Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Rituals, India

Rituals in Kumbh Mela:

Shahi Snan :- Shahi Snan (Royal Bathing Ritual) is most important ritual in Kumbh Mela . First Shahi Snan is taken by Naga Akhada which is most revered Akhada of holy saints in India followed by Niranjani, Vaishnava, Mahanirvani and Juna Akhada . After that, general public take bath in Holy River Ganges.

Traditions in Kumbh Mela:

Akhada Procession (Cavalcade of Saints) : Akhada Procession in Kumbh Mela is most watched and thoroughly covered in media. It is Procession of Many prominent Akhada of saints of India. It is much like a VIP Cavalcade of Saints. Millions of devotees, the decorated chariots, thousands of Sadhus moving together make the moment magical.

Thousands of Akhada Saints take bath in Holy River Ganges. It’s really a very beautiful scene- The Sea of humanity, the ocean of tents, the colorful flags, lakhs of pilgrims taking a dip in the water, the smell of the smoke from the holy fires, the beautiful sunrise all these restores one.

When Akhada Procession Take place in Kumbh Mela?

This ritual bath is considered auspicious on the day of the new moon. In the Kumbh one can see many Sadhus performing seemingly impossible tasks of endurance during their tapas.

On the day of new moon the scene at kumbh changes as this day is considered more auspicious. On this very day the day starts at 3 in the early morning. People speaking non-stop ‘Jai Ganga Maiya’ take dip in the holy river. Most of the people shave their heads before taking bath. All the devotees take bath before sunrise and just the first ray of sun strikes there, the sadhus start their rituals. The processions of akharas begin in which sadhus move towards the river. Usually the processions are led by the Naga sadhus .

Purifying their mind and the body devotees wear fresh clothes and starts worshipping on the holy river bank. After having their meals, they enjoy visiting sadhus or listening to them. Cleansing all the sins the pilgrims start departing after new moon day.