Maha Kumbh Mela is the religious congregation where millions of tourists visit to take holy dip at the Ganges. It is a spectacular event where There are numerous Sadhus people gather to take bath. Kumbh Mela was celebrated in the year 2010 from 12 February and concluded on 14 April.
Kumbh Mela: The main and important reason for one to attend this special occasion is to take dip in the holy Ganges. It is believed that a holy dip in sacred water of The Ganges during Kumbh Mela or Ardh Kumbh Mela relieves human being out of the circle of life and death (known as Moksha).
According to the Hindu mythology, Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world for self purification. The festival is religiously most important for the Hindus. At every Kumbh occasion, millions of tourists take part in the celebrations. International tourists along with saints, priests, and yogis from all corners of India gather to participate in Kumbh Mela. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh Mela, cures the believer of all sins and evils which leads to ones salvation.
History of Kumbh Mela: The history of Kumbh Mela originates from the beginning of the Creation. The origin of the Kumbh is very old and dates back to the time when Kalasha (pot of nectar of immortality) was recovered from Samudramanthan (during the churning of the primordial sea), for which a tense war between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) ensued. To prevent the Amrita Kalasha being forcibly taken into possession by Asuras, who were more powerful than Devtas, its safety was entrusted to the Devtas Brahaspati, Surya, Chandra and Shani. The four Devtas ran away with the Amrita Kalasha to hide it from the Asuras. Learning the conspiracy of Devtas, Asuras turned ferocious and chased the 4 Devtas running with Amrita Kalasha. The chase, lasted 12 days and nights during which the Devtas and Asuras went round the earth and during this chase, Devtas put Amrita Kalasha at Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years, and Ardh Kumbh i.e Half kumbh is celebrated every 6 years.
About Ganges : The Ganges, about 2,510 km (1,560 mi) long, rises in a snowfield called The Gangotri Glacier, situated among three Himalayan mountains, each more than 6,706 m (22,000 ft) high. It flows as the Bhagirathi River from an ice cave, 3,139 m (10,300 ft) above sea level, and falls 67 m per km (350 ft per mi); around 16 km (10 mi) from the source is Gangotri. At Devaprayag, a small village, 214 km (133 mi) from the source, the Bhagirathi joins the Alaknanda to form the Ganges.
The Ganges, after descending 2,827 m (9,276 ft), at an average of around 11 m per km (60 ft per mi), flows west to the border of the plains at Haridwar, 253 km (157 mi) from its source and 312 m (1,024 ft) above sea level. From Haridwar it continues south and then south-east to Allahabad after a winding course of 785 km (488 mi). The holiest of all the rivers, the Ganges is a perennial river, which is revered by the Hindus. It is primarily mentioned in Hindu mythology. On the banks of holy Ganges babies are baptized and the dead are cremated and ashes immersed in the Ganges believing, the dead soul gets salvation from worldly life.It is medically proven that despite some visible impurities the water of Ganges do not stink even if stored for several days.
About Haridwar: Haridwar is well connected to the major cities, it lies on the National Highway and road network is good. It is a religious destination thronged by devotees throughout the year. Haridwar, the holy city lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. It is very important factor that the Ganges enters plains from mountains at Haridwar.
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. It is believed that the God has left its footprints in Haridwar. Moreover, it can be called the gateway to the three important Hindu pilgrimages of India in Uttrakhand named Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath, because of its key geographical location.
About Rishikesh: This is one of the most favorite destinations of north India loved by international tourists. It is around 24 kms from Haridwar. It is located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganges flowing through it. The place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centers of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, above all it is an important Yoga Centre. There are many ashrams and yoga centers. It is claimed as Yoga capital of the world. Rishikesh is an adventure sports destination famous for trekking, white water river rafting, expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. One important feature to visit Rishikesh is that the International Yoga week, is celebrated every year, which attracts participants from all over the world, from 2nd to 7th Feb on the bank of river Ganges.
About Yoga: Yoga is a 5,000 year old scientific technique for spiritual development. It soothes one’s agitated senses and fills one with a sense of well-being. India is world-famous for its ancient knowledge of Yoga. It is an art of transforming the inert body to the level of vibrant mind in order to unite your body and mind into one with the serenity of one’s soul. Yoga helps to rejuvenate mind and soul, it helps to bring out the best in a person. It is defined as union, the union between individual existence and its source, the supreme existence. It is to make one realize one’s identity with the greater self. Yoga is a systematic science also.
