Maha Kumbh Mela

The Meaning of Kumbh

The literal meaning of Kumbh is a pitcher, but its elemental meaning is something else. Even as a symbol of pitcher, Kumbh is synonymous with holy activities as in daily life a pitcher (or kalash) is an integral part of all sacred activities in Hindu culture, and this pitcher is a symbol of Kumbh.
Holy scriptures say that in a pitcher, its mouth (opening) symbolizes the presence of Vishnu, its neck that of Rudra, the base of Brahama, all goddesses in the center and the entire oceans in the interior, thus encompassing all the four Vedas. This itself establishes the significance of the Kumbh as symbolized by the pitcher.

Kumbh Facts

The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years only at Allahabad

The Kumbh Mela is held every 3 years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain

The Magh Mela – Mini Kumbh is held every year at Allahabad

Maha Kumbh Mela 2001, Allahabad – 54.2 Million pilgrims visited

Ardha (Half) Kumbh Mela 2007, Allahabad – 70.02 million pilgrims visited

Kumbh Mela 2010, Haridwar – On April 14th (Last Shahi Snan) 16.4 million pilgrims visited on this one day

Important dates of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2013

14^th January                           Monday                                   Makkar Sankrant

27^th January                            Sunday                                    Paush Purnima

6^th February                            Wednesday                              Ekadashi Snan

10^th February                          Sunday                 Mauni Amavasya Snan (Main Bathing Day)

15^th February                          Friday                                     Basant Panchami Snan

17^th February                          Sunday                                    Rath Saptami Snan

18^th February                          Monday                                   Bhisma Ekadashi Snan
25^th February                          Monday                                   Maghi Purnima Snan
 

 To seaguls on river Ganga during Maha Kumbh mela at Allahabad

Lamps with flowers offered by devotees after the evening prayers on the banks of river Ganga at
Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad

Devotees cross river Ganga  to participate during MAHA KUMBH MELA in Allahabad