Jayanta was the
Prince of the Gods. As soon as he got it he ran away with the pot of amrita.The Asuras
chased him.
For twelve days, Jayanta ran here and there.
On the way, however, a part of the amrita from the pot spilled over at four places.
One of these places was Prayag.
Once in twelve years that event is celebra- ted in Prayag in the month of Kumbha. It is
called the Kumbha Mela.
'Kumbha', as you know, means pot and 'Mela' means festival.This Mela celebrates the
falling of amrita over Prayag.
Millions of people from all over India come to Prayag for the Mela. Some Sadhus also
come from the Himalayas. All bathe in the Triveni Sangam. It was here that the amrita was
spilt.
The Kumbha Mela is a very old and a very holy festival.
Meeting holy people and bathing together in holy waters on holy occasions are all part
of our way of life.
