History of Kumbh Mela

It is not exactly known since when did people begin to hold Kumbh Mela. It is widely known how this spectacle of faith has attracted the curiosity of foreigners across the world. The first written evidence of the Kumbh Mela can be found in the accounts of Chinese monk Xuanzang who visited India in 629–645 CE, during the reign of King Harshavardhana.

Later on, in the 8th century, the great Indian saint Shankara popularized the Kumbh Mela among the common people. With each passing year the fair began to be attended by more and more people.  

By 2003, the number of pilgrims attending Kumbh Mela had grown to a record 80 million! By 2010, the attendance was approximately 90 million!! 

Kumbh Mela Photos Nashik 2015

Today, more than 1 billion people is expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela Nahik in 2015. It is largest gathering place in the world.