Kumbh Mela is a very big festival, participated by millions of people taking a
dip in the sacred waters at Haridwar, Parayag, Ujjain and Nasik.
This festival is observed at an interval of twelve years at Parayag, when there
is coincidence between the moon, the sun and the planet Brahaspati. The bath,
worship, charity and Satsang (religious congregation) are all important.
Churning of the sea by combined effort of the gods and demons produced Amrit (immortal
juice). Gods and demons both wanted it. So the pot was shifted from place to place
and wherever this was shifted there was some spillage and these places were Haridwar,
Parayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh fair is held in these places. At Nasik, Ujjain
and Haridwar, Kumbh Mela is held every three years, but at Parayag it is after
12 years with Arddh Kumbh Mela held every 6 years.
Kumbh Mela after 6 years or 12 years is the, proportional gain in the Maghi Mela
held at Parayag every year during the month of Magh (January-February) when lakhs
of pilgrims from all over India assemble to have a dip in the holy waters of Parayag,
in an attempt to wash away all their sins. Maghi Mela (fairs) is held every year
and everyday. Thousands of people are seen bathing in this water, throughout the
month. Probably it was king Harsavardhan who was the initiator of this assembly
(Mela).
 During
Kumbh Mela (after every 12 years) Parayag wears a festive look, decorated with
bright and glittering festoons. For a few days Parayag transforms into a Kumbhanagar,
with lakhs of pilgrims from all over India. Thousands of Sadhus and Sanyasis,
who come down from their isolated mountain homes, and tourists from all over the
world assemble here to participate in this auspicious fair. During the festival,
the days of Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchmi, Maha Sivaratri, Chetr Amaveseya,
Ram Navami and Baisakhi are recognized as more auspicious and benevolent. |
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