Kumbh Mela is the largest fair in the world. Billions of people come
from across the globe to free from their past sins (karma) and become eligible
for freeing from the cycle of birth and death. Kumbha, a Sanskrit word which
means Pitcher.
Kumbh Mela is celebrated
once in 12 years, at each given places, on the bank of four sacred rivers: at
Haridwar on the Ganges river, at Ujjain on the Shipra river, at Nasik on the
Godavari river, and at Allahabad on the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and
the mythical river Sarasvati.
An Ardha Kumbh Mela is
celebrated every sixth year at Haridwar and Allahabad. Now days the fair is
going on at Haridwar. Next bathing festival (snan parv) is on 7th April and
according to Hindu panchang on Chaitra Amavasya.
Haridwar, a Sanskrit word which means "Gateway to Lord
Shiva". According to Garuda Puran, it is one of the seven holy places. The
city has so many religious places – Temples, Ghats, Educational institutions, Hospitals
and so many other things.
Some of the famous temples
are:
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Chandi Devi Temple
• Maya Devi Mandir
• Daksha Mahadev Temple
• Bilvkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Some of the famous Bathing
Ghats in Hridwar are:
• Har ki Pauri
• Asthi Prawah Ghat
• Subhas Ghat
• Gau Ghat
How to reach:
Distance between New Delhi
to Haridwar is 209 km. It can be easily reached from Delhi.
By Road:
One can reach Haridwar from Delhi by Nation Highway 58 in approx 6 hours.
one can go by bus or cab, both the facilities are available.
By Rail:
The Haridwar Railway Station
connects Haridwar with the major cities
of India such as Delhi, Kolkata,
Varanasi, Jaipur etc.
By Air:
Indira Gandhi International Airport
in New Delhi is nearest Airport to Haridwar.
Accommodation:
In Haridwar, plenty of
hotels are there, which you can opt depending on your budget. Also one can stay
in dharamshalas or in Ashrams. Accommodation is no problem in Haridwar.
