Region: Nashik (Maharashtra)
The glory behind Kumbh gatherings
The Nashik Kumbh Mela is believed to be the most sacred of all the Hindu festivals and carries its essence from mythological tale of demigods and devils fighting over a pot of nectar (kumbh mela’s pot).
In Nashik, the centre of Kumbh Festival is Trimbakeshwar, which has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Situated about 38 kms away from Nashik, Trimbakeshwar is the origin point of the river Godavari. The Sinhasta Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years. The Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy sites every three years. Millions of devotees plunge into the holy River Godavari that is believed to cleanse their souls leading to salvation.
Legend has it: During the fierce fight to grab hold of the pot, some drops of elixir from the kumbh fell at four places — Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These are the four spots where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in rotation.
Tourists make a beeline: Many hotels and resorts in Nashik have made extensive arrangements for the visitors to Nashik with some adding room strength for this holy period. Kumbh packages are offered by leading tour companies.
Wow! factor: Many corporate honchos have made arrangements to take a holy dip in River Godavari during Nashik Kumbh right till September 25, 2015.