Kumbh Mela 2019: Date, Place, History, Significance, Events, Attractions- Here is all you need to know

The Kumbh Mela is an important festival according to the Hindu mythology. The festival is one of the largest public gatherings of faith in the world as it draws crores of pilgrims over a course of 48 days to bathe in the holy confluence of rivers-- the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Though the Mela is visited by Hindu devotees from across the world, the congregation mainly includes sadhus, sadhvis, ascetics, kalpvais and pilgrims.

The festival is celebrated four times over a period of 12 years and the location of the Kumbh Mela keeps rotating between four pilgrimage sites situated on the banks of the holy rivers: Haridwar in Uttarakhand on the Ganges; Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on the Shipra; Nashik in Maharashtra on the Godavari; and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of three rivers-- the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. This year, the Kumbh Mela will be hosted in Prayagraj.

Many ceremonies also take place during the Mela. Some of these include the traditional Akhadas known as 'Peshwai' on the backs of elephants, horses and chariots, the swords and the Naga Sadhus performing their rituals during 'Shahi Snaan'.

Here is all you need to know about Kumbh Mela 2019 .

Date and Place
This year, the Kumbh Mela will be hosted by the Uttar Pradesh government at Prayagraj, which was earlier known as Allahabad, from January 15 to March 31, 2019.

History and Significance
Kumbh Mela's origin is transcribed by Shankara, a philosopher of the 8th century. The story behind the Kumbh Mela is mentioned in the Puranas. It is said that when the Gods and demons were fighting for the sacred pitcher (called Kumbh) filled with Amrit (nectar of immortality) during the Samudra Manthan, ord Vishnu disguised as a woman named Mohini and whisked the Kumbh from the demons. When Mohini was taking the Kumbh towards the heaven, a few drops of the nectar fell on four sites on earth namely- Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag- thus making them holy sites. The flight followed by the pursuit of the Kumbh between the Gods and demons continued for 12 divine days, which is considered to be as long as 12 years for humans. And that's why, the Mela is celebrated once in 12 years, and it is staggered at the four holy sites rotationally. During this period, the rivers are considered to turn into Amrit and so, many pilgrims across the world visit the Kumbh Mela to bathe in the essence of auspiciousness, purity and immortality.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Events and Attractions
As the Uttar Pradesh government is set to organise the Kumbh Mela 2019 at Prayagraj, here are some of the major attractions of the 48-days festival:

1. Kalagram-- this is the creative hub which is located in sector 19. 13 pavilions have been set-up in this village which will showcase Indian art and culture for tourists; visitors can even buy handicrafts directly from the artisans here. The Kalagram is open from January 10 to March 4, 2019.

2. Peshwai/ Praveshai- This is a grand procession wherein saints arrive in Kumbh along with their groups seated on elephants, horses and chariots. People shower flowers and petals on the passing procession and the air is filled with festive enthusiasm.

3. Cultural events- The state government has organised five cultural pandals wherein tourists can watch musical performances and folk dances daily. 'Ganga Pandal will be the mega structure among all pandals for hosting all the major events. Pravachan Pandal and 4 convention centres equipped with state-of-the-art facilities will be created to host various spiritual events', reads the official website of Kumbh Mela.

4. Tourist walks- Various walks are also being organised for vistors. According to the official website, here are the details of The Sangam Walk:

Starting Point of Trail: Shankar Viman Mandapam

Stop 1: Bade Hanumanji Temple

Stop 2: Patalpuri Mandir

Stop 3: Akshya Vat

Stop 4: Allahabad Fort

Stop 5: Ram Ghat

5. Waterways- For Kumbh Mela 2019, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has set-up ferry services on Yamuna River near Sangam Ghat. The starting point of this route is Sujawan Ghat, to Rail Bridge (Naini Side) to Boat Club Ghat to Saraswati Ghat and it ends at Kila Ghat.

6. Laser Light Show- A Laser Light and Sound Show is being organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh at the Prayagraj Fort Wall.

7. Thematic Gates- 25 temporary thematic gates have been set-up to mark the approach roads to the main Mela Area. 'Each gate will have its own identity, will be strongly rooted in the local context and deeply inspired by the culture, tradition and socio-religious factors. Vernacular construction methods shall be used and above all, practicality and reusability are being taken into consideration,' reads a statement on the official Kumbh Mela website.

8. Experience 360 degree virtual reality at Kumbh Mela 2019- The organisers of the Kumbh Mela have set-up 10 stalls at prime locations at the Mela where visitors can watch videos of Mela by a special VR headset. Videos of major events such as Peshwai, auspicious bathing days, Ganga aarti, etc can be seen at these stalls. Meanwhile, those who can't travel to Prayagraj to witness the festival first-hand can watch the videos on the official website and on their YouTube channel. The videos (live and recorded) can also be seen on the VR Devotee app.