Kumbh Mela

What is Kumbh Mela? It is a Hindu pilgrimage that occurs once in twelve years. It rotates among four holy locations namely Allahabad , haridwar,Ujjain and Nashik. Millions of people gather at these holy places during the event.

There is an interesting story behind this Kumbh mela. During the vedic period Gods and Demons entered into a temporary agreement to work together to churn amrita from the ocean of milk. Amrita is a nectar of immortality.They agreed to share the nectar equally. After a long and continuous churning finally the kumbh ( pot) containing amirta appeared.

Suddenly the demons ran away with the Kumbh and the Gods chased them behind. Then there was a great war fought between the gods and the demons in the sky, which lasted for twelve days and twelve nights. (For human it is twelve years). During the war a few drops of amrita fell at the four places namely Allahabad, haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. That is why the Kumbh mela is observed at these four places.

You will find more interesting details at An overview of pilgrimages and festivals in Hinduism