2013 Kumbha Mela, India

[Perfection]

Snan Parva or bathing in the river Ganges is of great importance. It is believed that it washes away all the sins and the cycle of rebirth and death ends as the soul becomes one with God Almighty.

Auspicious holy bathing dates at the Kumbh MelaOn the main bathing dates there will be a colorful, magnificent Procession of radiant saints on chariots and elephants at sunrise. As the saints pass by, they impart blessings of divine grace to all the people. Then the glorious saints took their dip (shahi snan) in the Holy River Ganges. This takes place according to tradition, each group proceeding to the river and then bathing in a particular sequence. After all these groups have bathed, then all other people will take their turn to march to the Ganges for their bath.

The Kumbh mela begins on Jan 14 on Makara samkranti day at Prayag, Allahabad. The expected pilgrims is 110 lakh for Shahi snan.

Main bathing days (snan) are

Pausha Poornima (Jan 27, Sunday, 55 lakh)
Feb 10 (Mauni Amavasi, Sunday, 305 lakh, Shahi snan)
Feb 15 (Vasanta Panchami, Friday, 193 lakh,Shahi snan)
Feb 25 (Madhi poornima, Monday, 165 lakh)
March 10 (Mahashivratri, 55 lakh) : The kumbh mela ends.

[Perfection]

[Perfection]

Mauni Amavasya snan starts on 10 Feb 2013 at 3.30 am and ends after 21 hours.

Mauni Amavasya is the day on which Manu rishi appears in this world millions of years ago. It is believed to be the day when the universe was created. On this day, the Sun and the Moon enters into the Capricorn sign. A vow of complete silence is observed on this day known as Maun Vrat. This vow is assumed to control our senses and engage them into the service of Supreme Lord Narayana.

Visiting the Kumbh Mela to take a dip in the holy waters and cleaning the sins committed in a lifetime is a very superficial motive to attend the Kumbh Mela.

Most of religious groups offer free accommodation which are simple tent dormitories with basic facilities.

Flying cameras are used for surveillance of the Sangam area.

[mallusp]

I like to visit..but not now...

[Perfection]