With its mesmerising influence on the minds and souls of millions of people, Kumbh Mela is known to be the largest congregation of humanity. This auspicious festival has a major cultural importance and spiritual glory. As per the ancient hindu mythology, the Maha Kumbh Mela is the only time and place when human beings get a golden opportunity to get rid of all the sins they have done in the past. It is believed that the one who takes a dip at the holy banks of the river at Kumbh, can achieve Nirvana or Moksha i.e get free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Dive into the sacred water, wash away all the sins and open the doors for the attainment of Moksha. According to the history, Ujjain, Nasik, Allahabad and Haridwar are the four places where the drops of amrut or the elixir of immortality fell on earth from the kumbh (pitcher) when the gods and demons were struggling to acquire the nectar of immortality. It is indeed one of the rarest opportunities for human beings that can liberate them from all their pain and sufferings and lead them towards salvation. The faith in this sacred ritual attracts thousands of priests, ash- dubbed sages or the Naga sadhus, devotees, saints and spiritual leaders from all over the world. A large tented town is created on the banks of the holy river.
Also Read : Mythological History Behind Kumbh Mela
The tents or the Akharas are owned by great religious and spiritual guides. On the banks of river Kshipra, during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2016, the Ujjain Yoga Life Society is constructing well-equipped tents with comfortable boarding and lodging and all the basic amenities including purified drinking water, freshly cooked and healthy food, electricity, 24 hours medical help, well organised security services, wifi and on site fire brigade. Bookings can be made online by simply visiting the website www.yogalife.co.in.
Although people can be seen bathing on other dates during the Kumbh but the Shahi Snan or the holy bath takes place on the predetermined dates during the Kumbh Mela. The main dates for taking the holy bath are:
| First bath Full Moon Night | 22 April 2016 (Friday) |
| Vaishakha Krishna Amavasya | 6 May 2016 (Friday) |
| Shukla Tritiya | 9 May 2016 (Monday) |
| Shukla Panchami | 11 May 2016 (Wednesday) |
| Vrishabh Sankranti | 15 May 2016 (Sunday) |
| Ekadashi and Pradosh Snan | 17 May 2016 (Tuesday) |
| Pradosh | 19 May 2016 (Thursday) |
| Poornima | 21 May 2016 (Saturday) |
Out of these dates, the full moon night is considered as the most auspicious one. Pilgrims can be seen lining up at the ghats (banks) of the sacred river from 3 am on this particular day. The whole atmosphere during this time turns magical with positive aroma flourishing the souls and thoughts of every person attending the divine festival. After the holy dip, pilgrims wear new clothes and proceed to worship along the banks of the river. The practice of lightening the diya and making a wish is also very common during the Kumbh. It is believed that people who get a chance to witness the fest are blessed with good fortune.
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