The Maha Kumbh Mela ("great festival of the pot of nectar of immortality") is held every three years in each of four different locations, returning to each of four places every twelve years. It is said about this mela that the earth was made sacred at four places by contact with the "KUMBH"- jar-filled with "amrit" - nectar. An Ardh (half) Mela (festival) takes place six years after the Maha Kumbh in each location. Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage and bathing festival that takes place at the following 4 locations of India. Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati . Haridwar (in the state of Uttaranchal Pradesh) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas. Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river. Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.

In these Kumbh Melas there are hermits and sages from the higher reaches of the Himalayas, Pilgrims, Swamis and missionaries from South of India and from far countries like America, UK etc. Bringing all of these together to the same place and at the same time certainly speaks of the overpowering strength of religious traditions in India and also of their staunch faith in their own religious precepts. It is a stupendous pageant as millions upon millions of inspired people step into the ice-cold water at dawn. Disregarding the heavy expenses and the long tiring journey people come from all parts of the country and band together to form the world's and most colourful religious concourse - the KUMBH-MELA which comes after twelve long years of waiting. Hindus regard that a dip in the holy Ganga specially at Haradwar which is believed to be the gangadwar of ancient mythology. As in ages gone by, the powerful call of Kumbh Mela still draws millions of people from all over India. It is indeed fantastic to behold the ancient past blending so naturally with the reality of the present world. The large gatherings of millions are seen once every six years in Ardha-Kumbh Mela and once in twelve years in the Kumbh melas.

Dates for the Maha Kumbh Festival every 12 years at all 4 locations)
The next Ardh Mela which comes after 6 years of Kumbh Mela will be held January 2007 at Allahabad. Main bathing date: Jan. 19.

The Next Maha Kumbh Mela will be held In 2010, March-April At Haridwar in the foothills of the Himalayas. Main bathing date: April 14.

The Next Maha Kumbh Mela will be held In 2013, Jan. 27 to Feb. 25. at Allahabad (Prayag). Main bathing date: Feb. 10.

The Next Maha Kumbh Mela will be held In 2015, Aug. 15 to Sept. 13. at Ujjain. Main bathing date: Sept. 13.

The Next Maha Kumbh Mela will be held In 2016, April 22 to May 21. at Nasik. Main bathing date: May 21.