Snan Parva or bathing in the river Ganges is of great importance. It is believed that it washes away all the sins and the cycle of rebirth and death ends as the soul becomes one with God Almighty.
Below are listed the auspicious holy bathing dates at the Kumbh Mela. On the main bathing dates there will be a colorful, magnificent Procession of radiant saints on chariots and elephants at sunrise. As the saints pass by, they impart blesings of divine grace to all the people. Then the glorious saints took their dip (shahi snan) in the Holy River Ganges. This takes place according to tradition, each group proceeding to the river and then bathing in a particular sequence. After all these groups have bathed, then all other people will take their turn to march to the Ganges for their bath.
"Bathing in the Ganges River on the most auspicious day of the Kumbha Mela was like basking in nectar. My consciousnes was lifted and my perceptions awakened. Kumbh Mela was the most deeply moving experience of my life. There is no expresion in our language to describe it adequately."--Tour participant.
| क्र० | नाम पर्व | दिनांक | अनुमानित भीड़ | अभ्युक्ति |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | मकर संक्रान्ति | 14.1.2013 | 110 लाख | शाही स्नान |
| 2 | पौष पूर्णिमा | 27.1.2013 | 55 लाख | |
| 3 | मौनी अमावस्या | 10.2.2013 | 305 लाख | शाही स्नान |
| 4 | बसन्त पंचमी | 15.2.2013 | 193 लाख | शाही स्नान |
| 5 | माघी पूर्णिमा | 25.2.2013 | 165 लाख | |
| 6 | महाशिवरात्रि | 10.3.2013 | 55 लाख |