The Kumbh Mela has been recognized by Unesco as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity”, a tweet posted on Thursday by the international organization said.

The intergovernmental committee for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage under the UN body inscribed the Kumbh Mela on the “representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity” at its 12th session in Jeju, South Korea.

The meeting, which opened on 4 December, will end on 9 December. Kumbh Mela, considered the world’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims, joins new elements from Botswana, Colombia, Venezuela, Mongolia, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates on the list. “A very proud moment for us as sacred Kumbh Mela is just inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO,” culture minister Mahesh Sharma tweeted.

The inscription of elements on the list helps countries which are a part of Unesco’s convention for safeguarding cultural heritage to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for ensuring that communities continue to practise and transmit such aspects of their heritage.

The Kumbh Mela, held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik, represents a syncretic set of rituals related to worship and cleansing in holy rivers. The inscription of Kumbh Mela was recommended by the expert body which examines in detail nominations submitted by member states. The committee also took note of the fact that knowledge and skills related to the Kumbh Mela are transmitted through the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student relationship) by way of saints and sadhus teaching their disciples about traditional rituals and chants.

Nashik Traffic Alert:

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• First Shahi Snan
  

Shake 1937 Miti Shravana Shudha Pornima, Saturday, 29/08/2015.

• Second Shahi Snan

Shake 1937 Miti Shravan Krishna Amavasya, Sunday, 13/09/2015.

• Third Shahi Snan

Rushi Panchami Fri.18/09/2015 at Nashik. Bhadrapad Dwadashi Fri.25/09/2015 at Trimbakeshwar

Kumbhamela Shahi Route

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The Sinhastha Kumbhamela 2015  Nashik

By far the most spectacular of all the events, the Kumbh Mela is a religious festival that occurs once every 12 years, and is celebrated in four major pilgrim centres around the country. In Maharastra, the festival is held in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. The Nashik Kumbh Mela is generally acknowledged to be the most sacred of all the festivals. 

" सिंह राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ । 
गोदावर्या भवेत कुम्भों जायते खलु मुक्‍तिदः ।। "


When the Jupiter enters in Leo or Simha (zodiac sign) and the Sun and Moon in Cancer, the Kumbha is held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

Why every 12 years? 

'Amrut' had to be saved from Danavas. So Gods had to hide it at different places - Swargalok, Mrutyulok and Patallok. Gods were on Mrutyulok (earth) for twelve days. Gods twelve days are equal to 12 years for Mrutyulok . Thus Gods were on earth for 12 years with Amrut. Hence every 12 years Kumbha Mela is celebrated at the four places, where a few drops of Amrut had fallen.


Nashik -Trimbakeshwar host one of the largest religious gathering in the world known as Sinhastha Kumbh Mela commonly called as Nashik Kumbh Mela. Kumbh mela (festival) is celebrated once in twelve years. The Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, the Purna  Kumbh takes place every twelve years at four places in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Previous kumbh mela in Nashik was in year 2003. Next kumbh mela in Nashik will be held from August 15 to September 13 in 2015.

Why visit Kumbh Mela in Nashik? 

The Nashik Kumbh Mela is scheduled between July 14-Sep 25, 2015, with the Shahi Snaan on August 29, Sep 13 and Sep 25 (Shahi Snaan are the most important dates where every hindu religion follower, sadhus wants to take the holy dip at Ganges) All foregin guest and travelers are advised to reserve the camps and tours focusing around Shahi Snaan during Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015. 
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar is among the four places in India - along with Ujjain, Allahabad and Haridwar - where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. During the last Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar in 2003, around six million people from all over the world took part.

A Historical Perspective

Nashik has a personality of its own, due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world. Nashik has a rich historical past, as the mythology has it that Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya, made Nashik his adobe during his 14 years in exile. At the same place Lord Laxman, by the wish of Lord Rama, cut the nose of "Shurpnakha" and thus this city was named as "Nasik".

In Kritayuga, Nashik was 'Trikantak', 'Janasthana' in Dwaparyuga and later in Kuliyuga it became 'Navashikh' or 'Nashik'. Renowed poets like Valmiki, Kalidas and Bhavabhooti have paid rich tributes here. Nashik in 150 BC.was beleived to be the country's largets market-place. From 1487 A.D, this province came under the rule of Mughals and was known as 'Gulchanabad'. It was also home of emperor Akbar and he has written at lenght about Nashik in 'Ein-e-Akbari'. It was also known as the 'Land of the brave' during the regime of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Ramayana Period 

No one knows when the city of Nashik came into existence. It is stated to have been present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra along with wife Sita and brother Laxman settled down in Nashik for the major time of their "Vanwasa". According to the mythology, Laxman cut the nose ("Nasika" in Sanskrita) of "Shurpanakha" and hence the city got the name 'Nashik'. Long ago, Brahmadeva had meditated in "Padmasana" here, so the city was also called "Padma-Aasana" for some time. It is also believed that, Lord Vishnu had defeated the three demons and thus city also had the name "Tri-Kantak" (Tri = Three). 

During Peshwa's period 

In the recent past, the Moguls were fascinated by the beauty of the city and renamed it as "Gulshanabad" meaning the city of gardens. Beautiful fresh flowers were sent to Aurangazeb from Gulshanabad i.e. Nashik. But it was during the rule of the Peshwas, when the place was finally renamed as Nashik. During the Peshwas period, Raghobadada and his wife Anandibai settled down at 'Anandwalli' in Nashik. There re some remains of Anandibai's fort. There is also a temple called 'Navasha Ganapati' built by Anandibai. It was during the British rule in April 1818, when Nashik once again regained its importance. The British fell in love with the beauty of the city and developed it in various fields. The Golf course, developed by the British, was one of the largest in Asia. Nashik is surrounded by nine hills, namely: Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul, Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani. This beautiful city with hills surrounding it has lakes, adding to its beauty. 

Where and when?


Kumbha Mela is a mammoth fair where saints and devotees gather. Kumbha Mela is celebrated at the aforesaid four places depending on the positions of planets and stars.
When Jupiter (Guru) and Sun are in zodiac signLeo(Simha Rashi) it is celebrated in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. 
When Sun is in zodiac sign Aries (Mesha Rashi) it is celebrated at Haradwar 
When Jupiter is in zodiac sign Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi ) and Sun is in zodiac sign Capricorn (Makar Rashi) Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag 
When Guru and Sun are in zodiac sign scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) the Mela is celebrated at Ujjain. 
Recognizing the importance of the Sinhastha Kumbha Mela Shri Shankaracharya appealed the disciples of his Vaidik Dharma to assemble at the time of Sinhastha Kumbha Mela. Following his appeal, till now devotees, pilgrims, and people of various sects and religions gather together for Kumbha Mela.
In Kruta Yuga, Durwas Rishi saw Indra - the King of Gods - sitting on elephant Airawat. Durwas was pleased to see Indra and presented him a chain. However Indra did not accept the present . It fell down and was trodden by elephant Airawat. Durwas Rishi got upset due to this and cursed Indra. As an effect of the curse, all Gods lost their powers and had to often lose a battle against Danavas (Demons). So all Gods including Brahmadeva surrendered themselves to God Vishnu to get back their power. Vishnu suggested them to approach Danavas and persuade them to perform Samudra Manthana (churning of the sea). He said Samudra Manthana will bring out Amruta , which will bring back your power and you will not be efeated by Danavas. So Samudra Manthana was carried out.

One of the many precious things that arose from the depths of the troubled waters was a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh). Lord Vishnu, disguising himself as an enchantress ( Mohini), seized the nectar from the demons. While fleeing from the evil ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged mount, Garuda. The demons finally caught up with Garuda and in the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on Allahabad, Nashik, Hardwar and Ujjain. Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in all these places, every 12 years.
Another story is that once all the Teerthas went to Adinath Bhagwan Shankara . Following Bhagwan Shankara’s order they had been to Mrutyuloka (earth) to save sinners on earth. Teerthas absolved the sinners on the earth, but were themselves saturated with others’ sins . They requested Bhagwan Shankara to free themselves from sins. Shankara asked them to go and live in solitude for one year at the bank of river Godavari. Shankara promised the Teerthas that he himself, with all other Gods will also stay with them . After taking bath in the sacred water of Godavari, they will be free from the sins.
Hence during the Kumbha Mela a dip in Godavari river has attained a great importance.
In Shiva Purana there is a story explaining the importance of Sinhastha Kumbha Mela. Gautama Rishi got salvation of his cow-killing sin from Lord Shankara after a long penance. Then the river Ganges descended down on the earth. After some time she wanted to go back to her home place. However the Rishis and Gods gathered there and requested her to stay back on the earth for the prosperity of the earth. She agreed to stay back only after taking a promise from Lord Shankara that all the Rishis present there and all Gods will stay with her. Then only she will stay back. Gods and Rishis promised her that during the period, when Jupiter and Sun will be in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi), they will all stay on the earth.
In later years , it is said , acknowledging importance of Kumbha Mela Lord Rama with his Guru Kashyap stayed and lived for one year in Trimbakeshwar. During this period he performed all the religious rites like yatra, shraddha etc near Kushavarta .

Kumbhamela Meaning 

Kumbh is a Sanskrit word for pitcher, also referred to as the Kalasha. Kumbh is also a zodiac sign in Indian Astrology for Aquarius. Mela means a gathering or meet or simply a fair.
The literal meaning of Kumbh /Ghata is a pitcher, but its elemental meaning is something else. Even as a symbol of pitcher, Kumbh is synonymous with holy activities as in daily life a pitcher (or kalash) is an integral part of all sacred activities in Hindu culture, and this pitcher is a symbol of Kumbh.

कलशस्य मुखेविष्णु कण्ठे रुद्र समाश्रित: ।
मुलेत्वस्य ‍स्थितो ब्रम्हा मध्ये मातृगणा: स्मृता:
कुक्षौ तु सागरा: सर्वे सप्त ‍ दीपा वसुंधरा
ऋग्वेदो यजुर्वेदो सामवेदोह्‍र्वण: ।।
अंगैच्श्र ‍ सरिता: सर्वे कलशं तु ‍ समाश्रिता: ।


It is believed and mentioned in Holy Scriptures that mouth (opening) of pitcher symbolizes the presence of Vishnu, its neck that of Rudra, the base of Brahama, all goddesses in the centre and the entire oceans in the interior, thus encompassing all the four Vedas..

The Sanskrit word for Kumbh also means human body . It refers to a womb, bounty,earth, plentitude. It is a receptacle that holds life, spirits, water , Amrita,the elixir. The pitcher ,sea,river, ponds and the well are symbols of Kumbh as the water from these places is covered from all sides. The sky has the cover of the wind, the sun covers the entire universe with its light, and the human body is covered with cells and tissues. The five tatvas / elements – water, earth,fire,sky and wind symbolize the human body. Millions of devotees participate in bathing festival of Kumbh in search of eternal truth which is hidden inside the pitcher. They are bathing to discover one’s own true self, to have a glimpse of knowledge and spirituality which is symbolised by the Kumbh or pitcher.

Akhadas

There are different dwelling places for different sects. They are called “Akhada”. The names of these Akhadas are - Shree Niranjani , Shree Junadatta (Bhairav),Shree Mahanirvani, Shree Atal, Shree Avahana, Shree Anand, Shree Pancha Agni, Shree Nathpanthi Gorakhnath, Shree Vaishnav Bairagi, Shree Udasini Panchayati Bada, Shree Udasini Naya, Shree Nirmal Panchayati etc. They have been established at different times and worship their own deity.
Leaders of the different sects have arrived at a consensus to follow a specific sequence for taking bath. E.g. In Haridwar Mela, Niranjani Gosawi will take bath first and then Nirwani Gosawi will bathe. In Trimbakeshwar, first Niranjani Gosawi will take bath and after they leave Kushawarta Teertha, Nirvani Gosawi will take bath . After them the old Udasee sadhu followed by new Udasee Sadhus will take bath.
The Nashik Kumbh Mela is a mammoth affair with over three and a half million people attending it. Thousands of Sadhus and holy men and millions of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs. The peak festival days are August 14 and 25 and September 8 and 20. During the Kumbha Mela, Nashik City and Trimbakeshwar are in a fantastic festive mood. The festive and religious mood makes people get away from their daily chores and experience the spiritual ecstacy .