Malappuram, Kerala: Kerala, the land of Shankaracharya, is all set to welcome its first ever Kumbh Mela in history. The state’s own mega religious event, taking note of the Kumbh religious gathering of North India, will be held from January 18 to February 3. Shankaracharya is believed to have founded the Akhara system to oversee the propagation of Sanatana Dharma in North India, under which Kumbh Mela are held.

The mega event will take place on the banks of the Bharathapuzha in front of the Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple in Malappuram on the lines of the four major Kumbh Mela—in Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj.

Read Also: Maha Kumbh Mela Begins Today: All You Need To Know About India’s Largest Religious Gathering

On November 23, a reception committee will be constituted to coordinate the mega gathering. Notably, Juna Akhara, India’s largest monastic order and one of the principal bodies responsible for organizing the Kumbh Mela, will oversee the festival, reported The New Indian Express, quoting Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, only the third Keralite to reach the coveted spiritual rank.

Swami Bharathi recalled that Maha Makham was held during the time of Cheraman Perumal in Thirunavaya, highlighting that it was equivalent to the Kumbh Mela held in north India. Swami visited the Thirunavaya temple recently.

Read Also: Why Were Figures Suppressed?’: Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP Of ‘Hiding’ Maha Kumbh Stampede Death Toll

However, Juna akhara has now decided to organize the grand festival—Maha Makham (Kumbh Mela)—in 2028, marking the next 12-year cycle, and he will seek support from the Devaswom board for the same.