Kumbha Mela is world largest gathering of people who are highly religious at heart. This popular fair is organized in the pious destinations in India, namely, Prayag, in Allahabad(Uttar Pradesh), where the three mighty Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meets; Haridwar(Uttar Pradesh), Shipra river in Ujjain(Maghya Pradesh) and on Godavari river in Nasik(Maharashtra). The large-scale 'mela' occurs four times in every twelve years, once at each of the mentioned location. It not only attracts devotees in the country, but also compel foreign tourist to have a glimpse of the holy faith encircling Indian culture.


Soul Connecting Legend of Kumbh Mela
The twin word Kumbha Mela has been derived from Sanskrit language. According to Vedic scriptures Kumbh means the immortal pot of nectar and Mela means festival. In a word, the festival is a celebration of the appearance of the pot of nectar. Since, time immemorial it has treasured the erstwhile days of God and demons. According to Vedic literature, demigods and demons assembled together to churn out the milk ocean and produce nectar, which if consumed, offers the power of immortality. It is said that the churning first produced a poison, which was taken by Lord Shiva and a few drops were sucked up by snakes, scorpions and alike creatures. The next time, a mystical male person, Dhanvantari, appeared carrying the pot of nectar. Both demigods and demons anxiously fought for it and lastly it fall in the four places on the earth i.e Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik.

Rituals in Kumbh Mela
Astrologers says that Kumbh Mela takes place when the heavenly planet, Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. Accordingly, Ardh Kumbh occurs after every six years while Purna Kumbh take places at Allahabad every twelve years.

Countless Maharishis and religious sadus, who have devoted their life to worshiping God, visit the spot of Kumbh Mela and take part in sacred bathing. Makar Sankranti Snan, Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan Snan, Basant Panchami Snan, Ram Navami Snan and alike are fixed according to the religious festival calendar. It is believed that a holy bath during Maha Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh helps one to wash away all committed sins and attain Nirvana.

Kumbh Mela 2010
The forthcoming Kumbh Mela will be held on Haridwar, which is situated on the foothills of Shivalik. This heavenly abode receives the Holy Ganges cascading from the great Himalayan ranges. The religious extravaganza will commence on 14th January 2010 and will continue till 28th April 2010. Har Ki Paudi, in Haridwar is one of the holiest bathing ghat in the whole globe, therefore preparation for the festivals has already been shoot up.