Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela at Haridwar is one of four sites where drops of the nectar of immortality (amrit) fell during the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The festival rotates between Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain in a 12-year cycle. During Kumbh, millions of pilgrims, sadhus, naga babas, and spiritual seekers converge on the ghats of Haridwar. The main bathing dates (Shahi Snan) are determined by auspicious planetary alignments. Processions of akharas, elaborate rituals, religious discourses, and cultural programs make this a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. The Ardh Kumbh (half Kumbh) is held every 6 years.