One of the largest religious gatherings in the world, Kumbh Mela is going to be held in Haridwar in January 2021. To ensure the safety of the guests during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has issued some guidelines. During Maha Kumbh, millions of pilgrims come together to take a holy dip in the River Ganges. However, this time the scenario is quite different due to the COVID-19 infection risk. The government has devised an action plan to keep the infection at bay and maintain the cleanliness during Kumbh Mela.
The guidelines issued by the government for safety of tourists during Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 are:
- The number of pilgrims allowed to visit is restricted.
- Without passes, entry will be denied to the pilgrims.
- Maintaining social distancing norms with other safety guidelines is compulsory.
- Devotees must wear a mask in public areas.
Maha Kumbh Bathing Dates 2021
| Dates | Snan/Bathing |
|---|---|
| 14 January | Makar Sankranti (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 28 January | Paush Purnima (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 11 February | Mauni Amavasya (Very Important Bathing) |
| 16 February | Basant Panchami (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 27 February | Magh Purnima (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 11 March | Mahashiv Ratri (Shahi/Royal Bathing) |
| 13 March | Phalguni Amavasya Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 28 March | Falgun Purnima (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 11 April | Chaitra Amavasya (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 12 April | Somvati Amavashya (Shahi/Royal Bathing) |
| 13 April | Nav Hindu Sanwatsar (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 14 April | Mesh Shakaranti (Shahi/Royal Bathing) |
| 21 April | Ram Navami (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 27 April | Chetra Puranmashi (Shahi/Royal Bathing) |
| 11 May | Vaishakh Amavashya (Important Snan/Bathing) |
| 26 May | Vaishakh Purnima (Important Snan/Bathing) |
Maha Kumbh Mela is a holy gathering of devotees and is held after every 12 years at holy places, believed to have been blessed by drops of Amrit (elixir). This is one of the largest gatherings of Hindu devotees in India. Pilgrims bathe in the holy River Ganga at Haridwar and it is believed that a dip in the sacred river absolves all the sins.
Mythology Behind Maha Kumbh Mela
According to Hindu Mythology, there were continuous wars between Devas and Asuras. To stop the endless fights, they came to the conclusion that instead of fighting for the heavenly nectar they should come together and churn the Kshir Samudra (Milky Ocean). They agreed to divide it equally. The churning of the sea gave numerous gifts and also the deadly poison (halahal), which was drunk by Lord Mahadev. The churning continued until the elixir was obtained. To save the elixir from the hands of Asuras, Devas hid the pot. The search for Amrit continued for 12 years. In this chase, a few drops fell on earth and now at these four places, the Kumbh Mela is conducted. In every 12 years, a holy gathering takes place in the places, which were sanctified by elixir.
Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar
Maha Kumbh Mela is to be organized in Haridwar in January 2021. During the holy gathering, devotees will take a dip in the river Ganga. Due to the astronomical positions of the sun and other grahas (astrological figures), it is believed the waters at these places are charged with divine powers. Bhajans, kirtans, and chanting of hymns also take place on the river ghats. People offer prayers and perform pujas to appease the Gods.
How to Reach
By Road
Haridwar is well connected to the major cities of the nearby states by roads. The city is easily accessible from Delhi (210 Km), Dehradun (90 km) and many important cities.
By Train
Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead and well connected with major train stations of India.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to reach Kumbh Mela Haridwar. It is just 90 kilometres away from Haridwar city.
