The traditional bathing on Paush Purnima in the misty waters of the Sangam at Allahabad ushered in the biggest religious event of the globe - Kumbh Mela 2001. Over 30 million people have trotted to the holy confluence of rivers (Sangam )- Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati (symbolic of knowledge ). Pallavi Sharma relates the story of the Kumbh and its magnetic pull for millions of seekers. Bathing at the Sangam is a great spiritual experience and attracts enthusiasts across the world in droves. It is believed that a dip in the confluence on specified dates relieves one of transmigration, leading to salvation (Moksha). The mega congregation of the millennium will last 42 days and would end with the final bathing on the 21st of February 2001. Legend:

The history of the Kumbh Mela can be traced back to legends associated with the creation of the Universe. Mythology has it that Gods and Demons once churned the ocean to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanvantri, the divine healer, appeared with the Kumbh in her palms, a great fight ensued between Gods and Demons to wrist the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the skies, a few drops of nectar fell at four different places, Prayag, Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then, whenever planets align in the same position, devotees converge at these holy sites to commemorate this divine event. Kumbh Mela takes place every three years in rotation at the four sacred places. Therefore, Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, the most holy of these fairs, only takes place every twelfth year.
In the four holy places, Kumbh Mela takes place at an interval of twelve years coinciding with one round of Jupiter through the zodiac. At Allahabad, it takes place with Jupiter in Vrishabh (Taurus) while the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) coinciding with the northerly course of the Sun. The major bath takes place when the Moon too enters Makara. This will happen on January 14, 2001. This nexus of cosmic energy appears every 144 years, and is believed to bring dramatic changes in the destiny of humanity. Auspicious Dates for bathing :

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  • 09th January 2001, Paush Purnima
  • 14th January 2001, Makar Sankranti
  • 24th January 2001, Mauni Amavasya
  • 29th January 2001, Basant Panchami
  • 08th February 2001, Magh Purnima
  • 21st February 2001, Mahashivratri