| Uttaranchal, or the Dev Bhumi as referred in the local dialect, is a godly creation, where one can see Mother Nature in its true form, and where Himalayas gorge to create a celestial ambience, praised and adored by everyone. Uttaranchal, with its snow flakes, clean air, gargantuan mountains present a rich kaleidoscopic view to the visitors. Adding to this, the simple pastoral lifestyle, blooming happiness on the faces of uttaranchalis (Local Inhabitants) and alpine vegetation belt lends a fabulous view that makes Uttaranchal stand unique from rest of places in the world. |
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| Kumbha Mela Haridwar |
Kumbha is a Sanskrit word that means "kalasha" in hindi and "pitcher", an open vessel with a handle and a spout in English. Also, one of the Zodiac signs "Aquarius" means kumbha, so it is this sign under which this Mela falls.
"Mela" refers to a public gathering for fun or any specific purpose. Kumbha Mela is a very popular and widely respected Hindu pilgrimage.
Although the Purna Kumbh Mela (great Kumbh Mela) occurs every 12 years, but the Ardh(half) Kumbh Mela is observed every 6 years.
In these 12 years there are 4 Kumbh Melas at 4 different locations of Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik, Ujjain, which are "The holy cities", according to Hindus as the drops of Amrit produced during "samudra Manthan" are believed to fall here.
As per the Indian Astrology, Kumbh Mela is celebrated when the planet Jupiter (Brahspati) enters the zodiac sign of Aquarius (kumbha). 6There is no fixed date of the event; it is every time decided according to the special cosmic positions and interactions of Sun, moon and planet Jupiter.
Kumbha Mela is celebrated every three years splaying across the cities of Allahbad, also called "prayag" at the conglomeration of holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and saraswati, Haridwar "The road to god" with blessings of maa ganga, at Nasik along Godawari river and Ujjain under the influence of river Kshipra.
Ardh Kumbha Mela is celebrated every 6 years in the holy cities of Allahabad and Haridwar.Purna Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in the city of Allahabad. |
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| International Yoga Week |
Yoga literally means "union". It is a union of breath and the body, the mind and muscles and most importantly union of the self to the divine. What better place to become "united" than on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga, in a land to which sages have flocked for millennia? To promote the ancient science of Yoga, a weeklong event is organised by the State Tourism Department in Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills) during the first week of February. Detailed lectures, demonstrations of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.
A week-long event to promote Yoga is held in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Himalayas. Detailed lectures and demonstration of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.
Yoga sessions are held along the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh. Organised by U.P. Tourism, lectures and demonstrations are held by prominent experts of yoga throughout the week. |
