Use the term Kumbh Mela, and everyone is aware of this holy festival! The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of believers in the world to wash in a holy or sacred river. It is a great Hindu pilgrimage of faith that is well-known worldwide as a vibrant and colorful Indian event. As a result of its widespread renown as “the world’s most massive act of faith,” believers from all over the world gather for sacred baths. It is said that attending this massive fair cleanses one of all sins and liberates one from all of life’s pains and sufferings. So, book YYZ to Mumbai flights via Flyopedia and come with us to explore the Kumbh Mela – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage Experience.
What is Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh is a Hindi word that means “pot.” The Kalash (pot) holds special significance in Hindu culture. Kumbh is the wellspring of energy and the uniting of nature and humanity. It recognizes human sin, virtue, light, and darkness. Five important natural elements—fire, air, water, earth, and sky—constitute the human body, collectively known as “Panchtatva.”
The Ganga River is the mother of all rivers in this ceremony, and all other rivers are her children. It is a difficult test of human commitment. People come here with a pure heart.
Various Types of Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is only held in Prayagraj. It occurs once every 144 years or when the 12 Purna (Complete) Kumbh Mela is completed.
- Purna Kumbh Mela: This festival is held every 12 years. The Kumbh Mela is mostly conducted in four Indian cities: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It rotates between these four locations every 12 years.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: This phrase refers to India’s Half Kumbh Mela, which is held every six years in only two locales, Haridwar and Prayagraj.
- Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is hosted in four different places, each of which is organized by a state administration. Thousands of individuals take part with religious zeal.
- Magh Kumbh Mela: This biennial festival, also known as the Mini Kumbh Mela, is held only in Prayagraj. It takes place during the Hindu month of Magh.
The position of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in their respective zodiac signs during that period determines the site of the Kumbh Mela.
People from all walks of life gather to commemorate Kumbh Mela according to all ceremonial faiths, and they have been celebrating the eve since then. Thus, you can visit Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets from Toronto to Hyderabad and witness the grand Kumbh Mela.
History and Origin
According to Hindu mythology, during the whirling of the ocean, a few droplets of the liquid known as amrita fell from the kumbha (samundar manthan for the nectar of eternity between the gods and the demons). While transporting it in a kumbha (pot), Lord Vishnu spilled four droplets of amrita (the drink of immortality) at four locations on Earth: Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Trimbak-Nashik. According to astrological predictions, the water of these holy rivers transformed into nectar. The Kumbh Mela currently regards these four locations as its holy places.
The organizers conduct this fair on the banks of the Hindu sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Godavari every three years. Kumbh at Allahabad (Prayag) is larger and more widespread than other Kumbh Melas.
Before the world formed, Brahma Ji (also known as Svayambhu or self-born) claimed to perform Ashwamegha Yagya here. Dashwamedh Ghat and Brahmeshwara temple are currently present as a sign of the Yagya. Because of this Yagya, Maha Kumbh has a special importance.
Kumbh Mela’s Rituals
The most essential rite of the Maha Kumbh Mela is bathing for “soul purification.” Devotees believe that swimming in the river will wash away their sins.
The rituals also involve religious meetings, devotional singing, mass feeding, and conversations about spiritual ideas. Satsangs, in which devotees sit for hours listening to hymns, are an important part of the Maha Kumbh, as are Hinduism talks to share information about the faith.
When and Where the Kumbh Mela is Celebrated?
People celebrate the Kumbh Mela once every six years, while they host the Maha Kumbh in Haridwar four times every twelve years, choosing the dates through astrological calculations. There are ascetics, kalpvasis, pilgrims, and tourists among the crowd.
Four times in a 12-year cycle, Hindus celebrate the Maha Kumbh Mela at four pilgrimage sites along four rivers: Haridwar on the Ganga, Nashik on the Godavari, Ujjain on the Shipra, and Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the fabled Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela will take place again in 2025. Also, if you are seeking affordable flight tickets from USA to India, make sure to check out our other official website Flyopedia.com.
Bottom Line
The Kumbh Mela is more than just a festival; its significance transcends comprehension. The event is held in high regard by the public. Many people believe that bathing in the holy Ganges during the Kumbh will relieve them from different hardships and misfortunes. This is why, despite all odds, people from all across the world wish to visit the Mela at least once in their lives. Now it’s your turn. Book cheap flights from Montreal to Delhi India with Flyopedia and visit India to witness the grand Kumbh Mela.
Also Read: Pilgrimage to Ashtavinayaka: A Remarkable Journey through Maharashtra
