The Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 started at Haridwar’s Har ki Pauri ghat where millions of pilgrims come to participate in the holy event of Maha Kumbh. The pilgrims come from all walks of life, with a belief that their sins will be washed off in the holy waters of the sacred river Ganges if they take a dip during the Kumbh.
The Ardh Kumbh Mela will take place in the holy city of Haridwar from January 2016 to April 2016.
At least 1 million devotees are expected to take a bath in the holy river this year.
The Kumbh Mela is not a single event. There is the Maha Kumbh Mela, Purna Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela. Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, in between two Purna Kumbh Melas which are held after every 12 years.
The festival is known as “the biggest gathering in the world.”
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