According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. According to mythology, 'Devas' (Gods) and 'Asuras' (Demons) churned the ocean to obtain Nectar and when the coveted 'Kumbha' (pitcher) of Nectar (Amrita) which gave immortality was obtained from the depths of ocean, one of the 'Devas' whisked away the 'Kumbha' from the 'Asuras' and evading from the 'Asuras', stopped at four places viz. Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik and Ujjain before he finally arrived into the safety of heaven. A few drops of Nectar are supposed to have spilled over on the water at these four places and sages, saints and pilgrims started periodically to flock to each of these 'Tirthas' to celebrate the divine event. In fact , it is a unique event that blends religious and social features alike.
Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once in every 12 and 6 years respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India. It is said that drops of amrit (nectar) obtained after the 'Sagar Manthan' fell at four places Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik and the Kumbh fair is held at these four sacred sites.
Dates of snanam for Kumbh Mela 2010
- 14 January 2010 (thursday) - Makar Sankranti Snan - First Snan (bath)
- 15 January 2010 (friday) - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan ( Sola Eclipse) - Second Snan
- 20 January 2010 (Wed) - Basant Panchmi Snan - Third snan
- 30 January 2010 (saturday) - Magh Purnima Snan - Fourth Snan
- 12 February 2010 (friday) - Maha Shivratri - Pratham Shahi Snan - First Royal Bath
- 15 March 2010 (monday)- Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi snan - Second Royal Bath.
- 24 March 2010 (Wednesday)- Ram Navmi - Fifth Snan
- 30 March 2010 (Tuesday) - Chaitra purnima snan
- 14 April 2010 (wednesday) - Baisakhi - Pramukh Shahi Snan.
- 28 April 2010 (wednesday) - Shakh Purnima - snan