Starting January 14, Haridwar, Ganga&rsquos holy abode, will witness the convergence of thousands of devotees, pilgrims, sadhus, and akharas within its bounds. Rooted in Hindu mythology, and dubbed as one of largest religious congregations in the world, the Kumbh Mela is set to station itself in the holy city until April.
Organised every twelve years in one of four cities across the country (Ujjain, Prayagraj and Nasik being the other ciries), the 2021 edition of the Mela is culminating after its eleventh year due to planetary movements. A three-month-occasion, the preparation for the Mela is in its ultimate phase, and is set to commence on Makar Sankranti, i.e., January 14, and conclude on Chaitra Purnima Snan, i.e. April 27.
As per tradition, the Kumbh Mela is fractionated into a few snan (bath) dates. This year, there will be nine Ganga baths, and four Shahi baths. The latter is scheduled for March 11 April 12, 14 and 27, while the former is scheduled for January 14 February 11, 16, and 27 March 11 April 12, 14, 21 and 27.
Designated as an &lsquoIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity&rsquo by the UNESCO, the Kumbh Mela&rsquos significance reverberates throughout the nation.
