Summary
Kumbh, which is a religious bathing festival celebrated once in twelve years in the sacred cities of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain, provides impunity for sins through blessing. This year of kumbh mela is known as Maha Kumbh, and this Maha Kumbh 2025 started on 13th January at Prayagraj and appealed to devotees from across the world to take a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam.
Here in this insight, you will learn important facts and key details of Kumbh 2025.
History of kumbh
The Kumbh Mela is steeped in Hindu mythology and culture. They originated in the 8th century, when the great thought-provoking philosopher Shankara organized scholars and ascites for the purposes of debates. Pretending from puranic literature, the gods and demons churn the ocean in getting the nectar of immortality named amrit.
A battle over the pot (kumbha) of amrit led to drops spilling at four locations: Haridwar, Nashik, Prayagraj, and Ujjain. Now these places are regarded as sacred and during Kumbh Mela, the rivers at these places are considered to contain the power of the nectar.
The festival’s importance is well noted in texts such as Prayaga Mahatmya, where the city is depicted as one full of pilgrimage, priests, and merchants. It remains unclear whether Kumbh Mela equals to large and periodic gatherings at Prayag, but the fact is that such ceremonies have taken place for many centuries.
It is interesting to note that the Kumbh Mela at Prayag was first recognized in the records of the British in the nineteenth century and this branding strategy probably may have been driven by the social political situation of that time.
Ancient documents, such as Xuanzang of China visiting India during 629–645 CE, are also evidence regarding the magnificence of Kumbh Mela. He spoke of the King Harsha’s hospitality at Prayag (now Allahabad), where, having summoned the entertainers from all the corners, the king gave away all the properties possessed by him and the guests to learned men and monks alike.
The word Kumbh is by etymology from the Sanskrit word for pitcher and also means Aquarius, the zodiac sign in which Jupiter transits during Haridwar Kumbh Mela.
Types of Kumbh
| Mela | Occurrence | Location |
| Magh Mela | Once a year | Prayagraj |
| Kumbh Mela | Once every 3 years | Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain |
| Ardh Kumbh Mela | Once every 6 years | Haridwar and Prayagraj |
| Purna Kumbh Mela | Once every 12 years | Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain |
| Maha Kumbh Mela | Once every 144 years | Prayagraj |
Preliminaries of Kumbh
Socially and religiously described, Kumbh Mela is a sacred gathering characterized by various activities around the call for purification, awakening and unity.
Akhara and Peshwai Procession:
Akhara: Buddhist religious orders are associated with strict adherence to Hinduism and are designed to combine spirituality and fitness training to preserve both conventional beliefs and the traditions of Hinduism.
Peshwai Procession: This event signals the start of the festival and sees akharas take out processions on elephants, horses and chariots due to the religious importance of their tasks.
Key Akharas in Kumbh:
Niranjani: Stresses on Shukla Yaga and Jap.
Vaishnava: Organises and encourages devotion and kirtans.
Mahanirvani highlights Shaiva traditions.
Juna: Known for the processions and emancipation activities as well as practices.
Kinnar: They support social equality for transgender people.
Major Rituals in Kumbh mela
Arti: Starting the evening after dark practices that beautify and sanctify the atmosphere, such as lamp lighting, singing of hymns and chanting.
Snan (Holy Bath): Primary religious activity, which was once considered removing sins and helping get closer to moksha, is the Shahi Snan, commanded by naga sadhus.
Yajnas: Festive rituals using offerings to sanctify fire and to request spiritual grace.
Deep Daan: Lamp offerings on the shore of the river are representations of the triumph over ignorance.
Important bathing dates in Mahakumbh 2025
| Important Bathing Dates | Occasion |
| January 13, 2025 | Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day) |
| January 15, 2025 | Makar Sankranti Snan |
| January 29, 2025 | Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan) |
| February 3, 2025 | Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan) |
| February 12, 2025 | Maghi Purnima Snan |
| February 26, 2025 | Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day) |
These sacred bathing rituals are known as shahi snana. It is considered a spiritual highlight, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
Who can attend this Mahakumbh 2025?
The Kumbh Mela brings together all segments of Hindu religious orders, from ascetics exercising severe physical control to hermits, who left seclusion, and modern-day silken teachers. It has social welfare religious groups and political lobbyists with a large basement of devotees and onlookers.
Naga sadhus are militant ascetic orders who have served as mercenaries in the past; they occupy the most privileged position at the event. Although today the government maintains an ordered system of bathing among different groups, there used to be heinous fights over priority among them.
How to Reach Prayagraj for Mahakumbh ?
Being a city of religious importance, it is well connected with regular rails, roads, and flight facilities for the pilgrims and tourists across the country and abroad.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
| By Air | Allahabad Airport, now known as Prayagraj Airport, is the nearest airport with connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. |
| By Train | Prayagraj Junction is the main railway station in Prayagraj, offering good transport connectivity with various states across the country. |
| By Bus | Several buses are available from Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private operators. |
Accommodation Options in Prayagraj : A Stay for Every Traveler
The City of Worship and home to Maha Kumbh Mela-Prayagraj has all types of accommodations for all types of tourists.
Despite the different budgets people have and the demand for luxury, everybody will find something for themselves.
1. Tent City by UPSTDC
- Platinum Tents (Rs. 2,500 per night) have rooms with simple bedding and some of the tents share a bathroom, perfect for the basic devotee’s needs.
- Deluxe Tents (Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per night) offer more comfort with private bathrooms and 24/7 power.
- Luxury Tent City (Rs. 15,000 per night) features air-conditioned, cottage-style tents with gourmet meals and personal attendants.
2. Ashrams and Dharamshalas
- Bangur Dharamshala offers serene surroundings near Sangam Ghat at affordable rates.
- Rahi Triveni Darshan offers AC rooms with beautiful views of the Yamuna River for Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 per night.
- Hotel Fortune Suites provides basic amenities with rates ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000 per night.
3. Luxury Hotels
- Hotel Kanha Shyam (Rs. 16,000 per night) boasts wellness facilities like a gym, spa, and yoga.
- The Legend Hotel (Rs. 19,800 per night) offers fine dining and a relaxing stay.
- Grand Continental Hotel (Rs. 35,000 per night) provides luxurious rooms with a swimming pool and restaurant.
4. Premium Camping Experiences
- Mahakumbh Gram-IRCTC Tent City offers air-conditioned tents with attached bathrooms and meals starting from Rs. 18,000 per night.
- Kumbh Village offers private luxury tents and yoga sessions for Rs. 20,000 per night.
- Shivir camps provide suite tents, yoga, and meditation, ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 22,500.
5. Waterfront Stays
- Rishikul Kumbh Cottages (Rs. 10,000 per night) offers a peaceful atmosphere with yoga and cultural activities.
- Aagman Camps (Rs. 12,500 per night) provide deluxe tents with boat rides and spa sessions.
Past and future years of kumbh mela: 2015 – 2028
| Year | Haridwar | Prayagraj | Nashik-Trimbak | Ujjain |
| 2015 | Kumbh Mela | |||
| 2016 | Ardh Kumbh Mela | Kumbh Mela | ||
| 2017 | ||||
| 2018 | ||||
| 2019 | Ardh Kumbh Mela | |||
| 2020 | ||||
| 2021 | Kumbh Mela | |||
| 2022 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | Maha Kumbh Mela | |||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | Ardh Kumbh Mela | Kumbh Mela | ||
| 2028 | Kumbh Mela |
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