Srinagar, Mar 27 : The centuries-old Kumbh Mela is set to return to Kashmir this year after a gap of more than eight decades, with a 10-day festival scheduled in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district from July 15, a spiritual leader said on Friday.
Swami Kalikananda Saraswati said the event will be held at Shadipora from July 15 to 24, with an expected participation of around two to three lakh devotees.
“A one-day Kumbh Mela was organised in Kashmir in 2016, in which nearly 35,000 people took part. However, due to the situation at that time, it could not be extended. This year, we are planning a full 10-day Mela,” he said.
He added that the Kumbh Mela used to be an annual event in Kashmir until 1941, but was discontinued due to various reasons, including external interventions.
An all-religion conference will also be organised during the Mela, allowing participation from people of different faiths, he said. (Agency)
