Kumbh Mela: When and where is it held?

Kumbh Mela is one of the largest Hindu festivals where lakhs of people, including men and women, gather to have holy baths, especially on certain auspicious days, in the holy water of the river by the side of which the Mela is held. Apart from common people, the Kumbh Mela is also attended by many Sadhus and Naga Babas who come down to the Mela from the Himalayas as well as from other parts of the country. The Kumbh Mela celebrations include - a ritual dip in the river, numerous fairs, education, religious discourses by saints, mass feedings of monks or the poor, and entertainment spectacle.


When and Where Kumbh Mela is held?

Kumbh Mela is organised at four different locations by turn and continues for over a month. The date, time and location of Kumbh Mela depends upon the position of the Sun and the planet Jupiter, also known as Brihaspati, in a Rashi (zodiac sign).

Kumbh Mela is held at - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain - in a cycle of approximately 12 years. The

Kumbh Mela dates

are calculated in advance depending on the zodiacal positions of Brihaspati (Jupiter), Surya (the Sun) and Chandra (the Moon).

Kumbh Mela in Haridwar - Chaitra (January–April)

Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is held on the bank of river Ganga. During this period, Jupiter enters in Aquarius, Sun in Aries. The month is Spring or Chaitra (January–April). The holy bath begins on Shivaratri and continues for over a month.

Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj - Magha (January–February)

Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is held on the junction of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. During this period, Jupiter enters in Aries, Sun and Moon in Capricorn; or Jupiter in Taurus, Sun in Capricorn. The Prayag Kumbh Mela is held in winter or Magha (January–February) month and the bathing begins on Makar Sankranti.

Kumbh Mela in Nashik - Bhadrapada (August–September)

Kumbh Mela in Nashik is held on the bank of river Godavari during the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). During this period, Jupiter enters in Leo; or Jupiter, Sun and Moon enter in Cancer on lunar conjunction. The holy bath begins on the day of Simha Sankranti.

Kumbh Mela in Ujjain - Vaisakha (April–May)

Kumbh Mela in Ujjain is held on the bank of river Shipra. The mela is held in the month of Vaisakha (April–May). During this period, Jupiter enters in Leo and Sun in Aries; or Jupiter, Sun, and Moon enter in Libra on Kartik Amavasya. The bathing rituals begin on the day of Chaitra Purnima.