Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage and festival, celebrated every twelve years in rotation at four sacred pilgrimage sites: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. It is the largest peaceful gathering in the world, attracting millions of devotees and tourists. The mela is believed to have originated from a battle fought between gods and demons over a pitcher (kumbha) containing the nectar of immortality.

The central ritual of the Mahakumbh Mela is the holy bath in sacred rivers. Devotees believe that bathing in the Ganges at Haridwar, the Shipra at Ujjain, the Godavari at Nashik, or the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj during the auspicious period washes away sins and grants moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The most auspicious days for bathing are called "Shahi Snans" (royal baths), where ascetic orders (akhadas) lead processions to the river.

The festival is a vibrant spectacle of religious fervor, with ascetics, sadhus, yogis, and pilgrims from all walks of life converging. It is a significant cultural event, showcasing ancient Hindu traditions, philosophies, and practices. Various religious discourses, spiritual discussions, and cultural performances also take place during the Mahakumbh. The timing of the Mahakumbh is determined by astrological positions, specifically the conjunction of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon.