Kumbh Mela: North Indian Pilgrimage

The question asks to identify a specific North Indian fair that occurs every 12 years and is a significant Hindu pilgrimage event held at Prayagraj.

Analyzing the Options

• Kumbh Mela: This is a major Hindu pilgrimage and festival, celebrated in four different locations in India, including Prayagraj. It is held cyclically, with the Purna Kumbh (full Kumbh) occurring every 12 years. This aligns perfectly with the question's criteria.
• Hemis Festival: This is a Tibetan Buddhist festival held in Ladakh, not primarily a Hindu pilgrimage event in North India.
• Surajkund Mela: This is an annual international craft fair held in Haryana, focusing on handicrafts and culture, not specifically a 12-yearly Hindu pilgrimage.
• Pushkar Mela: This is a famous annual camel and livestock fair held in Pushkar, Rajasthan, known for its cultural significance but not fitting the 12-year cycle or the Prayagraj location requirement.

Identifying the Correct Fair

Based on the criteria of being a North Indian fair, a major Hindu pilgrimage, held every 12 years, and specifically associated with Prayagraj, the Kumbh Mela is the correct answer.

The Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj (historically known as Allahabad) is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims.