Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2010 - Kumbh Mela 2010

Haridwar Kumbh Mela is one of the main and oldest religious gatherings held by Hindus believing that the waters of the Ganges River change into nectar on this auspicious occasion. People and Tourists from all over the world gather here for a holy dip in the divine water of Ganga as they trust it eliminates all the evil and earlier period sins from an individual's life.

Kumbh Mela Location

The Kumbh Mela is held on a rotating basis in 4 of the most holy Hindu places in India…on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Godavari River in Nashik (Maharastra), the Ganges River in Haridwar (Uttarakhand), and convergence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Allahabad and Prayag (Uttar Pradesh). The Kumbh Mela is held in each place once every 12 years

Kumbh Mela 2010 at Haridwar

Soon, the complete holy town of Haridwar would be reverberating with Vedic chants and temple bells. Rishis, Sadhus and yogis would over pack Haridwar. Pilgrims and devotees would be full of activity 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 throughout Kumbh Mela. From dawn till dusk, rites and rituals carry on.

Kumbh Mela Pilgrims Tour:

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

Urdhwavahurs sadhus - who believe in observing self mortification, Sadhus of the Parivajakas sects who observe total silence. In arrange to clear the way, they do not say a word but tinkle little bells.

Shrishasins - who keep themselves in the standing pose round the clock. They remain full of activity meditating standing upside down.

Kalpvasis - Who remain by the river banks and performing rituals and bathing numerous times a day and devote their time to meditating.

Sacred bathing at the Kumbh Mela:

The most important ritual of the Kumbh Mela in India is the ceremonial dip in the water. The Hindus think that a bath in the holy waters will cleanse them and their sin and ancestor’s evil. This would make sure their salvation or moksha from the cycle of life, rebirth and death. Ritual bathing is done in the open on the banks of river with whole submergence of the body under water and an oblation to the sun. The most favorable day for the ritual bath at Kumbh is on the day of the new moon. Pilgrims begin lining up to bathe from around 3 a.m. on this day. After bathing, the pilgrims wear fresh clothes and go on to worship by the river bank. They then walk around listening to discussions from the various sadhus.

Bathing Dates throughout 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

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