It is a religious bathing festival of enormous size where monks, pilgrims, and religious devotees will come from their remote dwellings and hiding places to gather for a historical moment.They come to experience the essence of their culture and to participate in the largest spiritual gathering of humanity, the Maha Kumba Mela.
 

The Myth of the Kumbh Mela

The story of the Maha Kumbh Mela comes from the Vedic scripture called Shrimad Bhagavatam. This ancient tale has many inner meanings that are understood by the wise men of India. These stories are sometimes told in song and acted out in dance dramas where children play the many parts.

 
History of the Kumbh Mela

A quick lesson about the early roots of the festival. Why was it held and when did it first start? The first recorded history of large groups of people holding a religious gathering here came from the dairy of a Chinese traveler dating back to 500 AD.
 
History of India NEW! This wonderful National Geographic view into the forces that created modern India. The development of art and culture that was transformed by waves of invading outsiders and eventually from internal rebellion to become independent and free thinking society.
 

Astronomical importance

When the planets have reached their maximum alignment, the gathering begins at the banks of the holy Ganges, Yumana, and Saraswati rivers. Check out the Lunar Eclipse on Jan. 9th and the alignment of the planets on Jan. 24th. Link to planet software.
 

Old Map of Mela Grounds

Check out this old map of the mela grounds. It shows the gods and goddesses as well as the red fort and the three rivers.
 

Hinduism and Yoga

A quick lesson about the early roots of the festival. Why was it held and when did it first start? During Kumbh Mela, a giant tent city is erected there, below the great red fort at Allahabad. On this vast open plain, the multitudes will come together to live, pray, and celebrate. Check out the SECRET mantra...

India Population Density

A National Geographic view of the

population spread through India.

 

Kumbh Mela Images and Videos

Some NEW photos and 2 video clips of the 1989 mela. (These 90 sec video clips may take up to 45 min each to download on a 28.8 modem)
 

View of India from Space

Another National Geographic view

of India. This time from the top.
 
View of Mela from a Satellite

Look at this High Res satellite image of the Main day crowds on Jan 23rd!

Thanks to SPACEPIX (www.spacepix.com) for this image.
 

Links to other Mela Sites

A list of suggested sites to help you get ready for the biggest event in history, the Maha Kumbh Mela festival 2001.
 

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This private site is designed by jaga, you can email me at jaga@kumbhmela.org