Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, India (34 images)

The Kumbh Mela, has been the greatest of the Indian fairs, attracting the world's largest congregation of religious pilgrims. Millions of people are said to attend the Purna Kumbh Mela, making it the largest gathering anywhere in the world.

The purpose of organising the Kumbh Mela is to commemorate the legend of the struggle between the Gods and Demons over the Amrita Kumbha (Pot of Nectar of Immortality). It is believed that during the battle, Lord Vishnu flew away with the...
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The Kumbh Mela, has been the greatest of the Indian fairs, attracting the world's largest congregation of religious pilgrims. Millions of people are said to attend the Purna Kumbh Mela, making it the largest gathering anywhere in the world.

The purpose of organising the Kumbh Mela is to commemorate the legend of the struggle between the Gods and Demons over the Amrita Kumbha (Pot of Nectar of Immortality). It is believed that during the battle, Lord Vishnu flew away with the Kumbha of elixir, drops from which spilled over Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. People who believe in HIndu Dharam come in quest of purifying their soul and to wash away their sins by taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of these rivers during the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that during this time the water from these rivers turn into purifying nectar allowing the devotees to cleanse their souls as they bath.

Kumbh Fair is held four times every twelve years and is organised in rotation among four places where drops of the sacred nectar spilled over: Allahabad (Prayag), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. In Nashik it is held on the banks of the River Godavari, River Ganga in Haridwar, River Shipra in Ujjain and the confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Allahabad or Prayag (ancient name) in India.
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