TIMING OF KUMBH MELA

The Maha Kumbh Mela ("great festival of the pot of nectar of immortality") is held every three years in each of four different locations, returning to each of four places every twelve years. An Ardh (half) Mela (festival) takes place six years after the Maha Kumbh in each location.

Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage and bathing festival that takes place at the following 4 locations of India:

• Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
• Haridwar (in the state of Uttaranchal Pradesh) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas.
• Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river.
• Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.

Dates for the Maha Kumbh Festival
(every 12 years in 4 locations)

• The next Ardh (half) Mela (festival) will be held January 2007 at Allahabad. Main bathing date: Jan. 19.
• In 2010, March-April, Maha Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar in the foothills of the Himalayas. Main bathing date: April 14.
• In 2013, Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Allahabad (Prayag), Jan. 27 to Feb. 25. Main bathing date: Feb. 10.
• In 2015, Maha Kumbh Mela will be held Aug. 15 to Sept. 13. Main bathing date: Sept. 13.
• In 2016, Maha Kumbh Mela will be held April 22 to May 21. Main bathing date: May 21

The basic point of the Kumbh Mela is for pilgrims to bathe at certain sacred spots on certain auspicious days. A large tented city is erected and pilgrims stay at tents owned by Pandas (religious and spiritual guides) and at various ashrams. Others will just camp on the ground or turn up for the actual bathing day. Some of these bathing days are designated "royal," and it is on these days that the naga sadhus (naked mendicants) parade and bathe. On other days there will still be people bathing and other events and random processions.