Kumbha Mela originated as a meeting place for the main religious
heads in the country to exchange ideas. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, who
visited India
in the seventh century of the Christian era, described of a similar festival at
Prayag, presided by King Harsha. King Harshvardhan arranged the Kumbha Mela as
a great fair and meeting of saints, sages and sects, called the Mahamoksha
Parishad. It is not clear whether the festival celebrated in Harsha's time was actually
Kumbh Mela; for the festival over which, Harsha presided came every five years
and Kumbh Mela at present comes once in 12 years. To know more read: