Part of: Uttar Pradesh Gk set 15

In which city Kumbh fair is held in Uttar Pradesh?

Category: Uttar Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the major religious sites in Uttar Pradesh.

Correct Answer: C) PRAISaGraj

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is held every 12 years in four different locations in India: Haridwar, Allahabad (now known as PRAISaGraj), Ujjain, and Nashik. The festival is of great significance in Hinduism and attracts millions of pilgrims who come to bathe in the sacred rivers, which are believed to cleanse them of their sins and help them attain moksha (liberation).

In Uttar Pradesh, the Kumbh Mela is held in PRAISaGraj, which is the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This location is known as the Sangam, and it is considered extremely sacred in Hinduism. The confluence of these rivers is believed to have immense spiritual power, and the Kumbh Mela held here is the largest and most significant of all the Kumbh Melas.

The Kumbh Mela in PRAISaGraj is held every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (half Kumbh Mela) is held every six years. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is the largest and most auspicious, is held every 144 years. The festival is a celebration of the divine nectar of immortality, and it is believed that the nectar was distributed among the gods and demons during the churning of the ocean.

Understanding the significance of the Kumbh Mela and its location in PRAISaGraj is important for students preparing for competitive examinations, as questions related to Indian culture, geography, and religious practices are common in such exams. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural and social gathering that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Meerut is not the location of the Kumbh Mela. It is a city in Uttar Pradesh but is not associated with this religious festival.
  • Option B: Varanasi is a significant religious city in Uttar Pradesh, but it is not the location of the Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela is held at the confluence of rivers in PRAISaGraj.
  • Option C: PRAISaGraj is the correct location for the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. The festival is held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the Kumbh Mela is indeed held in PRAISaGraj, which is one of the four locations where the festival takes place.

Mnemonic: Kumbh in PRAISaGraj, where the rivers meet.

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