Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021:
Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021 is the Purna Kumbh Mela held after every 12 years. But due to some specific auspicious dates falling in 2021, it was decided to shift the holy festival dates by 1 year, to year 2021 in place of year 2022.
Why Kumbh Mela is celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, after Samudra manthan by Gods and Asuras (Demons), they got Amrit (Nector of immortality). This Amrit was stored in a Kumbh (pitcher). Then a fight started between both groups over the possession of the Kumbh (pitcher) containing Amrit. During this fight some drops of Amrit spilled over at four places on earth namely Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Commemorating this mythical event the Kumbh Mela is held four times every twelve years at these four places.
Hindu pilgrims come to these same four places at the banks of rivers in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik, where they take a holy dip in the river and offer prayers to the God.
The last Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was celebrated from Makar Sankranti i.e. 14 January 2010 to Shakh Purnima Snan, 28 April 2010, about 4 months. In the last Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, about 70 lakh people (7 million) had taken the holy dip in the river Ganga.
Start date and end date of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021:
- Start date of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021 – 14 January 2021, Makar Sankranti.
- End date of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021 – 27 April 2021.
- Total duration of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021 – About 4 months.
Bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021: Bathing Dates and days of ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021 are:
Royal Bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 or ‘Shahi Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 are mentioned below with date and day. These bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela are called ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath), in which Sadhus and Saints are given priority to take the holy dip in the Ganga.
First ‘Shahi Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 11.03.21. Second ‘Shahi Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 12.04.21. Third ‘Shahi Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on14.04.21. 4th and last ‘Shahi Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 27.04.21.
- First (1st) Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) – 11 March 2021, Thursday, Maha Shivratri
- Second (2nd) Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) – 12 April 2021, Monday, Somvati Amavasya
- Third (3rd) Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) – 14 April 2021, Wednesday, Mesh Sankraanti & Baisakhi
- Fourth (4th) Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath) – 27 April 2021, Tuesday, Chaitra Poornima
Covid-19 SOPs issued by Uttarakhand State Government:
Seeing the upsurge in corona cases, Uttarakhand State Government has issued covid-19 SOPs, which must be followed by everyone. The RT-PCR test report has to be shown on mobile phones or hard copy, which should be done within 72 hours of date of visit to Kumbh mela.
Covid-19 SOPs issued by Central Government:
Seeing the upsurge in corona cases, Central Government has issued covid-19 SOPs, which must be followed by everyone.
Bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021: Bathing Dates and days of ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Key bath or Ganga Bath) of Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021:
Important Bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 or ‘Pramukh Snan’ of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 are mentioned below with date and day. These bathing dates of Haridwar kumbh mela are called ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Important Bath), in which also Sadhus and Saints are given priority to take the holy dip in the Ganga.
First ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 14.01.21 on the auspicious day of Makar Sankraanti. Second ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 11.02.21 on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. Third ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 16.02.21 on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami. Fourth ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 27.02.21 on the auspicious day of Magh Poornima. Fifth ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 13.04.21 on the auspicious day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Sixth and last ‘Pramukh Snan’, Important Bath of Haridwar kumbh mela 2021 is on 21.04.21 on the auspicious day of Ram Navami.
- First (1st) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 14 January 2021, Thursday, Makar Sankraanti
- Second (2nd) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 11 February 2021, Thursday, Mauni Amavasya
- Third (3rd) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 16 February 2021, Tuesday, Basant Panchami
- Fourth (4th) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 27 February 2021, Saturday, Magh Poornima
- Fifth (5th) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 13 April 2021, Tuesday, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada
- Sixth (6th) ‘Pramukh Snan’ (Ganga Bath) – 21 April 2021, Wednesday, Ram Navami
Also Read: Year 2021 Govt., State Govts., Bank, PSUs, Supreme court, NSE-BSE-MCX Public, Restricted, commercial holidays list
Helpline numbers or Emergency contact numbers of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021:
Helpline numbers or Emergency contact numbers of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 are below:
- Police – 100
- Ambulance – 108
- Women helpline number – 1090
- Child helpline number – 1098
- Chief Minister helpline number – 1905
Address, phone and e-mail of Authorities of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021:
- Contact number of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 Authorities: +91 1334 224457
- e-mail of Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 Authorities : mahakumbhmela2021@gmail.com
- Address : Mela Bhawan, CCR Tower, Rodibelwala, Near Harki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand-249401
Uttarakhand Govt.’s initiative to make Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021 Beautiful, Clean & Hygienic and Safe :
Uttarakhand Govt. is ready with its plan to make Kumbh Mela 2021 memorable to all the visitors. Under Enhanced Pilgrim Experience, they are offering Sundar (Beautiful), Swachh (Hygiene) and Surakshit (Safe) environment to the Kumbh Mela devouts.
- Sundar (Beautiful) – motto of Uttarakhand Govt.
- Various initiatives such as paint my city, city branding,
- laser shows, water screen projection,
- Facade improvement, intersection development, riverfront development,
- Road restoration/construction, Railway Station & Bus shelter beautification will be undertaken.
- Swachh (Clean and Hygienic) – motto of Uttarakhand Govt.
- Thousands of temporary toilets / urinals / bathrooms to be established.
- Major emphasis will be given on solid Waste Management (SWM) and Sanitation.
- Surakshit (Safe) – motto of Uttarakhand Govt.
- Installation of many CCTV cameras,
- Deployment of police personnel (CRPF, SDRF, NDRF etc.),
- Establishment of medical centers and dispensaries,
- Construction of roads, bridges and flyovers for enabling safe and secure Kumbh mela 2021.
Where to stay at Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar?
Haridwar and Rishikesh combinedly have more than 300 Ashrams and Dharmshalas for accommodation. Kumbh Mela administration is erecting many temporary accommodations in the line of Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. There are many budget hotels, guest houses and luxury hotels available in the city Haridwar, but due to rush of Kumbh Mela, you may not get the desired hotel.
There are many ashrams to stay for Kumbh Mela along the Haridwar-Rishikesh route. Jairam Ashram, Santoshpuri Ashram, Prem Nagar Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Soham Ashram are the best and economical mode of accommodation.
Food at Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar?
There are so many budget pure vegetarian hotels and restaurants available in the city Haridwar. And if you are ready to go a little bit far, then you can go to Rishikesh, which is only 25 Km from Haridwar.
Parking areas for devotees coming from different cities or states:
- Devotees from Delhi and NCR, cities of UP, Nainital etc. have to park their vehicles near ‘Chandi bridge’.
- Devotees from Punjab, Haryana Jammu & Kashmir have to park their vehicles in BHEL.
Do’s and Don’ts rules by administration of Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar:
The Kumbh Mela administration has suggested some Do’s and Don’ts rules seeing the covid-19 situation in the country and for smooth functioning of Kumbh mela.
1. Do’s rules for Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar:
- Please follow all the guidelines for COVID-19 issued by WHO, Govt. of India, Govt. of Uttarakhand and various related Govt. Agencies.
- Please wear a mask at all times.
- Please follow COVID Appropriate Behaviors.
- Please visit the website (haridwarkumbhmela2021.com) regarding various information related to the Kumbh Mela.
- Keep Emergency Contact numbers handy at all times.
- Use Bathing Ghats that are authorized by the Mela administration only and that are nearest to place of stay in the Mela area.
- Follow the instructions given by the Mela Administration through PA System or any other modes.
- Cooperate with the Departments involved in organizing the Mela.
- Reach out to the Lost and Found Centres for loss of loved ones and belongings.
2. Don’ts rules for Kumbh Mela 2021, Haridwar:
- Don’t pollute the river Ganga by using soaps, detergents or by disposing Pujan Samagri into the holy river.
- Don’t carry too much baggage while travelling and avoid carrying valuables.
- Don’t use plastic bags in the city and mela area.
- Don’t defecate in the open.
- Don’t trust strangers offering something to eat in the name of Prasad.
How to reach Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar?
The Kumbh mela 2021 in Haridwar can be reached by road transport, train or by air. The nearest railway station to the the Kumbh mela 2021 site is Haridwar junction railway station.
1. Road transport to visit Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar :
From Delhi to Haridwar by car, you have to take road route via upper Ganga canal Rd and NH334 in place of NH44, which is closed. The distance is about 220 Km and approximate time will take 5 hours. Or, you can take the public roadways of Uttarakhand operated between Delhi and Haridwar at regular intervals. Several other state transport and private buses connect Haridwar from Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab etc.
2. Train transport to visit Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar :
The nearest railway station to visit Kumbh Mela 2021 is Haridwar railway station, which is very well connected to most of the parts of India. It is the most affordable transport to reach Haridwar.
Also, Government of India is running special trains for Kumbh Mela 2021 from various cities and states. Some of the special trains are here. Soon, there will be more additional trains to this list.
Special trains started by Railways to reach Kumbh Mela in Haridwar:
- Train No. 02369 / 02370 Howrah-Dehradun-Howrah Super Fast Special –
- The train no. 02369 will run from Howrah to Dehradun from 13.01.21 to 29.04.21 for 5 days in a week on Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun.
- The train no. 02370 will run from Dehradun to Howrah from 14.01.21 to 30.04.21 for 5 days in a week on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun.
- Train No. 02327 / 02328 Howrah-Dehradun-Howrah Super Fast Special –
- The train no. 02327 will run from Howrah to Dehradun from 12.01.21 to 30.04.21 for 2 days in a week on Tuesday, Friday.
- The train no. 02328 will run from Dehradun to Howrah from 13.01.21 to 01.05.21 for 2 days in a week on Wednesday, Saturday.
- 03009 / 03010 Howrah-Yoganagari Rishikesh-Howrah (daily special) –
- The train no. 03009 will run from Howrah to Rishikesh from 12.01.21 to 30.04.21 daily.
- The train no. 03010 will run from Rishikesh to Howrah from 14.01.21 to 02.05.21 daily.
- Train No. 03239 / 03240 Patna-Kota Special –
- The train no. 03239 will run from Patna to Kota from 11.01.21 to 30.04.21 every Monday and Friday.
- The train no. 03240 will run from Kota to Patna from 12.01.21 to 02.05.21.
- Train No. 09019 / 09020 Bandra Terminus – Haridwar Special train –
- The train no. 09019 will run from Bandra Terminus to Haridwar starting from 11.01.21.
- The train no. 09020 will run from Haridwar to Bandra Terminus starting from 12.01.21.
- Train No. 09019 / 09020 Bandra Terminus – Haridwar Special train –
- The train no. 09019 will run from Bandra Terminus to Haridwar starting from 11.01.21.
- The train no. 09020 will run from Haridwar to Bandra Terminus startingfrom 12.01.21.
- Train No. 09031 / 09032 – Ahmedabad – Yog Nagari Rishikesh Special train –
- The train no. 09031 will run from Ahmedabad to Rishikesh starting from 11.01.21.
- The train no. 09032 will run from Rishikesh to Ahmedabad starting from 12.01.21.
- Train No.09565 / 09566 Okha-Dehradun Special train –
- The train no. 09565 will run from Okha, Gujarat to Dehradun starting from 15.01.21 every Friday.
- The train no. 09566 will run from Dehradun to Okha, Gujaratstarting from 17.01.21 every Sunday.
3. Air transport to visit Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar :
Haridwar does not have its own airport. Dehradun may have limited air connectivity, but Delhi has one of best national and international air connectivity. From Delhi airport, taxi or cab can be hired for 225 km distance.
- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is only about 40 Km away from Haridwar via Rishikesh Rd and NH34 and takes around 1 hour by taxi.
- Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is 225 km away from Haridwar.
Places to visit in Haridwar after Kumbh Mela:
Haridwar means Hari and dwar means Lord and gate. Haridwar means by immersing yourself in the holy water of river Ganga. the gates will open the adobe of Lord Shiv and Lord Vishnu. Haridwar is one of the most beautiful city of state Uttarakhand. If you have come for Kumbh Mela 2021, then you must explore the infinite opportunities offered by Haridwar, its twin city Rishikesh and nearby areas and river banks. There are many adventurous sports in and around Haridwar-Rishikesh.
1. Mansa Devi Temple :
This temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa. Mansa means wishes. So, it is for all those who have some wish to be fulfilled and have faith. The Mansa Devi Temple is situated on the Bilwa parvat of the Shivalik Mountains, the southernmost part of the Himalayas Range.
How to reach Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar?
There are two ways to reach the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. The newly built ‘Mansa Devi Udankhatola’, through ropeway and another by trekking which is almost 1200 meter. From the temple, you can enjoy the beauty of Haridwar, the banks of Ganga, which looks so beautiful.
2. Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar:
It is the other famous temple where the wishes of worshippers are fulfilled, as we may call it. The Chandi Devi Temple is situated on the Bilwa parvat of the Shivalik Mountains, the southernmost part of the Himalayas Range.
How to reach Chandi Devi temple in Haridwar?
There are two ways to reach the Chandi Devi temple in Haridwar. The ‘Chandi Devi Udankhatola’, through ropeway and another by trekking which is almost 3 Km. From the temple, you can enjoy the beauty of Haridwar, the banks of Ganga, which looks so beautiful.
3. Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar :
Inaugurated by Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the year 1983 and designed by Arabindranath Tagore, nephew of legendary poet and artist Rabindranath Tagore, it is one of the not-to-be-missed place in Haridwar. Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar has eight (8) floors and each floor has different unique things to offer. Bharat Mata Mandir is at 5 Km distance from Haridwar city.
4. Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar :
‘Har Ki Pauri’ means Steps of Hari or Lord Vishnu. Har Ki Pauri is on the ghat built on the banks of ganga. Hari Ki Pauri is a must visit place in Haridwar. This place is very clean. Here the steps on the ghat have been made to easily bath and offer prayer. But, beyond those steps, water level is deep and water flow is very high.
5. Ganga Aarti in Haridwar:
Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is performed two times a day at Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, in the morning and evening.
- Morning Ganga aarti starts at 5:30 am and ends at 6.30 am.
- Evening Ganga aarti starts at 6 pm and ends at 7 pm.
6. Rajaji National Park near Haridwar:
- Rajaji National Park is an Indian National Park and a Tiger Reserve park.
- Rajaji National Park is located only about 22 Km from Haridwar, which takes about 45 minutes to reach.
- Rajaji National Park is spread over 800 sq. Km. in Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal
7. Sapt Rishi Ashram near Haridwar:
Located at the banks of river Ganga, it is said that the seven great maharishis – Vashishth, Kashyap, Atri, Vishwamitra, Bharadwaja, Gautam and Jamadagni met at this place to meditate and that’s why it’s name is Sapt Rishi Ashram.
Kumbh Mela – the four Tirth places in India :
Kumbh Mela is one of the sacred and largest festivals not only in India but in the world. Kumbh Mela is celebrated at four pilgrimage places in India, called the four Tirth place in India. Tirth place is that sacred place, where a devout can attain salvation. Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain.
What happens at Kumbh Mela ?
At Kumbh Mela, people believe that bathing in these holy waters can help humans overcome their sins through which they can rediscover themselves. People take a dip in the holy water and feel blessed. Then they offer prayer to the God.
Kumbh Mela in UNESCO list:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO has inscribed ‘Kumbh Mela’ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. This religious festival is one of the peaceful large gathering in the world.
Kumbh Mela – in which city and river, it is celebrated?
- Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (Prayagraj) is held at the banks of confluence of three rivers called Sangam. Holy rivers the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet here and becomes one.
- Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is held at the banks of the holy river Ganga.
- Kumbh Mela in Nashik is held at the banks of the river Godavari.
- Kumbh Mela in Ujjain is held at the banks of the river Shipra.
Kumbh Mela, as per location – in which month and year, it is celebrated ?
- Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (Prayagraj) was last celebrated in the year 2013, and next Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (Prayagraj) will be held in 2025.
- Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was last celebrated in the year 2010, and next Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will be held in 2021.
- Kumbh Mela in Nashik was last celebrated in the year 2015, and next Kumbh Mela in Nashik will be held in 2027.
- Kumbh Mela in Ujjain was last celebrated in the year 2016, and next Kumbh Mela in Ujjain will be held in 2028.
Kumbh Mela, as per timings or occurrence – in which month and year, it is celebrated ?
There are three Kumbh Mela, which are celebrated as per timings or occurrence.
The Maha Kumbh Mela :
The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years or after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Mela’. The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place only in Allahabad (Prayagraj) at the banks of confluence of three rivers called Sangam. The Maha Kumbh Mela was last celebrated in the year 2013, and next Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in the year 2157 in Allahabad (Prayagraj).
The Purna Kumbh Mela :
The Purna Kumbh Mela is held after every 12 years at four places in Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. The last Purna Kumbh Mela was celebrated in the year 2016 at the banks of river Shipra in Ujjain, and the next Purna Kumbh Mela will be held in 2021 at the banks of river Ganga in Haridwar.
The Ardha Kumbh Mela :
The Ardha Kumbh Mela is held after every 6 years or in between two Purna Kumbh Melas. The Ardha Kumbh Mela takes place at two places in Allahabad (Prayagraj) and Haridwar. The last Ardha Kumbh Mela was celebrated in the year 2019 in Allahabad (Prayagraj), and the next Ardha Kumbh Mela will be held in 2025 at the banks of river Ganga in Haridwar.
Adventures around Haridwar in Uttarakhand :
If you have planned to visit Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, then you must extend your plan and cover some fun filled activities on ice, water and air. These are some activities, which everyone will enjoy like –
1. Skiing sport adventure in Uttarakhand:
Especially during December to February, Skiing is very famous adventurous sport in snow-filled mountains.
- ‘Auli’ at about 3000 altitude offers perfect grounds for beginners and experts alike.
- Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari and Mundali situated at an elevation of about 3048 m are other options for skiing.
2. Trekking in hilly terrain in Uttarakhand:
You can go for trekking also as Uttarakhand hilly terrain offers many routes to trek. Some famous adventurous treks are –
- Munsiyari – Martoli – Milam – Ralam Glacier trek route
- The Bageshwar – Sunderdhunga – Pindari – Kafni Glacier trek route
- Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal trek
- Gangotri – Kedarnath trek
- The Gangotri – Gaumukh – Nandanvan – Tapovan trek
- Khatling – Sahasratal – Masartal trek,
- Har Ki Dun trek,
- Valley of Flowers and Hemkund trek
- Rishikesh – Pauri – Binsar trek
3. Rafting in Uttarakhand:
Rafting is one of the most famous sport in Uttarakhand rivers. Stretches along Alaknanda, Dhauliganga and Kali rivers are famous for rafting. Shivpuri is the main white water river Rafting centre in Uttarakhand. Cost of rafting is also not very high starting from Rs. 200/-. Except rainy season, all time rafting can be done. Season of Rafting is 1st September to 30th June.
4. Paragliding in Uttarakhand:
The mountains in Uttarakhand offers ideal Paragliding opportunities for adventure sports lovers and daring persons. The ideal paragliding sites in Uttarakhand are: Maldevta in Dehradun, Bhimtal, Nainital, Kota Bagh, Bageshwar and Kausani.
Disclaimer: Kindly refer to the official website for any clarifications.