This is displayed gloriously in the practice of serving langar (communal meals) and prasad (sacred offerings) where humble Indian food is served to all without cost. When devotees join for a sacred pilgrimage, everyone is served equally, without any discrimination. There are multiple halls and ashrams for the people to offer prayers and sit for hours listening to the saints talk about spirituality and religion in this sacred gathering. The satsangs last for hours and are a very crucial part of every Kumbh Mela. The satsang is the golden opportunity for every religious Hindu who is keen on listening to the saints preach about spirituality and Hinduism. The procession of the sadhus when they arrive for the Mela is as mesmerising as it is unforgettable. Saints with ash smeared on their bodies with long, matted hair, wearing saffron-coloured clothes, chanting religious texts and giving spiritual speeches to the devotees contribute to the spellbinding vibe of this place.

The former are the followers of Lord Vishnu while the latter worship Shiva. The akhara is the place where the saints from the Vaishnavite and Shaivite akharas practice their religious rituals. Second Shahi Snan– 4th February (the main Shahi Snan).Important dates for the Rajyogi or Shahi Snan are: It is only after their bathing that the common people can take a dip in the holy waters. Perhaps the most auspicious ritual of this grand Mela is the dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the two holy rivers, Ganga and Yamuna when saints from different akharas (religious groups) undertake the Rajyogi Snan. The Ardh Kumbh will be held from January 14th to March 4th. If you are one of them, we have all the details rounded up for you for the Ardh Kumbh Mela, 2019. This year, the grand and magnanimous Mela, recognised even by UNESCO as ‘an intangible cultural heritage of humanity’, is again preparing for the footfall of millions of devotees. Multitudes of devotees from all over the country make their way for this pilgrimage that is considered a shrine of Hindu religion. Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) is reincarnated with life by the highly religious Hindu festival of Ardh Kumbh Mela, held every six years.

Maha kumbh mela 2019