Maha Maham festival: The Holy Bath Festival- Kumbakonam

The Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam attracts millions of devotees from around the globe. This grand event takes place once every 12 years during the Tamil month of Maasi, falling between February and March. According to Hindu mythology, the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Sarayu, Cauvery, Saraswati, Mahanadi, and Narmada sought salvation from Lord Brahma to cleanse themselves. Many followers believe that by bathing in these rivers during the Maha Magam Festival, they can rid themselves of sins. It is said that Lord Brahma granted the rivers their wish during this festival. The Mahamaham square tank covers an impressive 20-acre area and is surrounded by Lord Shiva mandapams. The ten-day festivities of the Mahamaham Festival commence with the hoisting of a Holy flag at the Vaishnavite Temple in the town. Kumbakonam comes alive with joy and celebration during this time. Devotees trust that bathing in this tank purifies their souls from past wrongdoings. On the day of the festival, over 50 lakhs of devotees gather at the Holy tank for a sacred bath. Poojas and homams are performed by devotees on all auspicious days, as the holy tank is considered a blessed site.