Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 Bathing (Shahi Snan) Dates, a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr.
Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Makar Sankranti
Ganga is considered as the river of heaven. This river came to earth by the religious austerity of Bhagirath and river had conjunction with ocean for the reclamation of ocean. The day Ganga dissolved in ocean was the day of Makar Sankranti. Hence, the virtue of bathing in Ganga today is much more than any other day. In Kolkata, lakhs of devotees come to take bath in Ganga sagar. In Allahabad as well, great masses come for bathing and doing charity on the banks of Sangam. One month of Kalpvas(kumbh mela) is also started in Allahabad from the day of Makar Sankranti, which is been followed since the era of Ramayana.
Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Paush Purnima
On the day of Paush Purnima, devotees take baths in various sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna. People take baths at various places including Haridwar and relieve themselves of all their sins and problems. Taking baths, donations, charities etc are considered very sacred on this day. The baths of Magh month start with Paush Purnima and hence, this day is considered very important. It is believed that all wishes come true on this day.
Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Mauni Amavasya
The Amavasya of Magh Masa is called the Mauni Amavasya. Sun and Moon enter and the Capricorn sign, because of the transit, on this day. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Manu Rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa. Hence, this day is considered as the beginning of the universe creation. Capricorn sign has the Yoga of Sun and Moon which increases the significance of this Amavasya. Bathing in Sangam of Allahabad, gives virtues to an individual, on this day. According to some scholar, Maun Vrat should be observed. Maun (silent) Vrat means to control all our senses. It depends on a person for how long he wants to observe silence. People take the resolution of Maun Vrat for a day, or a month, or for one year.
Significance of Bathing in Ganga Water on Maghi Purnima
Magh Purnima or Magha Pournami, also known as Maha Maghi, is one of the auspicious Pournami days for Hindu devotees. Purnima is considered as significant in terms of spiritual practice and performing religious rituals. Samudra Snan or Punya Nadi Snanam (holy dip in holy waters) on Maha Maghi is highly meritorious deed. It is auspicious for Snana, Daana, Japa, and Parayana.
sourced from net for my Hindu friends
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013 Bathing (Shahi Snan) Dates
Bathing DatesDayOccasionRemark
14th January 2013SundayMakar SankarntiFirst Shahi Snan
27th January 2013SundayPaush Purnima-
6th February 2013WednesdayEkadashi Snan-
10th February 2013SundayMauni Amavasya SnanMain Bathing Day (Dark moon)
15th February 2013FridayBasant Panchami Snan Fifth day of the new moon
17th February 2013SundayRath Saptami Snan
18th February 2013MondayBhisma Ashtami Snan Eigth day of the new moon
25th February 2013MondayMaghi Purnima Snan
10th March 2013SundayShivaratri Snan
These are the dates when millions will come to take a holy dip at confluence of holy rivers at Allahabad. For further help please visit Kumbh Mela 2013 Facebook page and post any queries about the festival.
