MAHA KUMBH FAIR
FAIRS OF INDIA – MAHA KUMBH FAIR
Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage in which Hindus gather at the Ganga river. Normally every 3 years Kumbh Mela is celebrated, the half (Ardh) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years. At Haridwar and Prayag city,the Purna Kumbh mela or complete Kumbh Fair takes place every twelve years, at four places Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik city.
Kumbha is a Sanskrit word for pitcher sometimes also known as the Kalasha (a gol pot with no handles). It is also a zodiac sign in Indian astrology for Aquarius, the sign under which the festival is celebrated, while Mela means a meet or a fair.
Kumbh Mela is celebrated at different locations, depending on the position of the planet of Jupiter and the Sun. When Jupiter and Sun are in the zodiac sign Singha Rashi (Leo), it is held in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik: When the sun is in Mesh Rashi (Aries), it is celebrated at Haridwar city; When Jupiter is in Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi) and the sun is in Makar Rashi (Capricorn), Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag; and when Jupiter and Sun are in Vrishchik Rashi (Scorpio) the Mela is celebrated at Ujjain city.
