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KUMBH MELA

The Most Important Hindu Spiritual Gathering
takes place once every 3 years, rotating between
four major Hindu pilgrim centers of India
Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik.

Click Here for a Detailed Initerary
Click here for Background Information on Kumbh Mela

photo by Thomas Kelly, 1998

Hundreds of thousands of yogis, sadhus and pilgrims come to take a holy dip in the Ganges during this important Hindu spiritual gathering.

Legend has it that before the universe took shape, the gods and demons churned the waters--as a result of which--from the ocean arose Dhanvantari carrying in his hands a kumbha (pot) of nectar. As the gods and demons struggled for possession of this precious liquid, drops fell at 12 places in the world. Four of these, Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain are in India and this fair (mela) is held in each of these places in a twelve year rotating cycle.

The largest and most famous one occurs in Allahabad once every 12 years. This is called the Maha Kumba. We went in 2001 and will return in 2013.

Each year, after attending the mela, we visit other important Hindu sites including the ancient caves at Aurangabad, Lucknow-- from where we can visit Ayodhya (one of Hinduism's 7 holy cities), Allahabad and Varanasi. An extension to Agra to visit Taj Mahal is available.

The Maha (Grand) Kumbh takes place every 12th year in each of the following four locations:

2010 Maha Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar in the foothills of the Himalayas.

2013 Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in January and February Allahabad (Prayag).Ê
Last Maha Kumbh held here was in 2001.

2016 Maha Kumbh will be held in Ujjain.

The other Kumbh called the Ardh (Half) Kumbh is held every 6th year in each of the locations which too is equally interesting.Ê Hence Kumbh is held every three years either Maha or Ardh.

2007: Allahabad Ardh Kumbh Click Here for a Detailed Itinerary

2010: Hardwar Maha Kumbh and Ujjain Ardh Kumbh

2013: Allahabad Maha Kumbh and Nashik Ardh Kumbh

2016: Ujjain Maha Kumbh andÊHardwar Ardh Kumbh