Which city does not traditionally hold Kumbh Mela? 

The correct answer is Varanasi.

Key Points

• Kumbh Mela is traditionally held in four cities in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
• These cities are associated with the mythological story of the churning of the ocean and the drops of nectar (Amrita) that fell in these places.
• Varanasi, although a prominent and holy city, is not one of the traditional locations for the Kumbh Mela.
• The Kumbh Mela rotates between these four locations every three years.

Additional Information

• Kumbh Mela
  • It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees.
  • The event is marked by ritualistic bathing at the banks of the sacred rivers in the respective locations.
  • The Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar on the Ganges, at Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati, at Ujjain on the Shipra, and at Nashik on the Godavari.
  • The event is recognized for its mass participation and the spiritual significance of the holy dip in the rivers.
• Haridwar
  • It is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is a major pilgrimage site.
  • The Ganges River, which flows through Haridwar, is considered sacred, and the city hosts the Kumbh Mela periodically.
• Prayagraj
  • Also known as Allahabad, it is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers, is a significant site for the Kumbh Mela.
• Ujjain
  • Ujjain is an ancient city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Shipra River, where the Kumbh Mela is held, is considered holy in Hinduism.