History of Kumbha Mela

Kumbha Mela derives its name from the immortal - Pot of Nectar - described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas.

There are many interesting legends about the origin and celebration of the Kumbha Mela. The story revolves around the fight between demons and Gods for the nectar of immortality. Kumbha in Sanskrit language means 'pot or pitcher'. Mela means 'festival'. Thus Kumbha Mela literally means festival of the pot.


Kumbh Mela's history originates from the beginning of the creation of this universe. Also, the origin of the Kumbha

Mela is described in the time-honoured Vedic literatures of India as having evolved from the bygone days of the universe when the demigods and the demons produced the nectar of immortality. It is said that the demigods and the
demons assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos. The demigods and the
demons made a plan to churn the milk ocean to produce the nectar of immortality. They then agreed to share the nectar

equally once it was produced. When the Kumbh or the pitcher full of amrit appeared, the demons played a mischief and they escaped the place with the nectar. The Gods also followed them and fought with demons in the sky for acquiring the pitcher of amrit.
The battle went on for twelve consecutive days and nights, which was equivalent to 12 human years. During this fight, some drops amrit fell at four places: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. These are those four points or locations,where Kumbh Mela festival is celebrated four times in every 12 years.

Magh Mela is held every year, other than the years of Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh and is rightfully called the annual mini Kumbh Mela. The Magh Mela falls in the Magh period (Jan-Feb). This annual religious event or the great bathing festival is a smaller version of the gigantic Kumbh Mela that is held after every 12 years. Every twelfth year the
Magh Mela becomes the Kumbh Mela, when millions of pilgrims converge to commemorate the remarkable event.

It is said that taking a bath in the Ganges purges the pilgrims of all their sins. During the auspicious period a temporary township comes up on the banks of the Ganga river to shelter millions of pilgrims. Devotees live in these temporary shelters for the whole duration of the mela leading a sacred life.

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