The largest religious gathering in the world is Maha Kumbh Mela. According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela (means fair) is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India:It is believed that the river turns itself into sanctity spots filled with primordial amrita at the historic moment of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The pilgrims get once in a lifetime chance to bathe in the spirit of holiness, auspiciousness and salvation.The most famous ghat of Haridwar -- Hari ki Pauri, is where millions of people participate in this festival by taking holy dips in the Ganges. People from great distance travel on foot or buses to arrive on the holy river of Ganges. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather, salvation. It is also believed that at the time of Kumbh Yog, the water of Ganga is charged with positive healing effects Kumbh Mela is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages.Thousands of holy men and women attend, and the auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The sadhus are seen clad in saffron sheets with ashes and powder dabbed on their skin per the requirements of ancient traditions. Some, called naga sanyasis, may not wear any clothes even in severe winter. The entire holy town of Haridwar reverberates with temple bells and Vedic chants. Sadhus, rishis and yogis overpack Haridwar. Pilgrims and devotees are busy taking a sacred dip in the divine waters of the Ganges and observing rites and rituals.
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