India's Cultural Heritage
India, with one of the oldest cultures in the world, is a land of diverse culture, heritage, religion, caste, and creed. Its more than one billion people have descended from a variety of races, resulting in a vibrant array of fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the year. Among these, the Kumbh Mela or the Kumbh Fair stands out as one of the most important Hindu religious occasions. “Kumbh” means pitcher.
The Largest Religious Gathering
With over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, we specialize in a wide range of activities:
Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that occurs four times in every twelve years and rotates among four locations in India:
- Prayag (Allahabad): Located in the southern part of Uttar Pradesh.
- Haridwar: A holy city in Uttarakhand.
- Ujjain: A historic city in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.
- Nasik: Located in Maharashtra.
The Mela at Prayag is termed the Mahakumbh Mela, the largest pilgrimage gathering in the world, attracting millions of people in a single day.
Our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge ensure that we meet and exceed the challenging demands of our clients. We take pride in the joy and inspiration our tours provide, as attested by the large number of satisfied clients who have traveled with us.
Innovative and Unique Experiences
Explore India Tours continues to offer a vast array of innovative ideas, planning, and organizing exceptional events, such as:
- Meeting with His Holiness Dalai Lama
- Special arrangements to show Buddha relics
- Expert lectures from the Archaeological Survey of India and organizing seminars
- Stays at Kailash Camp, Allahabad, and Haridwar
- The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre at Nayyar Dam and Sri Ramana Shree Ashram at Tiruvannamalai for yoga and meditation
- Visits to Sai Baba Ashrams
Ever since our establishment, we have focused on producing quality travel experiences, responding to the needs of the present while anticipating the demands of the future. We are committed to broadening our scope beyond the field of travel into new horizons, always adaptable and flexible to client needs.
Astrological Significance
According to astrologers, the Kumbh Mela takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries, once every 12 years. The zodiac sign of Aquarius, represented by a pitcher, is significant in this context.
International Attention
Due to the strong faith and devotion of millions of Indians, the Kumbh Mela has garnered attention worldwide and is known as the world’s most massive act of faith. The first foreigner to mention the Kumbh Mela was Hiuen Tsiang of China in his diary.
Festival of Saints
The Kumbh Mela is visited by a variety of saints from all over India, prominently featuring the Naga Sadhus—bare-bodied, ash-smeared saints with long matted hair, who are believed to remain unaffected by weather extremes. Watching the Kumbh Mela processions is like witnessing the march of the ages, with holy saints passing by on elephants, horses, palanquins, chariots, cars, and camels, continually transmitting waves of powerful shakti (energy) to all witnesses
Spiritual Experience
The palpable spiritual vibrations that pervade the entire atmosphere during the Kumbh Mela are overwhelming. This festivity has gained fame not just in India but also abroad, attracting millions of devotees from across the country. It offers an opportunity for people to liberate themselves from suffering and wash away their sins by taking a holy dip in the sacred water. Despite the discomforts of sleeping in the open in extreme cold, attendees lead a simple life afterward, aiming to stay free from materialistic desires and achieve liberation, the ultimate goal of life.
Significant Bathing Days
In addition to the major Kumbh Mela, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every six years, and the Magh Mela or mini Kumbh is celebrated annually on the banks of the Sangam. Major Kumbh Parva or bathing days include:
- Mauni Amavasya: The most significant day.
- Paush Poornima
- Makar Sankranti
- Vasant Panchami
- Maghi Poornima
- Maha Shivratri
Malcolm K. Monks
CEO & Founder
"Bathing in the Ganges River on the most auspicious day of the Maha Kumbha Mela was like basking in nectar. My consciousness was lifted and my perceptions awakened. Kumbh Mela was the most deeply moving experience of my life. There is no expression in our language to describe it adequately." Over the years, countless devotees have visited these sacred places and experienced the wonderful arrangements and discipline, making the Kumbh Mela a truly remarkable event.
What Our Client Say
Devotees who attend the Kumbh Mela leave with unforgettable experiences, often penning down their reflections. One participant shared:
At Explore India Tours (EIT), we proudly position ourselves as leaders in promoting the enrichment of mankind and the globalization of the world as we embark on the journey into the twenty-first century.
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