Kavand
Mela
Ten days before Shivteras (during the months of Shravan & Phagun) thousands
of devotees throng to Hardwar to collect holy waters of the river Ganga. Then
they carry it back to their hometown & offer it at the local Shiv temple.
Colourful shops spring up and Hardwar resounds to the chanting of hymns.
Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp and gaiety, it
is the Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela which attracts the mind of any tourist to
this place.
The history of Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe legends.
Mythologicals state that the Gods and the Demons once churned the ocean to retrieve
the Kumbh (pot) containing nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanvantri, the
divine healer appeared with the Kumbh containing nectar in her palms. A great
fight followed between the Gods and the Demons to wrist the pitcher. During
the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nector fell at four different places,
Prayag, Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then devotees converge to commemorate
this divine event.
The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and than after six years Kumbh Mela is
held. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh &
Ardh Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana. People gather in huge number to take
the holy dip during these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, Politicians
almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people. If going to Hardwar
during the Kubh or Ardh Kumbh then avoid the over crowded ghats. Every there
are reports of stampedes and the various factions or Akharas of Sadhus clash
with each other. Ensure your accommodation well in advance if going during the
Kumbh.