Kumbh origins to the mythological event of Samudra Manthan

The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and history. It is celebrated approximately every 6, 12, and 144 years at four sacred sites: Prayagraj (confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers), Haridwar (Ganges), Nashik (Godavari), and Ujjain (Shipra)2.

The festival traces its origins to the mythological event of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk), where drops of the divine nectar of immortality (Amrita) fell at these four locations. Pilgrims believe that bathing in these rivers during the Kumbh Mela grants them liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

• Maha Kumbh Mela: This is the largest of all Kumbh Melas, taking place only once every 144 years in Prayagraj. It is marked by an extraordinary influx of pilgrims, making it the world’s largest religious gathering.

• Purna Kumbh Mela: Occurring every 12 years, this is the standard Kumbh Mela hosted in each of the four cities.

• Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every six years, this festival alternates between Haridwar and Prayagraj, offering pilgrims another opportunity to bathe in the holy rivers.

• Prayagraj (Allahabad): When Jupiter enters Aquarius and the sun and moon are in Capricorn, Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

• Haridwar: When Jupiter is in Aquarius and the sun enters Aries, Kumbh Mela takes place on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar.

• Ujjain: When Jupiter is in Leo and the sun is in Aries, the Kumbh Mela occurs on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain.

• Nashik: When Jupiter and the sun align in Leo, Kumbh Mela is celebrated on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik.