Kumbh Mela begins in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, thousands take holy dip Tuesday July 14,2015

 

With a prayer on their lips and a desire to attain freedom from the cycle of life, a sea of humanity has congregated at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for the Simhastha Kumbha Mela 2015, dubbed as one of the largest religious event on the Earth

Nashik is around 45 kilometres downstream from Trimbakeshwar.

The mega event, held once every 12 years when the Sun and Jupiter come together in Leo zodiac sign in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar, began on July 14,2015 Tuesday morning with raising of flag at Ramkund in Nashik in presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

A similar event was held at Kushvarta Teerth in Trimbakeshwar where Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh did the honours.

The inauguration saw thousands taking the first holy bath of the Kumbh in the holy Godavari.

Of the close to 1 crore people expected to take a holy bath during the Kumbh, most would do so on important bathing dates

Kumbh Mela dates 2015
August 26- Shravan Shudha- First Snan, August 29 - First Shahi Snan, September 13 - Second Shahi Snan, September 18 - Third Shahi Snan, September 25 - Bhadrapad Shukla Dwadashi - Vaman Dwadashi Snan
Besides the common man, hundreds and thousands of Sadhus are arriving in Nashik for the Kumbh Mela.

The Kumbh Mela in Nashik began on Tuesday morning (July 14) when the Jupiter (Bruhaspati), Sun and Moon entered the Leo constellation (Simha rashi)
Nashik is a place of great importance in the Hindu religion. According to mythology, drops of Amrit fell in the Godavari River in Nashik at the time of Samudra Manthan. It is considered sacred and thousands go to the place to take a holy dip at Trimbakeshwar in Nasik.