The Bathing Dates: A Guide To The Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021

Start  from (January 14 to April 27, 2021)

• Makar Sankranti (1st Shahi Snan) 14 January 2021
• Mauni Amavasya (Main Royal Bath 2nd Shahi Snan) 11 February 2021
• Basant Panchami (3rd Shahi Snan) 16 February 2021
• Maghi Poornima 27 February 2021
• Maha Shivratri 11 March 2020
• Somvati Amavasya 12 April 2021
• Ram Navami 21 April 2021
• Chaitra Purnima 27 April 2021

India is known for its colorful and joyous festivals that are just a burst of happiness. Out of all the humongous festivals that India has to offer, Kumbh Mela is by far the hugest one. The beauty of Kumbh Melas lies in the fact that it captures the very essence of India under one roof. The huge diversity, the crowd of people and a colorful vibe- Kumbh Melas have everything. Kumbh Melas are also extremely sacred and holy among devotees and pilgrims, as several gathers to liven up the festivities. The Kumbh Mela has also been conferred with the title of the World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering.

The Haridwar Kumbh Mela is shared to commence in 2021 in the state of Uttarakhand.

The History Of Har Ki Pauri

The ancient and holy land of Hari Ki Pauri is the very place where Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. This particular divine spot is devoted to Lord Shiva– who is commonly referred to as Hari. The words Har Ki Pauri translates to the steps of Lord Shiva. This place also has a large stone wall with a footprint of Lord Vishnu, making this site even more pious. This sacred site is also the place where Ganga leaves the Himalayas to flow freely into the plains.

This spot also witnessed the Ardh Kumbh Mela or the Half Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years.

The Extravaganza Of The Kumbh Mela

As Haridwar is gearing up for the 2021 Kumbh Mela, it is for sure that this is an event that you cannot miss. Millions of devotees will throng the holy and ancient city of Haridwar, as the resounding chaos ensues. While the dates are yet to be announced, the excitement about the whole Kumbh Mela has already reached its epitome.

If I had to define this festival, then I would call it chaotic and crazy. No other words define the elegance and extravaganza of the Mela. As you enter stand in line for hours you will already hear the noise of enthralment. You will find yourself walking past saffron-clad saints smoking up a joint, or Aghoris who have gone into a trance. You will be surrounded by a weird yet energetic vibe and you will automatically find yourself swaying to the mantras being chanted at one corner. The entire ghats will be adorned with shimmering Diyas as the places fill with light.

Just walk around and watch in awe as the pilgrims take a dip into the holy waters. Make sure to be alert and engulf every single activity around you. There is so much going on, it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. Yet, Kumbh Mela has the unique property of just drawing you in and making you feel at home.

The Rituals and Origins of the Kumbh Mela

The main ritual is the sacred bath with which pilgrims and Sadhus purify their souls. Hindus believe that bathing in sacred rivers on the most auspicious days of the lunar cycle is a purification of the soul and brings forgiveness for all sin, completing the cycle of birth and death. Pilgrims begin their baths at 3 am, but the order is fixed by the Naga Sadhu who enter first.

Bathing Rituals

Be well informed when you are there about the times and dates of the bathing so that you don’t miss the most significant moment of the celebration. Other rites consist of songs, devotions, collective prayers, distribution of food.

The Legend of the Maha Kumbh Mela

we have to go back to the time when, according to Hindu mythology, the earth was inhabited by gods and demons. The gods and goddesses, however, had become weak and Brahma, the creator of the universe, suggested that they take Amrita, the nectar of immortality, but also sought after by demons. One of the gods managed to take possession of the Amrita and flew away in the form of a crow. A feather fell in four points of India during his escape, and in these points, four sacred cities arose along the course of sacred rivers: Nashik on the Godavari, Haridwar on the Ganges, Ujjain on the Shipra, and Allahabad at the point where the Ganges, Saraswati, and the Yamuna meet.

 What To See  in Haridwar Kumbha Mela 2021

If you are visiting the 2021 Kumbh Mela, and have never visited a Kumbh Mela before- then it is easy to get terrified. Your eyes and brains will be met with several visual cues that will make your head spin. So what are the unique things to watch out for in this chaos: Do not miss the Maha Ganga Arti of Har-Ki Pauri Ghat during the Kumbh Mela.

Nagas: The naked saints are one of the most popular tourist attractions. These saints are fully devoted to their lord and come to the Mela in the name of their Lord. The fully naked bodies have made a lot of people gasp.

Urdhawavahurs: Another group of devotees who go to extremes for their faith. They challenge their bodies and expose their bodies to severe austerities to prove their devotion.

Parivajaka: These saints are the ones who have taken a vow of silence.

Shirshasinse: These quirky saints only keep standing even while sleeping. You will find them resting their heads on a pole while sleeping.

How To be a Witness of All This

The arrangements of the Kumbh Mela are done lavishly and with care. As a tourist, you will find several luxury air-conditioned tents that are set up just for the Kumbh Mela. You will find well-informed guides and fun excursions that will take you around the city.

To truly witness the spectacle of the Kumbh Mela, make sure you see the Shahi Snan. This event only takes place on a few auspicious days, and you definitely cannot miss it.