Surya Grahan Mela
The Surya Grahan Mela is held at Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar in Kurukshetra, Haryana — places of immense spiritual and mythological importance in Hinduism.
Occasion:
The fair is organized during the solar eclipse (Surya Grahan), which is considered a highly sacred event in Hindu tradition. It takes place whenever a solar eclipse occurs, attracting devotees from across India.
Religious Significance:
According to Hindu beliefs, bathing in the holy waters of Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse helps one attain salvation (moksha), wash away sins, and bring peace to the souls of ancestors. The site is mentioned in ancient texts as a land blessed by Lord Krishna and associated with the Mahabharata.
Main Activities and Rituals:
Snan (Holy Bath): Devotees take a dip in the sacred tanks during the eclipse.
Puja and Havan: Offerings and prayers to the Sun God (Surya Dev).
Charity: Many people donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
Spiritual Discourses: Saints and scholars deliver religious sermons highlighting the importance of Kurukshetra.
Participants:
The mela draws lakhs of pilgrims from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and other parts of India. Tourists and foreign visitors also participate to witness the unique spiritual event.
Arrangements:
The district administration and Kurukshetra Development Board make extensive arrangements for crowd management, security, medical aid, transportation, and sanitation. Special facilities like bathing ghats, water supply, and parking are provided for devotees.
Cultural and Spiritual Vibe:
The entire region of Kurukshetra transforms into a vibrant spiritual hub, filled with chants, devotional songs, and religious fervor, reflecting India’s deep cultural and spiritual heritage.