A sacred Hindu festival that attracts visitors from around the world, the Kumbh Mela is a spectacular sight. According to legends, demigods and demons were fighting for “amrit” or the elixir of life when a few drops fell into four places on Earth – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Depending on the placement of the planets, the sun and the moon according to astrology, one of these places is rumoured to develop mystical powers. People believe that being physically present in these places at this time grants them access to these mystical powers and that is why the Kumbh Mela is held. Every three years a normal Kumbh Mela is held, every six years is an Ardh (half) Mela and every twelve years Purna Kumbh Mela takes place. The Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 144 years. The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 2001 with over 60 million attendees. The Kumbh Mela of 2019 will be held between 15th of January to the 4th of March. People from around the world come to the Kumbh Mela to