The Mahakumbh Mela stands as the largest religious gathering in India, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Scheduled for 2025, the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj is set to be a grand event, with preparations in full swing. This sacred fair is held once every 12 years, offering a magnificent blend of Indian culture, spirituality, and tradition alongside the convergence of three holy rivers. The festivities begin on Paush Purnima, January 13, and will continue until Mahashivratri fast, February 26. Following this, the Maha Kumbh Mela was last held in Prayagraj in 2013, with an estimated 10 crore devotees in attendance. Full security measures have been in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Discover the significance of the Mahakumbh Mela and the dates of the major bath.

Bathing in Mahakumbh is believed to wash away all sins, and this sacred fair is being organized on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, set to take place in the year 2025. At the confluence, the majestic faces of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet, and the Saraswati river merges with the unseen, further enhancing the significance of Prayagraj. Beyond Prayagraj, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is staged every six years in Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. However, the anticipation for the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 is unparalleled. According to religious beliefs, bathing and meditating in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela is believed to purify the soul, cleansing it of all sins and liberating the individual from the chains of birth and death.

Countdown to Spirituality: Maha Kumbh Mela Begins January 13, 2024

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at four sacred pilgrimage sites in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Scheduled to take place in 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela will commence on January 13th, the day of Paush Purnima, and will conclude with a grand royal bath on February 26th, coinciding with the Mahashivratri fast. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers, along with the sacred waters of the Ganges, is believed to lead to salvation. This year, the inaugural royal bath is set to occur on the day of Paush Purnima, marking a significant moment for the first royal Naga sadhus to bathe. These Naga sadhus are revered as the generals of Hinduism, making this event particularly meaningful.

According to mythology, when the Amrit Kalash came out during the churning of the ocean, some of its drops fell from the urn in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain, so Kumbh Mela is organized at these four places. The royal bath has special significance in the Mahakumbh Mela and during this time every Akhara reaches the banks of the Sangam with its royal lav-lashkar and all dance and sing reach the Sangam beach and take a bath.

The Essence of Kumbh Mela: How and When India’s Largest Religious Gathering Happens

• Prayagraj - When Jupiter, the divine planet, is in Taurus, a zodiac sign, and the Sun, another celestial body, is in Capricorn, which is also a zodiac sign, and both are in transit within Capricorn on January 14, 2025, the Kumbh Mela is organized in Prayagraj. Prayagraj is a sacred place where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers converge.
• Haridwar - The Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar when the Sun has passed through Aries and Jupiter has moved into Aquarius. This celestial alignment marks the commencement of the grand fair, which takes place on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar.
• Nashik - The Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Nashik, Maharashtra, when both Jupiter and the Sun are in Leo. This celestial conjunction is seen as a auspicious time for the Kumbh Mela, which is traditionally held on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik.
• Ujjain - The Kumbh Mela is organized in Ujjain when the Sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in the zodiac sign of Suryadev. This celestial alignment is considered a perfect time for the Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain.

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every three years in Ujjain, Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Nashik. The Ardh Kumbh Mela, a more significant event, occurs once every six years on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar and Prayagraj. The Purna Kumbh Mela, the grandest of them all, is held once every twelve years in Prayagraj. A Maha Kumbh Mela is organized following the completion of twelve Kumbh Melas. Previously, the Maha Kumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj in the year 2013.

Shahi Snan

• 13 January 2024 - Paush Purnima 
• 14 January 2025 - Makar Sankranti 
• 29 January 2025 - Mauni Amavasya 
• 3 February 2025 - Vasant Panchami 
• 12 February - Maghi Purnima 
• 26 February - Mahashivratri Festival (Last Shahi Snan)