One of the biggest religious festivals to be held in the country is the Kumbh mela held at Nasik once in every 12 years. Devotees from different parts of India as well as the world pour in large numbers to undertake the pious plunge in the sacred waters of the River Godavari. The epicenter of religious activity is the town called Trimbakeshwar which is also the origin of Godavari. Situated 38 kms away from Nasik, this town hosts the Sinhasta Kumbh mela once every 12 years.

If religious sources are to be believed, Nasik is one of those four places in India where the holy liquid known as ‘amrit’ had fallen when demons and ‘asuras’ were busy fighting over it. These four holy places are the four destination spots of Kumbh mela amidst which the mela rotates on an annual basis. Millions of devotees believe in taking a sacred plunge in the sacred water of Godavari and purifying their inner self.

The Religious Significance of Kumbh mela

There is a story behind the mela that takes place at Nasik. It is said that Lord Vishnu carried a bowl of nectar from earth to heaven after Samudra Manthan. A few drops of this nectar fell into the Godavari River, thus making it of religious importance. This is the reason why Nasik plays host to millions of devotees who wish to take a plunge in these sacred waters. According to Hindu astronomy, the mela is held in the month of Magh when the Sun and Jupiter are in Singh (Leo) rashi.

People come here in large numbers only to wash themselves off their sins and cleanse their souls. Ramkund and Kushavarta are the two bathing ghats that are extremely popular for their ritualistic baths that take place on a preconceived date and time. The authorities are aware of the dates in advance and make necessary arrangements to accommodate and facilitate the activities of millions of devotees who reach Nasik during the Kumbh mela.

The Timings of Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh mela is organized on preconceived dates which are enumerated according to the rashi in which the Jupiter and Sun lie. Kumbh Mela is in Haridwar when the Sun is positioned in Aries (Mesh Rashi) and the Jupiter is in Aquarius. Prayag is the destination for Kumbh Mela when Jupiter is in Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi) and the Sun is in Capricorn (Makar Rashi).

When Jupiter and the Sun are in Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi), the mela is celebrated in Ujjain. It is only when the Jupiter and Sun fall on Leo that Kumbh mela is organized in Trimbakeshwar in Nasik.  The Kumbh mela infuses life and enthusiasm into the otherwise quiet city of Nasik.

Devotees from all corners of the world come to the Kumbh mela and heighten the spirit of the place. Religious discussions and meeting, pious seminars, devotional singing, social service, etc. are the some of the ceremonies that are performed here. Some religious heads perform religious ‘havans’ as well. The destinations of Kumbh mela are considered the most sacred bathing grounds for people and the Godavari River flowing through Nasik is one of them.

Accommodation Facilities in Nasik during Kumbh Mela

It is not really a hassle to find suitable accommodation in Nasik. The town has many accommodation solutions that range from ones by the river to the ones in close proximity to the railways station or the market. The locations are amazing and the brief stay at Nasik is enjoyable. There are plenty of accommodation options for people that differ in price and facilities. The hospitality offered in Nasik caters to the largely varied crowd that pours in during the Kumbh Mela pretty well.

“Prayag heritage (P) Ltd” is setting up luxurious cottages to accommodate guests during Nasik after it was successful in accommodating tourists and devotees from all parts of the world (66 counties) during the occasion of Maha Kumbh 2013 at Allahabad. "Prayag Heritage (P) Ltd" also provided comfortable accommodation for honorable trusts like Maharishi Mahesh yogi Ji, Someshwer Sewa Trust, Bedanti Maharaj, Shri Anand Giri Ji Maharaj, Bramhalin Shri 1008 Swami Vidyanand Ji Maharaj Paramhans Dharmarth Trust etc during the auspicious occasion of Maha Kumbh 2013.

A Know How for the Devotees

Nasik has a favorable climate for the major part of the year and witness’s tropical dry climate. Apart from the short period between March and mid-June when the city goes through a few uncertain climatic upheavals, the weather is mostly moderate and comfortable. Summers are generally hot with the maximum temperature above 42 degree Celsius. The hot summers generally discourage tourists from touring this city this time. Monsoons in Nasik occur from June to September and provide much needed reprieve from the hot summers. Winters in Nasik are the particularly pleasant. This span of three months from December to February witnesses a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 8 degree Celsius. This is the best period for sightseeing in Nasik.

Nasik is easily navigable through road, rail and air transport as it is one of the most prominent cities in Maharashtra. All hotels provide round the year service in Nasik.