Kumbh is the confluence of all our cultures. According to Western astrology, Kumbh Mela happens when Jupiter enters Taurus, and the Sun and New Moon enter Capricorn.  This positive charge affects the water, the air and the entire atmosphere, such that simply being at that special place, and taking a bath in the Ganga, is very conducive to spiritual growth, and physical and emotional well-being. After every three years, one of these cities – Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar and Allahabad gets to hold the Kumbh, thus each one getting a chance to hold the Kumbh after 12 years. But the Ardh Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, takes place every six years, after the Maha Kumbh in each location, Ardh meaning half, and is held at the banks of river Shipra in the western region of Madhya Pradesh and is seen as one of the most sacred places in India.

The upcoming opportunity to attain the bliss of the divine is at Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2016. The pious festival is celebrated when the when Jupiter is in Aquarius and Sun is in Aries during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).

Holy Snan Dates during the Ardh Kumbh Mela

Ardh Kumbh Mahaparv Haridwar 2016 is scheduled from Januray to April. The holy snan dates are as follows:

Itinerary Details

During the period of the Kumbh Mela, a tent city comes up for over a month by the banks of the river (of the spot where the fair is held) to provide shelter to thousands of pilgrims. A number of Hindu religious organizations set up camps in the fairgrounds during this period. In different spots of the region, folk theater groups get busy enacting different stories and scenes from sacred Hindu texts. The myth of the “Amrita-Kumbha” is performed as a dramatic performance which is lapped up by the assembled devotees. People from all classes of society come in multitudes to the fairgrounds driven by the desire to take a dip in the sacred river waters as well as to receive the blessings of the great holy men assembled in the fair. Many of the devotees live in camps and ashrams (temples) for the whole duration of the mela and lead a sacred life. Such a living is called “Kalpavas” and those who live thus are called “Kalpvasi”.

Like its bigger counterparts (Purna Kumbh Mela, Maha Kumbha Mela) and smaller counterparts (Magh Mela) the purpose of organising Ardh Kumbh Mela is to commemorate the legend of the struggle between the gods and demons over the Amrita Kumbha (pot of nectar) and draws innumerable crowds who believe in the Hindu Puranas and come in quest of purifying their soul before entering the realm of god.

Haridwar

The holy city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand, meaning ‘Gateway to God’ is a breathtaking city with so many temples and remains as a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe. Religious festivals hold even further attraction and the city maintains its own aura of intense spirituality.