2019-06-20 Thu

India Post has released a commemorative postage stamp featuring Kumbh Mela Praayagraj from Allahabad on 2nd February 2019.

The Kumbh Mela is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. Kumbha Mela derives its name from both the original festival being held according to the astrological sign “Kumbha” and from the associated Hindu legend in which the gods and demons fought over “Amrit Kumbh,” or pot of nectar that would give them immortality.

The legend says that while in transit tone of the gods spilled drops of nectar near four places. Those are the places where Kumbh Melas are held. Traditionally, four fairs are widely recognized as the Kumbh Melas: the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Haridwar Kumbh Mela, Nashik Kumbh Mela, and Ujjain Kumbh Mela.

When the Sun is in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Taurus, it is held at Allahabad. The "Kumbh Mela" at Prayagraj is widely considered as the most significant among all the Kumbh festivals held at other locations. It is considered as the "source of light and knowledge".

Kumbh Mela has been inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The postage Stamp of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) is brought out by India Post to commemorate the "Kumbh Mela". The stamp features a group of holy men taking a dip in the energized waters of the three rivers - "Sangam" with several boats on the river through which the pilgrims reach the Sangam in the background.

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