At How Many Places is Kumbh Mela Held?

The Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest religious festivals in the world, where millions gather to take a holy dip in sacred rivers. It is celebrated at four important locations in India, each with deep spiritual significance. The event symbolizes faith, unity and the belief in cleansing sins for spiritual significance.

An Overview of Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival held every 12 years at four riverbank sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. It features ritual bathing in sacred rivers, believed to cleanse sins, and includes fairs, religious discourses, and community gatherings. In 2019, it witnessed the largest peaceful gathering in history.

At How Many Places Kumbh Mela Held?

Kumbh Mela is held at four sacred places in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Each city hosts the Mela based on specific celestial alignments. These locations are associated with holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kshipra and Godavari – where millions of devotees gather for spiritual rituals and blessings.

Prayagraj

Prayagraj, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important Kumbh Mela destinations. Here, the Mela takes place at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of three rivers.: Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

• Timing: The Mela is held in the Hindu month of Magh when Jupiter is in Taurus, and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn.
• Events: Maha Kumbh is organized every 12 years, while Ardh Kumbh takes place every 6 years.

Haridwar

Haridwar, in Uttarakhand, is a sacred city where the river Ganga flows. This city is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus.

• Timing: The Kumbh Mela here occurs during the Hindu month of Chaitra when the Sun is in Aries, and Jupiter is in Aquarius.
• Location: The celebrations take place along the banks of the Ganga, with millions of devotees bathing in its holy water.

Ujjain

The ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh hosts the Kumbh Mela along the Kshipra River. This city holds great spiritual and historical significance.

• Timing: The Mela is celebrated during the Hindu month of Vaisakha when Jupiter is in Leo, and the Sun is in Aries. Sometimes, it occurs when Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon are in Libra.
• Tradition: Ujjain’s peaceful atmosphere adds a unique charm to this grand event.

Nashik

Nashik, situated in Maharashtra, is a beautiful city on the banks of the Godavari River. It is deeply revered in Hindu culture.

• Timing: The Kumbh Mela in Nashik is held in the Hindu Month of Bhadrapada when the Sun and Jupiter are in Leo.
• Significance: The rituals and traditions here attract millions of devotees seeking spiritual blessings.