One of the most important spiritual gatherings of Hindus, the Kumbh Mela rotates between four major pilgrim centres of the country, namely Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The festival is held at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik and attended my more than three million pilgrims!

 

In tune with Hindu traditions, holy men draw decorative patterns on their foreheads with sandalwood paste and other coloured powders. They believe that sandalwood paste not only keeps the body cool but when smeared on the forehead, alludes to Lord Shiva's third eye. They are also seen wearing one or several Rudraksha Mala (a garland strung from the fruit seed of Rudraksha, which is considered sacred by Hindus).

 

Not only devotees, but thousands of saints visit Kumbh Mela to witness an air of spirituality and devotion. They take dips in the holy waters of the Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs; this act is said to absolve the soul of all impurities and sins. Other religious activities that are a part of this festival include discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor, and religious assemblies for debates on Holy Scriptures and topics.

Other Attractions in Nashik