Event Details

The Kumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful religious gathering and one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage festivals. Millions of devotees, saints, monks, and visitors gather to take a holy dip in sacred rivers, believing it cleanses sins and aids spiritual liberation. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The word Kumbh means "pot (pitcher)", and Mela means "fair" or "festival."

The festival commemorates the legend of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), when gods and demons fought over the Amrita (nectar of immortality). During the struggle, four drops of the nectar are believed to have fallen at four sacred places in India:

• Prayagraj
• Haridwar
• Nashik
• Ujjain

These cities now host the Kumbh Mela according to specific astrological alignments