States Uttar Pradesh Fairs & Festivals Prayag Kumbh Mela

Prayag Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh

Probably, the world's largest religious gathering - Prayag Kumbh Mela is one of the most pious fairs where people from across the world come to sanctify their mind, body and soul and to attain spirituality. Celebrated in the city of Prayagraj at Triveni Sangam, Kumbh Mela is of four types; Kumbh Mela which is observed after every 3 years, Ardh Kumbh which is held after every 6 years, Maha Kumbh which is celebrated after every 12 years, and Purana Kumb which is held after every 144 years. Triveni Sangam is the surreal confluence of three sacred rivers of Hindu religion - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. This popular Hindu festival in Uttar Pradesh is observed in the Hindu month of Magh (January - February) and is continued to celebrated for over a month. However, it is organized under the administration of the Government of India along with the local authorities and police force. From mountains, caves, and remote places in forests, the festival attracts a larger chunk of religious ascetics including sadhus and mahants.

From continuous chanting of mantras to the enticing dance of aghoris to the beautiful setting of holy ghats that lights up with earthen lamps, the festival proffers a magical experience in everything you opt to savour at Prayag Kumbh Mela. Along with that, millions of devotees can also be seen taking a holy dip in the pristine waters of the river to sanctify their sins. Throughout the course of this popular festival in Uttar Pradesh, some remarkable arrangements and facilities are made for the visitors that ensure a hassle-free stay to them. For that, a massive tented township is put up at the festival site that is overbrimmed with huts, platforms, cottages, high security, civic facilities and cottages. Being one of the most sacred festivals in India, Prayag Kumbh Mela boasts an interesting legend which goes like, once Lord Vishnu was carrying a pot (Kumbh) filled with celestial nectar (Amrit). Enroute carrying the pot, a scuffle broke and out and as a result of that four drops nectar were poured out and fell on the earth at four places Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik and Ujjain. These places together make Tirthas - a place where one can achieve salvation.  Apart from the Prayagraj, the Kumbh Mela is also celebrated at other three places of Tirthas - Nashik, Haridwar and Ujjain.

Celebration Dates & Timings:

Celebrated for a whole long period of more than a month, the grandest Hindu fair, Prayag Kumbh Mela is held in the Hindu month of Magh (January - February).

Highlights of the Festival:
  • Prayag Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world.
  • One of the biggest draws of Kumbh Mela is the Sadhus (monks), Urdhawavahurs, Nagas, and the Kalpwasis.
  • Holy bath in the water of sacred Triveni Sangam.
  • A huge township accompanied with magnificent facilities is created especially for devotees.
  • The river banks light up with thousands of earthen lamps.
  • The surreal sight of devotees chanting prayers while aghoris dancing madly is a sight to be relished.

Uttar Pradesh Travel Information

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