Celebrated every 12 years by rotation at one of the four holy pilgrimage destinations, the Kumbh Mela 2021 is all set to be held this month from January 14. A major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism, the Kumbh is also the largest religious gathering in the world. Four river-bank pilgrimage sites, i.e., Haridwar (Ganga), Ujjain (Kshipra), Nashik (Godavari), and Prayagraj (Allahabad) host the fair turn wise. According to mythology, the nectar of immortality fell at these sacred destinations, and hence the fair is held here only.
With a total of 4 Shahi Snan, the Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar this year. Besides the Shahi Snan, there will be 9 Ganga Snan too. Interestingly, this year Kumbh Mela is falling after 11 years instead of 12 years due to some planetary movements. Starting from January, the mega fair will continue till April.
Considered as one of the largest and most auspicious religious pilgrimages in the Hindu religion, the Maha Kumbh witnesses a large number of devotees. But this year due to the outbreak of the novel Corona Virus pandemic, some restrictions will be imposed. Pilgrims are expected to followed guidelines issued to protect themselves from COVID-19. They will also undergo thermal screening and other necessary procedures related to the pandemic.
Inscribed on UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, the Kumbh Mela undoubtedly represents a true picture of India’s rich culture and diversity. Take a look at the dates on which Shahi Snan and Ganga Snan is going to take place at Haridwar this year.
Kumbh Mela 2021 Shahi Snan Dates, Days and Occasions
- First Shahi Snan – March 11, Thursday, Maha Shivratri
- Second Shahi Snan – April 12, Monday, Somvati Amavasya
- Third Shahi Snan – April 14, Wednesday, Baisakhi
- Fourth Shahi Snan – April 27, Tuesday, Chaitra Purnima
Haridwar Kumbh 2021 Ganga Snan Dates, Days and Occasions
- First Ganga Snan – January 14, Thursday, Makar Sankranti
- Second Ganga Snan – February 11, Thursday, Mauni Amavasya
- Third Ganga Snan – February 16, Tuesday, Basant Panchami
- Fourth Ganga Snan – February 27, Saturday, Magh Poornima
- Fifth Ganga Snan – April 21, Wednesday, Ram Navami
Taking a dip in the holy river Ganges at the time of Haridwar Maha Kumbh Mela 2021 is considered of utmost importance. It is believed that doing so absolves all the sins and ultimately leads to ‘Moksha. It is reported that the months-long festivities this year, 13 akharas will take part in the Shahi Snan 2021. The akharas play a crucial role in any Kumbh Mela. Out of all the other sadhus, saints, and aghoris, the Naga Sadhus of India is as important as the akharas. Smeared in ashes, Naga Sadhus very enthusiastically lead the akharas while dancing and singing which is known as Peshwai. They initiate the bathing rituals. The Naga Babas are followed by Mahant, Mandaleshwar, Mahamandaleshwar, and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar.
A cultural retreat, the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 allows the visitors to witness the age-old rituals being performed by saints and sadhus in an amusing way. Don’t miss being a part of it!
Photography Tours India is essentially a group of travelers and photographers who have loads of contacts and experience photographing in Kumbh Mela, so there’s a lot to absorb and discover when operating under our guidance.
The next Kumbh Mela is in Allahabad in 2025. We will share the final dates of Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2025 as soon as they are announced.
