Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar (Photo Courtesy: IANS)
For an amazing soul-stirring, beautiful bonanza of a lifetime, SHIKHAR TRAVELS has done it yet again! They generously offer the pious Hindu devotee a spiritual experience of a lifetime, combined with the most magnificent natural scenery and a visit to the gorgeous Gangotri shrine, when you decide to sign up for the famous Mahakumbh Mela 2021 at Haridwar this year!
The Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, is held every 12 years in rotation at the four holy places of Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain, and Nasik. For an event of such stupendous proportions, which witnesses the convergence of millions of devout pilgrims, accompanied by sadhus and different akharas, to take a dip in the holy river Ganges, this year the holy city of Haridwar is slated to hold this mega event.
Ideally, when Devguru Jupiter completes its cycle through the 12 zodiac signs and once again enters the Aquarius sign, with the sun entering the Aries sign, the much desired, auspicious Yoga of “Kumbh Mahaparva” is formed in Haridwar. According to the astrological calculations for this Kumbh, Jupiter will complete this cycle in 11 years and enter the Aquarius sign in 2021.
While the term “Kumbh Mela” is essentially made up of two words – Kumbh and Mela, “Kumbh” is derived from the immortal pot of nectar which the Devatas and the demons fought over as in Samudra Manthan or the Great Churning, and “Mela” is a Sanskrit word meaning “gathering” or “to meet”.
Although according to ancient Puranic literature, there are three different stories connected with this momentous happening, it is unanimously believed that a few drops from the Kumbh fell at four places – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik.
Significantly enough, there are four important dates given for the Shahi Sans, corresponding to important festivals. Thus, the first Shahi Snan is to be taken on 11th March, the day of Mahashivratri, the day that Ganga’s presence on earth is attributed to Lord Shiva, who held her in his matted locks as she descended from heaven with enormous force. A holy dip on this day is believed to be a uniquely spiritual experience. The second Shahi Snan is scheduled for 12th April, the day of Somvati Amavasya. A Ganga bath on this day has special significance, as it is believed that the moon is the factor of water, the attainment of water, and Somanasha is considered as Amrit on Amavasya.
Similarly, the third Shahi Snan is recommended for the 14th of April, Mesh Sankranti, and Baisakhi, as it is firmly believed that on the auspicious day of Mesh Sankranti, the waters of rivers turn into nectar. According to astrology, a holy dip in the holy Ganges on this day can undo the sins of many lives. The Fourth Shahi Snan and one of the most important days for bathing in the holy Ganges is scheduled for the 27th of April,2021, as this popularly referred to as the day of “Amrit Yoga”.
As hectic preparations for this auspicious occasion of gigantic proportions are nearing completion, some of the important measures on the anvil are not only proper space allocation for tourists to rest near Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations but also arrangement of medical facilities for all tourists visiting Kumbh. In addition, there will shuttle bus services operational in the Kumbh area for these devotees.
Further elaborating on the extensive arrangements undertaken to ensure the complete success of this all-important event, there are policemen, trained volunteers, personnel, and swimmers deployed at the Mela Ghat area for security. As well as high-tech CCTV cameras installed at the Mahakumbh area, for the security of these pilgrims. Not only such vital measures but also the time to time sanitization of Ashrams and Dharamshalas, the mandatory condition of all devotees entering the religious area, wearing masks, a fully operational 1,500 Covid hospital, arrangements for clean drinking water of devotees, are some of the other significant arrangements which have been assiduously been put in place here. And not forgetting arrangement of adequate, clean toilets, drinking water, and sanitizer for drivers in parking areas. So indulge in this most incredible of religious and spiritual experiences by putting yourselves in the expert hands of Shikhar Travels, who not only combine the most amazing experiences to pamper the inveterate traveler but also do it with perfect panache! Wishing you all an awesome soul journey!
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