Experience the Kumbh Mela from the safety and comfort of Amrit Bhawan with our central location and private garden and ghat.
What is the Kumbh Mela?
The Kumbh Mela at Haridwar is considered as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, that takes place every 12 years, when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. At this time the Ganga is believed to flow with amrit, the elixir of immortality. Millions throng to the the city to take a holy dip, which is believed to cleanse all sins, particularly during certain auspicious dates known as shahi snaans or royal baths.
When is it starting? When are the major Snaans?
Technically the Kumbh has begun! It started on 14th January 2021 with Makar Sankranti, but the main part of it is scheduled to start from the last week of February and go on till 27th April.
The upcoming snaans are:
Mauni Amavasya (Snan) 11 February 2021
Basant Panchami (Snan) 16 February 2021
Magh Poornima 27 February 2021
Maha Shivratri (Shahi Snan) 11 March 2021
Somvati Amamvasya (Shahi Snan) 12 April 2021
Baisakhi (Shahi Snan) 14 April 2021
Ram Navami (Snan) 21 April 2021
Chaitra Purnima (Shahi Snan) 27 April 2021
What is there to do at the Mela?
Apart from taking a dip, akhara-hopping (visiting the arenas/tented settlements of sages from different sects of Hinduism) and people-watching are some interesting activities worth engaging in. To see devotees from all walks of life, including sages and householders, rich and the under-priveleged, old and young, naked and clothed, men and women - all in one place for the same purpose, is fascinating. There is also a mela or fair component to the event, with daily performances, amusement rides, varieties of street food and vendors selling all sorts of things. Most areas are accessible by foot or e-rickshaw.
Apart from this, the regular attractions of the city such as Moti Bazaar and its amazing street food, the historic neighbourhood of Kankhal and the hill-top shrines of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are there for all to explore.
Is it safe to attend such a large gathering? Aren't we still amidst a pandemic?
While there are valid concerns about attending large gatherings in these times, the government has taken some precautions to make things a bit safer. All attendees would be required to have a COVID negative test and a medical certificate to enter the city. AI is being used to count the number of people in crowded areas and help enforce social distancing. Apart from this, we recommend that guests must wear masks at all times, try to avoid eating outside the property and sanitize their hands regularly. We, at Amrit Bhawan, are taking all precautions and have had COVID-19 protocols in place since July last year when we reopened. Also, we have a private ghat where guests can do their snaan.
Sounds interesting? Book a stay with us!
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