Faith can move mountains; it is faith in righteousness and hope in goodness that gives strength to mankind to endure all kinds of hardships. The Kumbh Mela is one such grand holy occasion where human faith is tested time and again. Kumbh Mela (purna) event that is celebrated once in twelve years is a silent witness wherein millions of people gather in devotion and optimism, to free themselves from the never ending cycle of life and death.
Tourist Guide On Nasik Kumbh 2015
The Legendary Significance of Kumbh Mela
The great Kumbh Mela offers spiritual solace, a promise of eternity and kindles the hope that the journey of the soul is unhindered by the disintegration of physical body. This solemn saga is what attracts millions of curious souls to participate in the religious activities at Kumbh Mela, which commences every few years.
There is a fascinating story behind the history of Kumbh Mela. According to the legends of yore; during the terrible war amid the Gods and Demons for possessing the ‘Amrit” or the elixir of life, the contents of this wondrous elixir fell on earth at four specific areas- Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayag (Allahabad) and Nashik. Such was the influence of the eternal elixir that these places thronged with spiritual vibrations and mystical healing powers, and humans started celebrating Kumbh Mela in these very holy spots.
Where is Kumbh Mela Celebrated?
The regular or normal Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years, while the ‘ardh’ or half Kumbh Mela commences every 6 years primarily at the hallowed places of Allahabad (Prayag) and Haridwar. Based on the planetary influences and astrological charts, the complete or ‘Purna’ Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at the four important spots of Prayag, Ujjain, Nashik and Haridwar. The very holy period of Maha Kumbh Mela witnesses’ mega celebrations at the city of Allahabad, as the Maha Kumbh is held in every 144 years. The last such colossal event of Maha Kumbh was experienced in the year 2013.
The Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015 is considered to be an important and sacred part amongst all the Indian Kumbh festivals. The main centre for the Kumbh event is at the holy spot of Trimbakeshwar, a religious spot that houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the Indian sub continent. Trimbakeshwar is actually the starting point of the Godavari River. During the Sinhasta Kumbh celebrations, millions of devotees take a plunge in the Godavari River to cleanse their body and mind.
Kumbh Mela 2015 Dates and Schedules
The venue of the Kumbh Mela event is decided after mapping the astral positions of the Sun, Moon and planet Jupiter during that specific period (for Zodiac signs).
- Kumbh Mela at Allahabad– Hindu calendar ‘Magha’ month that falls in January and February.
- Kumbh Mela at Haridwar– Hindu calendar ‘Chaitra’ month that falls in March and April
- Kumbh Mela at Ujjain– Hindu calendar ‘Vaisakha’ month that falls in April and May
- Kumbh Mela at Nashik– Hindu calendar ‘Bhadraprada’ month that falls in July End, August and September
Dates of Kumbh Mela Nashik 2015
Kumbh Mela at Nashik inaugurates Kumbh celebrations starting from 14th July and will carry on for several months, ending next year on the 11th August, 2016.
The holy Bathing Dates of Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015
- 14th July 2015, Tuesday– Main ceremony starts with flag hoisting at ‘Ram Kunda’ water spot.
- 14th August 2015, Friday– Celebrations at Akhara, Sadhugram
- 26th August 2015, Wednesday– The first Snan or holy bath for Shravan Shudha
- 29th August 2015, Saturday– First Holy Bath or Shahi Snan
- 13th September 2015, Sunday– Second holy bath or Snan
- 18th September 2015, Friday– Third holy bath or Snan
- 25th September 2015, Friday– Bhadrapad Month Dwadashi and Vaman Snan.
- 11th August 2016– The end of Kumbh Mela celebrations for the year 2015-16 with the Flag lowering event.
Kumbh Mela Guide Points plus Do’s and Don’ts at Kumbh Mela (for visitors)
- Pilgrims can bath only in specific bathing Ghats, which are allowed or authorised by the Kumbh Mela administration authorities.
- Pilgrims are kindly requested to adhere to all the traffic regulations in the Kumbh Mela area
- Pilgrims and tourists are kindly requested to dress in an appropriate (decent) way as to respect the religious sentiments of the people gathered therein at the Mela area.
- Pilgrims and tourists are requested to notify the Mela authorities in case of any suspicious object or item is found within the Mela area.
- Pilgrims are kindly requested not to litter the place, but use the dustbins to throw garbage.
- Pilgrims are prohibited from washing clothes on the holy river banks
- Pilgrims are advised not to support beggary
- The use of any kind of soaps during bathing ritual at the holy Kunds or rivers is prohibited.
- Foreign tourists must possess a valid tourist visa (90 days or 6 months visitation rights).
Accommodation Facilities near Kumbh Area
For international tourists, securing a ‘tourist cottage’ is easy. But prior booking and permission from tourism department is advisable. Apart from luxurious cottages, tourists and pilgrims can also avail of ashram camps, tents, lodges and hotels for their stay.
To book your luxury air-conditioned tents you can write to us on info@waytoindia.com or you can send us an enquiry on https://www.waytoindia.com/plan-my-tour.aspx .
Free accommodations (tent dormitories) are also provided by several religious organisations for that particular period of Kumbh Mela celebrations.
How to Reach Nashik Kumbh Mela at Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar is about 38 km. from the city of Nashik. Tourists can reach this holy venue of Kumbh from Mumbai, Pune or Nashik cities.
- Air Route-The nearest airport to Trimbakeshwar is at Nashik at a distance of 39 km.
- Rail Route-Visitors using rail services can alight at Nashik railway station, which is at a distance of 44 km. from the sacred spot.
- Road Route– While road travellers can utilise the numerous bus services plying to and from Mumbai (180 km.) or Nashik (28 km.). Several State Transport buses as well as private deluxe buses run between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar or Mumbai and Trimbakeshwar.
Weather Conditions at Nashik
Nashik city is situated in the North West pocket of Maharashtra State in India, and the climatic conditions vary according to different seasons.
- Summer Season– The summers in Nashik are characteristically hot with temperatures soaring to almost 37°C. The hottest period is between the months of March to May.
- Rainy Season– From the month of July to September, Nashik experiences light to heavy rain showers. Winter Season– Winters are cold and dry in Nashik from the month of October to February with temperatures dipping as low as 10°C.
The Kumbh celebrations in Nashik starts during the rainy season and visitors are advised to travel with raincoats, wind cheaters, umbrellas and extra clothing.
Next Kumbh Mela
The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled to happen in year 2016 at Ujjain.Dates for Kumbh Mela Ujjain 2016 are as given below :
| Dates for Kumbh Mela Ujjain 2016 | |
| 22nd April 2016 (Friday) | Purnima – Full Moon (First Snan) |
| 06th May 2016 (Friday) | Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya |
| 09th May 2016 (Monday) | Shukla/Akshey Tritya (Second Snan) |
| 11th May 2016 (Wednesday) | Shukla Panchami |
| 17th May 2016 (Saturday) | Ekadashi & Pradosh Snan |
| 21st May 2016 (Saturday) | Purnima |