Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2010

Kumbh Mela is one of the largest & oldest religious gatherings held by
Hindus believing that the waters of the Ganges turn into nectar on this
auspicious occasion. People from all over the world gather here for a
holy dip in the divine water of Ganga as they believe it eliminates all
the evil and past sins from an individual's life.

Location

The Kumbh Mela is held on a rotational basis in four of the most holy
Hindu places in India -- on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik
(Maharastra), the Shipra River in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), the Ganges
River in Haridwar (Uttarakhand), and convergence of the Ganges,
Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Allahabad/Prayag (Uttar Pradesh). The
Kumbh Mela is held in each location once every 12 years

Sacred Hindu festival of 2010-Experience the Kumbh Mela 2010 at

Haridwar

Soon, the entire holy town of Haridwar would be reverberating with

temple bells and Vedic chants. Sadhus, rishis and yogis would
overpack Haridwar. Pilgrims and devotees would be busy taking a
sacred dip in the divine waters of the Ganges and observing rites and
rituals. Thus one can experience the most surreal scenes on the
riverbanks of the Ganges during Kumbh Mela. From dawn till dusk,
rites and rituals continue.

Mela Pilgrims:

Naga Babas, a big attraction for all, keep themselves busy meditating
and practicing different yogic postures. These Naga Babas remain
naked, with long matted hair and the body smeared in ashes. It is
interesting to see that the extremities of weather do not affect them.

Urdhwavahurs sadhus, who believe in observing self mortification.

Sadhus of the Parivajakas sects who observe complete silence. In

order to clear the way, they do not say a word but tinkle little bells.

Shrishasins who keep themselves in the standing posture round the

clock. They remain busy meditating standing upside down.

Kalpvasis -- who remain by the river banks and devote their time to
meditating, performing rituals, and bathing numerous times a day.
Sacred bathing at the Mela:
The most important ritual of the Kumbh Mela in India is the ceremonial
dip in the water. The Hindus believe that a bath in the holy waters will
cleanse them and their ancestor’s evil and sin. This would ensure their
salvation or moksha from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Ritual
bathing is done in the open on the banks of river with complete
submergence of the body under water and an oblation to the sun. The
most auspicious day for the ritual bath at Kumbh is on the day of the
new moon. Pilgrims start lining up to bathe from around 3 a.m. on this
day. After bathing, the pilgrims wear fresh clothes and proceed to
worship by the river bank. They then walk around listening to
discourses from the various sadhus.

Main Bathing Dates during Kumbh Mela 2010

14 January, 2010 Makar Sankranti

15 January, 2010 Mauni Aamavasya - Suryagrahan Snan
20 January, 2010 Basant Panchami
30 January, 2010 Maagh Purnima
12 February, 2010 Shre Maha Shivratri Shahi Snan
15 March, 2010 Somawati Aamavasya Shahi Snan
16 March, 2010 Navsamvarambh Snan
24 March, 2010 Shree Ramnavami Snan
30 March, 2010 Chaitra Purnima (Parv Snan)
14 April, 2010 Mesha Sankranti Shahi Snan - Mukhya Snan Parv
28 April, 2010 Vaisakh Aadhimaas Purnima Snan

Thus all of India's saints, sages, mendicants and fakirs come out of
their caves to celebrate the Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is the thus, the
biggest religious gathering of humanity on the earth with a distinct
amalgamation of religion and socio-cultural significance.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2010 is starting from 14th January 2010. Browse
http://www.kumbhmela.chardham-pilgrimage-tour.com/ for getting
more information on Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2010, Kumbh Mela
Snan(bath) dates, Kumbh Mela Attraction, Pilgrimage Tour In India and
more other pilgrimage/religious tours & travel.