Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016, Haridwar Tour

The Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 will be celebrated in Haridwar, Uttarakhand when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries which shall take place during January 2016 to April 2016.

The holy bath in the blessed waters of River Ganga can be taken at Har Ki Pauri, Asthi Pravath Ghat, Subhash Ghat. Gau Ghat, Sapth Sarover Kshetra Ghat, Sarvanand Ghat, Pantdweep Ghat, Kangra Ghat, Roode Bale Wala Ghat, Ganesh Ghat, Varagi Camp Ghat, Sati Ghat, Daksheshwar Ghat, Singh Dwar Ghat and Sita Ghat.

The Kumbh Mela is the largest and holiest gathering of Hindu spiritual seeker and pilgrims. The significance of the fair and holy snan is instilled in the hearts of the believers. Every person of faith makes their way for a holy dip at the fair where divinity is said to be at its peak.

The Puranas (holy texts of Hindus) mention the origin of the rituals and celebrations of Kumbh Mela. The fair name means Kumbh (pot) and mela (fair or celebration). According to legend the Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) were always at discord. Wars were frequent and there were eras of chaos and peace. To achieve harmony they agreed to Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) where the spills were to be equally distributed. The Meru Mountain was used as churning rod and the serpent Vasuki was used as rope. Form the churning came out amrit (nectar of immortality) which was desired by both parties and it is said that the nectar spilled on earth at four places believed to have acquired spiritual value and devotees come to river Godavari in Nasik, river Shipra in Ujjain, river Ganges in Haridwar, and at the Sangam of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad for the holy dip.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela is different from the Kumbh as the festival is celebrated only at Haridwar and Prayag.