The largest gathering of humanity on earth

Millions of people gather each year in North India to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges, Yamuna and /or the mythological Saraswati rivers. Hindu devotees, pilgrims, saints and sadhus from all over India and the world turn up in huge numbers each winter. They believe that a holy dip in the sacred rivers during the  Kumbh Mela washes away sins and can help them break the cycle of life and death and attain Moksha.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in Allahabad — the sangam, or place, where the three rivers meet. This is the “big one.” The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of humanity on earth. This year, a “smaller” version. called the Magh Kumbh Mela will be held in the sacred city of Haridwar, which is a four-hour train ride north of Delhi. (There is also an Ardh, or half, Kumbh Mela that takes place several times during the cycle.)

I am planning to be there, as my ashram is only a few kilometres from Haridwar. Not sure when yet, but I may try and be there for one of these auspicious bathing dates.

Bathing Dates for Haridwar Magh Kumbh Mela 2010

• 14 January 2010 – Makar Sankranti Snan – First Snan (bath)
• 15 January 2010 – Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) – Second Snan
• 20 January 2010 – Basant Panchmi Snan – Third snan
• 30 January 2010 – Magh Purnima Snan – Fourth Snan
• 12 February 2010 – Maha Shivratri – Pratham Shahi Snan – First Royal Bath
• 15 March 2010 – Somvati Amavasya – Dvitya Shahi Snan – Second Royal Bath
• 24 March 2010 – Ram Navmi – Fifth Snan
• 30 March 2010 – Chaitra Purnima Snan
• 14 April 2010 – Baisakhi – Pramukh Shahi Sanan – Main Royal Bath
• 28 April 2010 – Shakh Purnima – Snan