Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is the confluence of the 3 major rivers of India namely Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati. The three rivers maintain their visible identity and can be identified by their different colors. The water from the Ganges is clear while the Yamuna is greenish in color while the presence of the Saraswati can only be felt underwater. The place is considered as one of the major sites of the Kumbha mela which is held once in every 12 years.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh at the Triveni Sangam where the significant holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna join together. The Maha Kumbh Mela has a strong influence as it is the largest human gathering in history, irrespective of any worldly barriers of caste, creed, color and religion.
The Ardh or Half Kumbh Mela is observed after every 6 years at Haridwar and Allahabad. The Purna or complete Kumbh Mela is observed after every 12 years at four places Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The Maha or Great Kumbh Mela is celebrated after every 12 "Purna Kumbh Melas" or 144 years.
It is a once in a lifetime to witness millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come together in this spectacle of Faith. The festival witnesses the ritual bathing in sacred water by millions of devotees. The ceremonial dip is an important ritual and is believed that bathing on the auspicious days cleanses one of all sins and he or she achieves Moksha. liberation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth.