Kumbh Mela Magh Mela 2017 Allahabad

   माघ मेला प्रयाग इलाहाबाद

 Kumbh (Magh)  Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimages of faith. Hindus gather to a holy dip at the Sangam ( the confluence of the three great holy rivers the  Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati) . The term 'Kumbh' is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'pitcher and, the term 'Mela' means 'gathering'.The Magh Mela is one of the largest annual religious gatherings. Magh mela is held every 3^rd year at one of the four places; Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. The Kumbh Mela is held at each of these four places every twelfth year.

Magh Mela 

Haridwar - the Ganges (Ganga)

Allahabad (Prayag) - the Sangam of the Ganges and the Yamuna and the Saraswati

Nasik- the Godawari

Ujjain- the Shipra .

  

माघ मेला प्रयाग इलाहाबाद

 Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at only two places, Hardwar and Allahabad, every 6^th year.

This holy fair is organized every year month of Magh (mid January to the mid February of the Gregorian calendar); hence the names Magh Mela. The important bathing dates are spread over a period of 45 days. The Magh Mela is actually a smaller version of Kumbh Mela. Hence it is also known as Ardh Kumbh Mela. In year 2017, Magh Mela begins on January 12 and ends on February 24.

According to Hindu mythology, the origin of these auspicious gathering dates can be found in legend of samudramanthan. Untiring efforts had been made by Gods and Asuras (demons) to obtain the Amrita, the nectar of immortality. During samudra manthan(churning of the ocean) , amrita(nectar of immortality) was produced and was placed in a kumbha (pitcher). To prevent the asuras (demons) from seizing the amrita, a divine carrier flew away with the pitcher. In one version of the legend, the carrier of the kumbha (pitcher) is the divine healer Dhanavantari who stops at four places (Haridwar, Allahabad (prayag), Nasik and Ujjain). The Kumbh Mela is celebrated in these four places.

 It is widely believed that taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the auspicious days (Paush Purnima,Makar Sankranti,Mauni Amavasya ,Basant Pancham,Maghi Poornima,Maha Shivratri) will washaway the sins. The Magh Mela commences on the day of Makkar Sankranti in the month of January, which is the first important bathing day. Maghmela begins with holy dip at the Sangam on auspicious dates. Important bathing dates during Magh mela attract nearly a million Hindu devotees from all over the world arrive here annually and stay in tents, By spending the entire month of Magh in prayers This period is known as "Kalpvas". Those who observe the "Kalpvas" are known as "Kalpvasis". A temporary tent city is made on the banks of Ganga. Numerous religious organizations and ashrams made camps or tents for their followers.

  

माघ मेला प्रयाग इलाहाबाद

The Vedas mention a "Kalp" to be the period equal to the total number of years in the four Yugas - Satyug, Treta, Dwapar and Kalyug. It is said that by piously observing a "Kalpavas", a devotee overcomes the sins and escapes the cycle of Janma(birth) and Karma (actions) and will lead to Moksha (merging with the Supreme Soul). During each day of the Magh Mela, a Kalpvasi has to take a dip at the Ganges and sunrise praying. the Kalpvasis take only a meal a day. After observing 12 Kalpavas, a Kalpavasi has to donate all his belongings.

On the Magh mela, the sadhus, The Naga Sadhus (who do not wear cloth, their forehead is smeared with ash ,various Akhadas, religious doctrines ,mass-feeding  and other rituals include devotional singing attracted the attention of visitors from around the world. The millions of pilgrims and visitors, taking a dip in the Sangam (the confluence of the three great holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) are more than a mere bath, but an expression of one’s faith in the great divine power.

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