Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 It promises to be an extraordinary spiritual event, attracting an estimated 40-45 crore pilgrims to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for a holy dip that purifies sins and bestows salvation.
The Kumbh Mela, recognized as the world’s largest religious gathering, revolves around four holy cities – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. While the Kumbh Mela occurs at each of these sites every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a An event that happens once in 144 yearsThis rare event will occur 2025 Due to the unique alignment of celestial bodies, it became a historic occasion.
spread from 13 January (Makar Sankranti) To 26 February (Mahashivratri)The 44-day long Maha Kumbh will feature a series of religious rituals that will attract millions of people seeking spiritual renewal.
Types of Kumbh Melas and their differences
1. Kumbh Mela (every 4 years)
The Kumbh Mela rotates across four locations:
Haridwar: on the banks of Ganga
Nashik: banks of Godavari
ujjain:on shipra
Prayagraj: Where Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati meet.
Devotees gather at these sites to take bath in the holy rivers to get rid of their sins.
2. Ardh Kumbh Mela (every 6 years)
Ardh Kumbh, held only in Prayagraj and Haridwar, is smaller in scale but significant for the similar ritualistic river bathing.
3. Complete Kumbh Mela (every 12 years)
Purna Kumbh takes place exclusively in Prayagraj, the dates of which are determined by the alignment of the planets. It attracts millions of people due to its religious importance.
4. Mahakumbh Mela (every 144 years)
Maha Kumbh is the rarest and most revered, occurring once in every 12 full Kumbh Melas. It is believed that taking bath on this occasion provides unique spiritual benefits.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Major rituals and events
Peshwai procession: Grand parade of Akharas with elephants, horses and chariots
Shahi Snan (Shahi Snan): Most important bathing ritual led by Naga Sadhus
â–º Cultural celebrations that enthrall millions of pilgrims
Shahi Snan Dates for Mahakumbh 2025
13 January: Paush Purnima Snan (Inauguration Day)
15 January: makar sankranti bath
29 January: Mauni Amavasya Bath
3 February: Basant Panchami bath
12 February: Maghi Purnima Bath
26 February: Maha Shivratri Snan (Closing Day)
How are the dates of the Kumbh Mela decided?
The position of Jupiter (Guru) and Sun plays an important role. Astrologers and religious leaders examine these alignments to select the time and place for the Kumbh Mela.
Magh Mela: A Mini Kumbh
The Magh Mela, or ‘Chhota Kumbh’, is held every year in Prayagraj during the month of Magh (January–February), attracting thousands of people for the ritual bath.
Origin of Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela has its roots in mythology sea ​​churningTo achieve this the gods and demons churned the ocean. Nectar (Elixir of immortality). The drops of this nectar fell at four places – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik, due to which these places were established as holy pilgrimage places.
