Rameshwaram - Varanasi of south India
Rameshwaram is a Hindu holy pilgrim city in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is placed on the Pamban Island which is not directly connected to the Indian mainland, Pamban channel separates the two land masses. There is a long Pamban bridge connecting both the lands. Rameshwaram is about 50 Kms from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is one among the twelve Jotirlingas in India and is one amongst the Char Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage. The other three being Dwarka, Badrinath and Jagganath Puri. There for Rameshwaram is a very important pilgrim center for Hindu Devotees. According to religious scriptures Lord Rama built a bridge Ram Setu on the Sea from Rameshwaram to Lanka to facilitate his army to cross the ocean to fight with Ravan and bring back his abducted wife Sita. The bridge was built from Dhanushkodi the southern tip of the Island. Ex president of India Dr. A.P.J.Kalam belongs to this fishing settlement of Dhanushkodi. Rameshwaram is a conch shaped Island only 61 Sq. Kms in Area. The Ramnathswamy temple occupies the major area of Rameshwaram. The beach at Rameshwaram has no waves at all in it. It is said that it was Lord Rama’s pray to the Sea God to give a path to Lanka, the God of the sea to allow smooth passage to Lanka, made his waves calm here, thus the bridge building was made easy. The weather in Rameshwaram is Dry Tropical type, temperature in the town being between 17° to 37° throughout the year.
According to the religious scriptures (Puranas) Lord Rama was advised by the rishis to install and worship Shivalinga to absolve him of the sin of Killing a Brahman (Ravana). Hanumanji were sent to mount Kailash to bring a Shivalinga. As Hanumanji were getting late on return, Sita mata meanwhile made a linga of sand for worship. To Please Hanumanji, linga brought by him was also installed beside the sand linga and lord Rama asked to ever worship Hanumanji’s linga first and the sand linga later. The Ramanatha Swamy temple has the biggest temple corridor (about 1220 meters total length) amongst other Indian Temples. There are 22 wells in the temple premises the water of each well is different from other.
How to reach :
Rameshwaram can be reached by road from all the towns of the state and outside. There are direct trains from Madurai, Chennai and Kanyakumari from the terminal town of Rameshwaram. One direct weekly train runs from Rameshwaran Dham to Dwarka Dham on a 72 hours journey thereby connecting two of the Char Dhams of Hindu importance.
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Pilgrimage,
Tourist Places in Rishikesh - Yoga Capital of the World
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| View of Rishikesh & holy river Ganga Image credit:Aleksandr Zykov |
Rishikesh is a holy town in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It lies in Dehradun district of the state. It is situated at foothills of Himalayan ranges and is often called as gateway to the Himalaya. The town is visited by both pilgrims and tourists. The place is significant in the view that it is through the place that most of the devotees visit other important pilgrimage center like Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Rishikesh literally means Lord of the Senses and it is referred to Lord Vishnu. The holy river of Ganga also flows through the town. Rishikesh is also famous for its many Yoga centers. It is even sometimes called as the world capital of Yoga.
Triveni Ghat :
Triveni Ghat is the place in Rishikesh where three rivers namely the Ganga, the Sarswati and the Yamuna meet. This place is regarded as one of the most sacred place for Hindus and many devotees are seen taking bath here. The place is visited by devotees and tourists as well.Lakshman Jhula :
You can also visit Lakshman Jhula which is situated near Swarga Ashram in Rishikesh. This 450-feet long iron bridge is built on the river of Ganga in 1939 AD. Rishikesh also offers its adventurous tourists fascinating experience of trekking as it houses many trekking sites. It also offers the tourists water sport like river rafting. White river rafting is the popular activity in Rishikesh. Many adventurous tourists both domestic and foreign take the joy of river rafting. There are facilities regarding this and training and guidance are also given to those who want to have the thrilling experience of the rafting.How to reach :
Rail and road connect the town of Rishikesh to other parts of the country.By Train:
Rishikesh railway station is well linked by many trains to Delhi, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Mumbai and many other cities and towns of the country.
By Road:
Many state run buses and other private vehicles, car rental services are available to reach Rishikesh from Dehradun, Haridwar and other places of the state and the country. It is just 21 km from Haridwar and 43 km from Dehradun.
By Air:
Jollygrant Airport at Dehradun serves as the nearest airbase to Rishikesh and is well linked by regular flights to Delhi. You can hire a airport transfer taxi prior to your arrival at the airport through online portal or smart phone application.
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Best of India,
Mahuli Fort
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| scenic view of Mahuli fort |
Mahuli Fort is located in Thane District of the state of Maharashtra. Mahuli is small town where this fort is situated. It is also the highest point in Thane district. It is gifted with hills and lush green thick forests. The government has declared the forest around the town as sanctuary. The Mahuli Fort is a famous tourist attraction in Thane. Although the creator of the fort is not known, it has historic significance attached to it. It is a place where Shahaji Raje, the father of Shivaji Maharaj, along with wife and son Shivaji himself lived here for little time. The fort has seen many invasions by other rulers also. Maratha kings won and lost it in war many times.
This famous fort of Mahuli falls in Kasara region of the state. The fort is situated at the altitude of 760 m. This historic monument is surrounded by dense forest. There is a river down the base of the fort and it adds to charming beauty of the fort and surroundings. The fort looks like a small finger shaped hill and that make it looks distinct from other nearby mountains. The fort offers a beautiful view of nearby Tansa Lake. The routes to interiors of the fort are very mystifying and baffle the new entrants.
Apart from Mahuli Fort, Mahuli also houses other places of attraction like Tansa Lake and Manas Mandir. Marathi is widely spoken language in the region while Hindi is also spoken by many people. It has pleasant weather in winter. October to march is the best time to visit the fort.
How to reach Mahuli fort:
By train:
Asangaon railway station is just 6 km from Mahuli and serves as the nearest railhead to it. The railway station is well linked to Mumbai and other cities of the state.
By road:
There are many state run buses and taxi services available from Asangaon to reach Mahuli. Asangaon is furthermore connected well by road to Mumbai and other cities and town of the state.
By air:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai is the nearest airbase to Mahuli. It is just 80km away from Mahuli. The air port is well linked by several domestic and international flights to other major cities of India and other countries. You can take a taxi from Mumbai airport to reach your destination.
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Archive,
Tourist places in Darjeeling
Darjeeling, the world famous tourist destination, is a city of Indian state of West Bengal. It is well known for its tea industry and Eco-tourism. During the colonial time the British developed it as a major hill station and tea- growing area. Subsequently extensive tea plantation was done in the region. Now the Darjeeling tea is internationally renowned tea and ranks among most popular black teas. Darjeeling has pleasant weather throughout the year. Average temperature of the region ranges from 25c in summer to 10c in winter.
Places of interest:
Darjeeling is famous for its beautiful natural sights and pleasant weather.Kanchenjunga Mountain :
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Kanchenjunga Mountain
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Standing at the altitude of about 8580m, Kanchenjunga Mountain is third Highest Mountain in the world. Located just 11 km from Darjeeling, Tiger Hills offer its tourists wonderful views of Kanchenjunga Mountain. The Tiger Hills is elevated at the altitude of about 2550m. Mount Everest which is about 225 km from Tiger Hill can also be seen from the Tiger Hill. It also provides amazing sight of Sun rising. But one has to get up early at 4.am to be able to witness the event of Sun rising.
Observatory Hills :
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| Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Image credit: Matt Stabile |
Another place of interest in Darjeeling is Observatory Hills. The place has religious importance attached to it. It is important for both Hindus and Buddhist. Temple of Mahakal is situated on this hill. Mahakal is considered to be one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva.
Mountaineering Museum :
Mountaineering Museum in Darjeeling has the collection of historical mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan Flora and fauna and relief model of Himalaya.Everest museum :
Everest museum is another museum to be seen here.Snow Leopard Breeding Center :
Darjeeling also houses Snow Leopard Breeding Center which is devoted to snow leopard breeding program. Snow leopard is one of the endangered species and efforts are being taken breed these species in captivity. Snow leopards are kept in large enclosures and visitors are allowed to watch them. Complete silence is maintained in the center.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also known as Troy train is UNESCO recognized World Heritage. Journey of the troy train starts from Siliguri and offers excellent views. Other places of interest in Darjeeling include Aloobari Gompa,Bhutai Busty Gompa, Ghoom Monastery and Badamtam Tea Estate.
Best time to visit Darjeeling
1] March to May :
Temperature during this months are between 13°C to 18°C. You can feel bright sunlight sky and fresh breeze atmosphere.2] October to November :
Temperature ranges between 5°C to 7°C and it's the best and recommended time by most of the traveler because the monsoon season would have stopped by this month and you can experience clear sky and moderate cool temperature.How to reach:
By road:
Darjeeling is well connected by rail and road to other parts of the state and the country. Many state run buses and private luxury buses are available from other cities of the state and the country.
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. It is well connected to many other cities of India. Darjeeling can also be reached from Siliguri by the famous Troy Train.
By train:
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. It is well connected to many other cities of India. Darjeeling can also be reached from Siliguri by the famous Troy Train.
By airport:
Nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri. You can hire a taxi or cab from there to reach your desire destination.Other details:
The diverse ethnic populace of the town celebrates several local festivals in the town. The Darjeeling Carnival is celebrated over ten days every year in the winter. The carnival is initiated by civic society movement known as Darjeeling Initiative.
Tag :
Weekend Spots,
Palani Hills - Oldest mountain ranges in India
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| Palani Hills |
Palani Hills is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. It is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Hills is located at the eastern part of the western Ghat of India. The region is home to nomadic tribe of Paliyan. The people of the tribe normally reside in the caves in the region. Palani hill is rich in beautiful nature and offers many places of interest in around it. It is also an ideal place for bird watchers as many species of birds are found there.
Bison well :
Bison well is known for its vegetation and wild life. Wild life includes birds and various animals like elephant, tiger, monkey, deer etc. Bison well got its name from the Bisons that used to come to the well. There are other place of interest in and around Palani Hills like Kuthiraiyar Dam Falls, Thekkanthottam and Varathamanathi Dam.
Bison well :
Bison well is known for its vegetation and wild life. Wild life includes birds and various animals like elephant, tiger, monkey, deer etc. Bison well got its name from the Bisons that used to come to the well. There are other place of interest in and around Palani Hills like Kuthiraiyar Dam Falls, Thekkanthottam and Varathamanathi Dam.
Kuthiraiyar Dam : Kuthiraiyar Dam is situated near Pappampatti and has a beautiful waterfall at the back of it.
Thekkanthottam : Thekkanthottam is another fascinating water fall located near Palani hills.
Varathmanathi Dam : Varathmanathi Dam is famous tourist spot. It is a nice place to spend time with your children as the place many amusements for the children.
Temple of Murugan :
Palani Hills also has many temples in and around it. Prominent among them is the temple of Murugan. It is prime attraction of the region. You have to climb as many as 670 steps to get to the temple. There is also the facility of rope car which take you to the top the hill. You can also watch from here panoramic view of almost entire Palani Hills.
Palani Hills also has many temples in and around it. Prominent among them is the temple of Murugan. It is prime attraction of the region. You have to climb as many as 670 steps to get to the temple. There is also the facility of rope car which take you to the top the hill. You can also watch from here panoramic view of almost entire Palani Hills.
The temple of Tiru Avinankudi :
The temple of Tiru Avinankudi is another place of worship which is situated at the foot of Palani Hills. It is one of the largest and oldest temples of the region. You can also take some time out to visit the temple of Mariamman Kovail. The temple is just 1 km away from Palani Hills.
How to reach :The temple of Tiru Avinankudi is another place of worship which is situated at the foot of Palani Hills. It is one of the largest and oldest temples of the region. You can also take some time out to visit the temple of Mariamman Kovail. The temple is just 1 km away from Palani Hills.
Palani Hills is well linked by road and rail to other parts of the state and the country. Palani railway station is connected to Palakkad, Coimbatore, Madurai and other cities and towns of the state and the country. Many state run buses and other private vehicles are also available from other Madurai, Chennai, Coimbatore and many other cites and towns of the state. Coimbatore also serves as the nearest airbase to Palani hill. The airport is well linked by many flights to other major cities of the country.
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Best of India,
Kashid Beach,Alibag
Kashid is a small beach town in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated in Konkan region of the state and is just 30 km away from Alibag and 135 km from Mumbai. Adorned with lush-green Mountain, white sand of beautiful beaches and blue sea, Kashid is popular tourist destination in the state of Maharashtra. Konkani and Marathi are widely spoken languages in the region. October to June is the best time to visit Kashid.
Places of interest: Kashid houses many places of attraction in and around it.
The prime attraction of Kashid is its beach. Its white sand, majestic view of Arabian Sea makes it beautiful place to spend evening. Blue water, beautiful mountains, lush greenery makes it a must visit place.
Phansad Bird Sanctuary :
Phansad Bird Sanctuary is one of them. It is spread over an area of about 52 sq km and is home to large number of amphibians, mammals, insects etc. it is an ideal place for nature lovers.
Data Mandir :
Data Mandir is important place of worship in Kashid. This red –domed temple is located on a hill top. The temple also offers wonderful views of Murud-Janjira and the fascinating costal area surrounding it.
Revdanda Beach fort :
Revdanda Beach fort is one of remnant legacy of Portuguese in India. It is in ruined conditioned now. Still it is very fascinating place to visit.
Other details:
Prakruti Resort and Kashid Beach resort provide the accommodation facility to visitors. Apart from these luxury resorts local people also gives their make shift shacks and room on rent to tourists.
Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and show. It is celebrated for ten days and during the festival many social, cultural and religious programs are organized.
How to reach: Several state run buses and other private vehicles like cars and luxury buses connect it to Mumbai, Alibag, Pune and many other cities and towns of the state. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Mumbai is closest one to Kashid. The airport is well linked by several domestic and international flights to other major cities of India and other countries. Roha railway station is nearest to Kashid. It is about 122 km away and well connected to other cities and towns of the state.
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Weekend Spots,
Maha Shivaratri festival
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated to remember lord Shiva and take his blessings for personal well being in this life and after. The shivratri is observed a day before the amavasya in the phalgun month according to Hindu calendar. The devotees of Shiva stay awake on 13Th night, generally walking / travelling to some Shiva temple, singing/chanting panchakshari mantra and praising the lord Shiva. They fast on 14Th day as a penance and offering to lord Shiva, people generally restrain themselves from eating grains on this day, only some fruits, milk and milk products and some items like sabudana (sago), nuts and dry fruits can be savored while fasting. Some people take a complete fasting and restrain themselves from eating anything and some even fast without water known as nirjala fast. Bael leaves, flowers, ghee lamp, incense sticks and bhoga are offered at the temples. This is the biggest devotional event among the Hindus and devotees all around the country(India) observe this day with great religious obligations.
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Indian Festivals,
Nandi Hills - Tourist attraction
Nandi Hills is hill station situated in the state of Karnataka, India. The hill falls in the district of Chikkaballapur. It is just 10 km from Chikkaballapur and 60 km away from Bangalore, capital city of the state. Located at the altitude of 1478 m, Nandi Hills was summer resort of Tipu Sultan. It has pleasant weather throughout the year. Nandi Hills is a popular tourist spot in the state. It is also known as Nandidurg. It was the Mysore Fort before it was conquered by the British in 1791
Tipu’s Drop is popular tourist attraction in Nandi Hills. It is 600 m high cliff situated on the Hills. It is said that the prisoners who were sentenced to death were thrown down off this cliff. The cliff offers beautiful views of the city. Nandi temple is place of worship located at the foothills of Nandi Hills. Built by Kempe Gowda, a local ruler during Vijayanagara Kings the temple has many beautiful pillars and attractive metal works. It is believed that Nandi Hills has derived its name from this temple.
Yoganandeeshwara Temple is another place of worship in Nandi Hills. The temple was established by Cholas and is perched on the top of the hill. The temple has beautiful structure and architecture.
Brahmashram is another place of interest near Nandi Hills. It is beautiful and attractive cave. The place is believed to be meditating place of sage Ramkrishana Paramhansa who was one of the greatest devotee of Goddess Kali. Cool weather near the cave attracts many tourists.
Nandi Hills is well linked by road to other parts of the state and the country. Many state run buses and other private vehicles are available from Nadigarama, Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and other cities and towns of the state and the country. Chikkaballapur railway station serves nearest rail head to Nandi Hills. The railway station is well connected to other cities and towns of the state and the country. Bangalore International Airport is closest airbase to Nandi Hills and it is well linked by several flights to other major cities of India and other countries.
Tipu’s Drop is popular tourist attraction in Nandi Hills. It is 600 m high cliff situated on the Hills. It is said that the prisoners who were sentenced to death were thrown down off this cliff. The cliff offers beautiful views of the city. Nandi temple is place of worship located at the foothills of Nandi Hills. Built by Kempe Gowda, a local ruler during Vijayanagara Kings the temple has many beautiful pillars and attractive metal works. It is believed that Nandi Hills has derived its name from this temple.
Yoganandeeshwara Temple is another place of worship in Nandi Hills. The temple was established by Cholas and is perched on the top of the hill. The temple has beautiful structure and architecture.
Brahmashram is another place of interest near Nandi Hills. It is beautiful and attractive cave. The place is believed to be meditating place of sage Ramkrishana Paramhansa who was one of the greatest devotee of Goddess Kali. Cool weather near the cave attracts many tourists.
Nandi Hills is well linked by road to other parts of the state and the country. Many state run buses and other private vehicles are available from Nadigarama, Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and other cities and towns of the state and the country. Chikkaballapur railway station serves nearest rail head to Nandi Hills. The railway station is well connected to other cities and towns of the state and the country. Bangalore International Airport is closest airbase to Nandi Hills and it is well linked by several flights to other major cities of India and other countries.
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Best of India,
Vasant Panchami - a festival devoted to Goddess Saraswati
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| Vasant Panchami |
Vasant Panchami is a festival celebrated by the Hindus all over the world. The festival celebrates the goddess of Saraswati which is known to be the goddess of Knowledge. Goddess Saraswati is a consort of the lord Brahma who is according to Hindu mythology, considered to be the creator of the whole universe. Devi Saraswati is known to be goddess of learning and wisdom. The Goddess Saraswati symbolizes the Knowledge.
The word Panchami literally means five and the festival falls on the fifth day of Mag (Jan- Feb) month of the Indian Calendar. The day is supposed to be auspicious to teach the children to write their first word in their life. On the occasion of Vasant Panchami Brahmins are invited to home and fed. Yellow color gets importance on this day. People usually try to wear yellow dress on this festival. India’s crop fields are filled with the color yellow, as the yellow mustard flowers bloom at this time of the year.The goddess Saraswati is also adorned with yellow cloths and worshiped.
Pitri Tarpan is done on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. Pitri Tarpan means worshiping ancestors. Kamdev (the god of love) is also worshipped on this holy event. Sweets are exchanged with relatives and friends. Children like to fly kites on this day. Vasant Panchami has a great religious and social importance in Indian society and hence the festival is celebrated with great fervor.
Vasant Panchami is celebrated in Punjab with more fascinating way. First of all the festival is known as Basant Panchami here. On the occasion children and many young boys and girls fly the colorful kites. Thousands of colorful kites presents amazing look in the sky. This is largely seen in Ferozepur (Punjab) where the festival is also known as Kite Festival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Kumbh Mela - The largest religious gathering on earth
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| Kumbh Mela |
Kumbha Mela is a religious fair held every twelve years at four different holy riverside sites by rotation. According to an account in the scriptures, during the churning of the ksheera Sagar (the holy ocean of milk) when the pot of Amrit (Elxir) was obtained from the ocean, a quarrel broke between the Devtas and the Asuras. Lord Vishnu fled with the Kumbh (Urn of Amrit) some drops of elixir fell in four places: Haridwar, Nasik, Allahabad and Ujjain. Therefore Kumbh Mela is held at Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik (Trimbkeshwar), Haridwar and Ujjain. Half or Ardh kumbh is held after six years. And a Maha Kumbh is held at Prayag (Allahabad) after twelve Purna kumbh or 144 years. The last Ardha Kumbh was held for 45 days starting in January at Allahabad in the year 2007. It attracted about 7 Crore (70 Million) people. The last Maha Kumbh was held at Allahabad in the year 2001; it was attended by at least 60 million people at that time which by any count was recorded as the largest single gathering of human beings anywhere in the world. People generally take an auspicious bath on the days prescribed in the Shastras; other rituals are also performed at the place of Kumbh Melas.
In the year 2013 Mahakumbh mela is held at Allahabad from 27th. January to 10th March.
Upcoming Kumbh Mela Venues:
2015 Nashik Kumbh Mela
2016 Ujjain (Simhastha) Kumbh Mela
2016 Haridwar Ardh Kumb Mela
2019 Allahabad (Prayag) Ardha Kumbh Mela
Next Kumbh Mela to be held in Nasik in the year 2015 between August 14th to September 25th. August 14th to September 25th are regarded to be the peak of the festival days of the Kumbh Mela 2015. Millions of pilgrims are expected to take part in the royal procession and holy baths in the holy water of the sacred rivers so to help you better plan and safety travel there is a best way to hire a car to reach to this Kumbh Mela comfortably.In the year 2013 Mahakumbh mela is held at Allahabad from 27th. January to 10th March.
Kumbha Mela 2013 Dates
- 14th January 2013 (Monday) Makar Sankranti
- 27th January 2013(Sunday) Paush Purnima
- 10th February 2013(Sunday) Mauni Amavasya Snan (Main Bathing Day)
- 15th February 2013(Friday) Basant Panchami Snan
- 25th February 2013 (Monday) Maghi Purnima Snan
- 10th March 2013(Sunday) Maha Shivratri
- 15th February 2013(Friday) Basant Panchami Snan
- 25th February 2013 (Monday) Maghi Purnima Snan
- 10th March 2013(Sunday) Maha Shivratri
Upcoming Kumbh Mela Venues:
2015 Nashik Kumbh Mela
2016 Ujjain (Simhastha) Kumbh Mela
2016 Haridwar Ardh Kumb Mela
2019 Allahabad (Prayag) Ardha Kumbh Mela
Schedule of events for the Nasik Kumbh Mela 2015:
Ujjain Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv 2016:
Now next Kumbh Mela is going to held in Ujjain from April 24th to May 21st 2016. Kumbh Mela at Ujjain is called as 'Simhasth'.
An auspicious dates of Ujjain Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv 2016 :
| DATE | DATE | EVENT |
| 22nd April 2016 | Friday | Shahi Snaan |
| 3rd May 2016 | Tueday | Vratparv Varuthini |
| 6th May 2016 | Friday | First Pramukh Snaan |
| 9th May 2016 | Monday | Second Pramukh Snaan on Akshaya Tritiya |
| 11th May 2016 | Wednesday | Shankaracharya Jayanti |
| 15th May 2016 | Sunday | Vrishabh Sankranti |
| 17th May 2016 | Tuesday | Mohini Ekadashi |
| 19th May 2016 | Thursday | Pradosh |
| 20th May 2016 | Friday | Nursigh Jayanti |
| 21th May 2016 | Saturday | Pramukh Shahi Snaan |
Tag :
Pilgrimage,