Kumbh
Mela - The Kumbh Mela, believed to
be the biggest religious gathering on earth
is held every 12 years on the banks of the 'Sangam'-
the confluence of the three holy rivers of Ganga,
Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Mela
alternates between Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain
and Haridwar every three years. The one celebrated
at the Holy Sangam in Allahabad is the largest
and holiest of them. It is attended by millions
of devotees. A holy dip in the sacred waters
is believed to cleanse the soul. The Sangam
comes alive during Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh
with a huge temporary community
being set up on |
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the vacant land on the Allahabad
side of the river.
Legends have it that the gods and
the demons fought for a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh),
the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu, disguised
himself as an enchantress (Mohini), and seized the
nectar from the demons. While fleeing from the evil
ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged
mount, Garuda. The demons finally caught up with Garuda
and in the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious
nectar fell on Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain.
Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in all these
places, alternatively, every 12 years.
Ardh Kumbh Mela and Magh
Mela - The Ardh or half
Kumbh is held every six years on the banks
of Sangam. Second only to the Kumbh in sanctity, the
Ardh Kumbh also attracts devouts in millions, from
all over the world. In addition, Magh Mela
is an annual event held at the Sangam
Dussehra - The festival
of Dussehra celebrated in Allahabad
is unique. During Dussehra, beautifully decorated
Chowkis (tableau) are taken out from different
localities, depicting various scenes from Indian mythology.
Every Chowki is decorated tastefully and there is
a competitive spirit in bringing out the most beautiful
Chowki.
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