<h4>Understanding the Kumbh Mela Cycle</h4><p>The <strong>Kumbh Mela</strong> is a significant Hindu pilgrimage and festival celebrated periodically. It occurs <strong>four times</strong> over a span of <strong>twelve years</strong>, with each occurrence taking place at one of four specific locations in India. This cycle is determined by specific astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.</p><div class="key-point-box">The <strong>Kumbh Mela</strong> is a major event, occurring four times in a <strong>12-year cycle</strong>.</div><h4>The Ardh-Kumbh Mela</h4><p>Distinct from the full Kumbh Mela, the <strong>Ardh-Kumbh Mela</strong>, meaning 'Half Kumbh', is also a revered pilgrimage. It is celebrated every <strong>sixth year</strong>, effectively marking the halfway point of the larger 12-year Kumbh cycle.</p><p>The Ardh-Kumbh Mela specifically takes place at two of the four Kumbh locations: <strong>Haridwar</strong> and <strong>Prayagraj</strong> (formerly Allahabad). These events draw millions of devotees for ritual bathing in sacred rivers.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Ardh-Kumbh Mela:</strong><ul><li><strong>Frequency:</strong> Every <strong>6th year</strong></li><li><strong>Locations:</strong> Primarily <strong>Haridwar</strong> and <strong>Prayagraj</strong></li><li><strong>Significance:</strong> A 'half' pilgrimage, occurring mid-cycle of the full Kumbh.</li></ul></div><div class="exam-tip-box">For <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, remember the distinction between the <strong>12-year cycle</strong> of the main Kumbh Mela and the <strong>6-year cycle</strong> of the Ardh-Kumbh Mela, along with their specific locations. This is a common factual question.</div>