Mahakumbh - 2010, Haridwar (India)

Ardha Kumbha and Maha Kumbha are the occasions when millions of people gather to take holy dip in the sacred waters. This is main reason for one to attend the Maha Kumbha and the Ardha Kumbha festival. It is believed that a holy dip in sacred rivers during Maha Kumbh or Ardh kumbh takes human out of the circle of life and death and one attains Moksha. Devotees, saints/sadhus turn up in great number from all over the world to take a dip in the holy waters of rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythological Saraswati at Parayag (Sangam). According to traditions these holy rivers offers purity, wealth, fertility and wash away the sins of all those who take bath.

Bathing Dates for Haridwar Maha Kumbh 2010

14 January 2010 - Makar Sankranti Snan - First Snan (bath)
15 January 2010 - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) - Second Snan
20 January 2010 - Basant Panchmi Snan - Third snan
30 January 2010 - Magh Purnima Snan - Fourth Snan
12 February 2010 - Maha Shivratri - Pratham Shahi Snan - First Royal Bath
15 March 2010 - Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi Snan - Second Royal Bath
24 March 2010 - Ram Navmi - Fifth Snan
30 March 2010 - Chaitra Purnima Snan
14 April 2010 - Baisakhi - Pramukh Shahi Sanan - Main Royal Bath
28 April 2010 - Shakh Purnima - Snan


(*Source: www.kumbhamela.net)


Kumbha mela (or the Kumbha fair) is one of the largest fairs in the world.. though i've never attended any Kumbha myself..but i've heard that it is one of the best spiritual experiences, one can get..
individuals (mostly Hindus) of every part of the world congregate for taking a holy dip in the pious waters of River Ganges.

It takes place in either of the four places viz.
Haridwar (Uttaranchal), (Banks of River Ganga)
Allahabad (Prayag, Uttar-pradesh), (Banks of River Ganga)
Ujjain (Madhya-Pradesh) (Banks of River Shipra)
Nashik (Maharashtra) (Banks of River Godavari)