The Kumb Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage of faith. They gather to bathe in the holy waters of four sacred rivers. The four locations where the Kumb Mela is held are; the Haridwar Kumb Mela, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha,Ujjain Simhastha and The Allahabad Kumbh Mela. Here are seven facts about this sacred tradition.

1. Its Held Every Three years

The Kumbh Mela is held every three years. It, therefore, takes 12 years to return to each location. The dates are set according to the zodiac positions of Jupiter, the sun, and the moon. Also, the Vikram calendar is used determine when the celebrations will be held.

2. How It Started

It’s believed that Lord Brahma advised them to churn out the nectar of immortality with the help of asuras. When asuras knew of deva’s plan not to share the nectar with them, they chased them for 12 days. Some nectar fell at the four locations of the Kumbh Mela during the chase.

3. Sanctification

Bathing in the river is the main ritual of the Kumbh Mela. Hindus believe that bathing in the water of the sacred rivers leads to sanctification. One’s sins are completely cleansed and they draw nearer to salvation. It also brings eternal blessings.

4. Holly Rituals

During the pilgrimage Men from different sects come to perform sacred rituals according to their different faiths. There is also singing, feeding of the poor and women. Different sects get together to debate and improve on their doctrines.

5. The Most Peaceful gathering

The Kumbh Mela is termed as one of the world’s most peaceful gathering. It is also the largest religious pilgrim in the world. It is attended by millions of people from all over the world it’s hard to know the exact figure. In 2013 approximately 120 million people attended.

6. First Documentation

The Kumbh Mela was first documented by Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler. He visited India between 629 and 645 CE. Despite this, the Kumbh Mela is believed to be over 2000 years old.

7. Employment Opportunities

During the pilgrimage, thousands of businesses are set up. It’s estimated that the number of employment can total 650,000 and the businesses generate up to Rs 12000 crore in 2013. So as one goes to pray and bathe in the holy rivers, they also get to earn either directly or indirectly.

Being the largest religious gathering in the world, the Kumbh Mela enables people to interact. This also fosters a peaceful coexistence and boosts spirituality of different sects, and finally, the economy is boosted.

To know about Gangasagar, please click here : http://overindia.com/west-bengal/gangasagar/

To know about Makar Sankranti Festival, please click here : http://overindia.com/holy-places-of-india/makar-sankranti/