The Greatest Peaceful gathering on Earth
The Mini Kumbh is properly known as Magh Mela Prayagraj, and happens every year, every six years it culminates into Ardh Kumbh, and every 12 years into Kumbh. The grandness of the Magh Mela Prayagraj is bigger than the Kumbhs that take place in Ujjain, Nasik and Haridwar, combined.
In the Ardh Kumbh in 2019, nearly 50 million devotees took the holy dip on a single auspicious day of Basant Panchmi. It is estimated that a total of 24 crore (over 200 million) people visited the Ardh Kumbh in 2019. To compare it is more than two times the population of UK, nearly four times the population of Spain and nearly eight times as many people as the entire continent of Australia.
This time the Magh Mela Prayagraj (Mini Kumbh Mela) will commence from 11th January till 23rd February. The time table of the main bathing dates are given below.
WHAT YOU MUST SEE IN THE MINI KUMBH MELA
Peshwai – Peshwai marks the beginning of the Magh Mela and is a marvelous procession. Holy men and their entourage arrive at the Kumbh on elephants, horses and in carriages. It is a major attraction and people throng the route, as they make their entry into the Mela grounds.
Akharas – Visit the Akharas and take part in their Satsangs (holy discourses). There are 13 Akharas, each having different lineage towards the Hindu deities.
Shilp Exhibitions – Almost every state government sets up mega exhibition tents to showcase the best handicraft of their people. You can get the best handicrafts from every state in one spot.
Music – Every night there is a gathering of world class singers and musicians who perform at this mega event free of cost, it is mesmerising to hear some of the artists in this set up. The UP government prints a calendar with all dates, timings, venues along with name of the artists.
Laser Light Show – A new addition to the Mela which started in 2019 and is usually depicted on the rampart walls of the majestic Fort.
Sangam Walks – Uttar Pradesh government is organising Sangam Walk for the tourists visiting the city for the Mela.
Food – Once again almost every Indian vegetarian cuisine is available at the Mela grounds. Even the local people of Prayagraj keep their kitchens partly closed during this month.
ABOUT SNAN (BATHING) ON OTHER DAYS
