness amongst the devotees.
Bathing Dates
14 January 2010 – First Holy Bath -- Makar Sankranti Snan (Thursday)
15 January 2010 – Second Holy Bath -- Surya Grahan --(Friday)
20 January 2010 – Third Holy Bath-- Basant Panchmi Snan --(Wednesday)
12 February 2010 – First Royal Holy Bath-- Maha Shivratri – (Friday)
15 March 2010 – Second Royal Holy Bath-- Somvati Amavasya --(Monday)
24 March 2010 – Fifth Holy Bath-- Ram Navmi --(Wednesday)
30 March 2010 - Chaitra Purnima Snan--(Tuesday)
14 April 2010 – Main Royal Holy Bath - Pramukh Shahi Sanan--(Wednesday)
28 April 2010 – Holy Bath--Shakh Purnima--(Wednesday)
The Four Kumbha Locations
Prayag in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh -- Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati Confluence
Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh-- River Ganga Shores
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)-- Shipra river banks
Nasik, Maharashtra) Godavari river banks.
How to Access Kumbha Mela 2010
The Kumbha Mela 2010 shall take place in Haridwar where you can reach by Air:- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (20 km) By Rail:- Direct trains from Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Howrah, Puri, Chennai, Ujjain and Varanasi. By Road:- The National Highway (NH) 45 goes through Haridwar or you can also commute through other routes from Delhi, Agra, Ambala, Badrinath, Dehradun, Kedarnath, Saharanpur, and Nainital.
