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Published on 14/01/2025
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10 Secrets about Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 that Each of us Should know

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Tonight is Paush Purnima night as I right this. And it marks the start of the largest and the Oldest Congregation of Humankind ever meeting at the Sangam of India’s three ancient Rivers Ganga, Jamuna and the legendary Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 is set to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

Kumbh literally means a kalash “Pot” or “pitcher” in Sanskrit. and has significance going back to the times unknown. It is the most remarkable gathering of ascetics from all sects, traditions and cults in India. The Kumbh Mela is believed to commemorate the legendary event of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when the nectar of immortality (Amrit) was discovered. It is said that a drop each of this divine nectar fell into the rivers from the ‘pitcher’ the kumbh at four locations where the Mela is held, giving these places immense spiritual significance.

Bathing ritual is the most significant ritual performed at Kumbh. Although taking a dip in the sacred waters on all days of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh beginning from Makar Sankranti is considered holy, yet there are some specific auspicious bathing dates.

There are six auspicious bathing days during the Maha Kumbh, which include three major royal baths (Shahi Snan) and three additional bathing days

  • January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima,
  • January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan),
  • January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan),
  • February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan),
  • February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima, and
  • February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan).

Difference Between Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela

Many people often mix up the Mahakumbh Mela with the Kumbh Mela, but the main difference between the two is their locations. Kumbh Mela occurs every three years across four different places i.e Haridwar, Nashik, Prayagraj and Ujjain while the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years and is only celebrated at Prayagraj.

Yet there are some Amazing Unknown Facts that you should know about MahaKumbh Mela 2025

2. The Secret of the ‘Kumbh’ Symbolism:

The origins of the Kumbh Mela trace back thousands of years to ancient Hindu scriptures. It is deeply rooted in the mythological story of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where drops of the nectar of immortality fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

The symbolism of the Kumbh (pitcher) is profound. In addition to representing the nectar of immortality, it is also seen as a representation of the universe and the human body. During the Mela, the Kumbh is seen as the divine container holding the nectar of wisdom and spiritual knowledge. This represents the journey of self-discovery and awakening that devotees aim for during their participation in the event.

2. The World’s Largest Religious Gathering:

The Maha Kumbh Mela is renowned as the world’s largest religious gathering, with over 100 million people expected to participate in 2025. Pilgrims from India and abroad converge at Prayagraj to take a holy dip in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the Saraswati rivers.

3. The Magical Power of Mother River Ganga and the Sacred Confluence, The Triveni Sangam:

The river Ganga is central to the Kumbh Mela, especially in Prayagraj, where the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary river Saraswati is believed to be a place of great power. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Ganga at MahaKumbh of all times will wash away all sins and grant spiritual liberation. The water from this sacred river is considered to have curative powers and is often taken home by pilgrims.

4. A 12-Year Cycle The Astrological Connection:

The timing of the Maha Kumbh Mela is determined by astrological alignments. The event occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) moves into Aquarius (Kumbh) and the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar). This celestial combination is considered highly auspicious in Hindu traditions.

Mahakumbh 2025 is special not only because of its spiritual significance but also because of the rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years.

5. Rituals Beyond the Bath:

While the most famous ritual at the Kumbh Mela is the sacred bath in the holy rivers, the event also includes a series of spiritual practices such as yajnas (fire rituals), water rituals, prayers, and religious discourses. Devotees engage in meditation and chanting, with a focus on spiritual growth and cleansing. The Mela also serves as a platform for spiritual leaders to address their followers on a variety of religious topics.

6. The Unique Role of the Naga Sadhus:

Among the millions of devotees who attend the Kumbh Mela, the Naga Sadhus (ascetic holy men) hold a special place. These ascetics, who renounce worldly pleasures and possessions, are known for their distinctive appearance—often naked and smeared with ash. The Naga Sadhus are believed to have extraordinary spiritual powers, and they play a pivotal role in the rituals and processions during the Mela.

Naga Sadhus are known and respected for their Valour and Sacrifice they gave to protect the Sanatan Dharma in the Battle of Gokul, 1757 and Kashi Vishvanath Temple in 1664. It is stated that 4000 Naga Sadhus, an original thought/creation of Adi Shankaracharya defeated an army of 40,000 Afghans Ahmed Shah Abdali while 2000 of them gave their lives to save the temple at Gokul.

7. The Significance of the Akhadas:

The Akhadas are traditional orders of ascetics, and each Akhada plays an essential role in the Kumbh Mela. The Akhadas hold processions, rituals, and lead the masses in bathing in the sacred rivers. There are different sects of Akhadas, each following unique traditions and practices, and they often compete for dominance in the spiritual arena. The Naga Sadhus, in particular, belong to a certain Akhada and are known for their fierce devotion.

8. Eco-Friendly Initiatives:

With the change that the world is going through, the Kumbh Mela of 2025 has embraced 100% eco-friendly and sustainable practices such as Zero Waste Zones, Plastic-Free Campaigns, Eco-Friendly Sanitation Facilities, Green Transportation Options and Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the Maha Kumbh’s sustainability efforts is the active involvement of pilgrims in cleanliness drives.

9. UNESCO Recognition:

Even though something like Kumbh Mela doesn’t need a recognition of any kind apart from what it already is. But due to the sheer mass, intensity and the faith this Congregation creates, it becomes a force that makes governments turn.

Hence, In 2017, the Kumbh Mela was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance

10. A Global Spiritual Magnet and A Place of Unification

The Maha Kumbh Mela attracts not only Hindu devotees but also seekers from various faiths and backgrounds. International tourists and spiritual enthusiasts come to witness the grandeur and experience the unique energy of this sacred event. It is not only a place of intense vibration but also a venue for unification. People from various regions, cultures, and social backgrounds come together, setting aside differences to participate in a common spiritual goal. The Mela acts as a bridge between India’s diverse spiritual traditions, bringing together a unique blend of sects, practices, and beliefs that reflect India’s religious pluralism.

Since forever, Hinduism, its traditions, sects or language in terms of Yoga, Meditation, Vedanta, her Philosophies known as Darshanas have long been a global phenomena and thus Mahakumbh represents a unifying festival where people from all regions, communities and countries come to bathe not just in the rivers but in the essence of what this mega festival stands for.

If you are reading this, and wish to know India i.e Bharat there could be no other time but right now, at Prayagraj.


Plan beforehand to avoid last-minute problems


The Maha Kumbh 2025, will be starting on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, January 14, 2025, would occupy 4,000 hectares along the riverbank at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and is anticipated to draw at least 40 crore visitors with an approximate expenditure of ₹6,500 crore

The Mela will end on February 26, 2025, on the holy night of Mahashivratri. Since millions of people will attend the Kumbh Mela, it is essential to reserve lodging. Kindly make travel plans in advance. Securing your location in advance is essential for tents, motels, and dharamshalas. To prevent last-minute price increases and limited availability, purchase your rail or airline tickets in advance.

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47 Comments

  1. writerexperimenter's avatar
    Aatma says

    Is it right to say a scared confluence of rivers and a symbol of unity? It signifies the ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the ocean) where nectar drops fell at four key locations – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Few years back read a book “wandering with sadhus” by Sondra L Hausner, which elucidate details of different akhara’s, naga sadhus and process to get into their spiritual hub. The background story of naga sadhus are interesting to read. Thank you for sharing this amazing spiritual tapestry where diversity is celebrated 🙏🏼

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    • Narayan Kaudinya's avatar
      Narayan Kaudinya says

      Absolutely.

      How do old friends meet? And if the meeting place becomes their alma mater the happiness is priceless. Imagine rivers meeting and the ones who have been revered for not just centuries but thousands of years, written so.much about in texts preceding most texts ever written. Similarly the sheer size(expected to be at 40 crore- is more than the population of 150 countries) and diverse regions and Communities and languages that these people are carrying within them coming to bathe at sangam. There is no celebration such as this on earth anywhere, it is not just massive but scientifically deep.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Yetismith's avatar
    Yetismith says

    The coming together of 100 million people represents a logistical nightmare, though they will hardly all be there at once. Yet when vast numbers unite in reverence or for a good purpose, I believe they create vibrations that can be effective. This is a very interesting post and I thank you for sharing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya's avatar
      Narayan Kaudinya says

      On the first day around 40 million took the dip. 45 days to go. So it might well go beyond 200 million by 26 February. Yes Caro, It is quite vibrating. Thank you for writing.

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  4. Travtrails's avatar
    Travtrails says

    Well presented facts. I am from the city of Prayagraj and have grown up listening to facts and fiction and regular visitor to the melas till 2013

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. Jyothi's avatar
    Jyothi says

    Well described, Narayan Ji! This time they have built all the facilities very well, ensuring a better and memorable experience for everyone!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Isha Garg's avatar
    Isha Garg says

    Such a well researched and written post. Been watching podcasts and interviews on the Kumbh all day! So exciting for seekers all over the world!

    Like

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  7. Suzassippi's avatar
    Suzassippi says

    Thank you, Narayan. I did a bit of additional research after reading this article to learn about Bharat. That was illuminating.

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    • Narayan Kaudinya's avatar
      Narayan Kaudinya says

      Suza, lovely to read from you again. Yes it’s a whole civilisation living out here. It’s an ancient name for India and might even become again in future. Thank you.

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  8. tidalscribe.com's avatar
    tidalscribe.com says

    We have heard about this on the news, to imagine the greatest and most ancient human gathering is newsworthy indeed and we all like to hear about people gathering peacefully. Thankyou for explaining what it is all about so I will watch news items with greater interest now.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Yogini's avatar
    Yogini says

    Though I know a few of the interesting facts and points you mentioned, it was nice to know and read more, thank you for sharing 🙂 I am highly fascinated by Kumbh Mela but for some reason I cannot get myself to visit (I’m not too comfortable visiting crowded places, but that’s just me) More than from what I read/see in the news, I know for sure it will be a wonderful experience when my parents narrated their own experience (from 2019)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya's avatar
      Narayan Kaudinya says

      A traveller knows, how a crowded place can be a beautiful space to be yourself. You know after literally spending innumerable days documenting, writing on melas across Asia I feels it is these spaces that grow you most. They challange you inside out and when it all stops, when you come out of it- I think it’s quite akin to taking a bath in gaumukh(spirit bath I mean 🙂 ).

      Thank you for your kind visit. And I would innocently ask you, to please go. It will be a memory for the remaining decade and more.

      Liked by 1 person

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  18. Ali Grimshaw's avatar
    Ali Grimshaw says

    Thanks for the great photos included with this information. The link about the little school project does not work. Just wanted you to know. ☮️wishing you peace.

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  20. klmalcolm2014's avatar
    klmalcolm2014 says

    Thanks for this overview — one of the best I’ve read. I’ll be in India in February and I’d like to go but a little goosey about blindly choosing a tour company to help with arrangements on site. Do you know of any? Thanks again!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya's avatar
      Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thanks Camino. And it’s welcoming to know you are arriving in February. It’s the best time possible in recent times, with festivities and so many celebrations happening around the country.

      Of course I can help you with arranging your travels. Why don’t you write to me an email and bit about your plans here : lotusofnara@gmail.com

      And thank you for your kind views.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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