Mahakumbh 2025: A once-in-144 years phenomenon

Imagine being part of something so rare that the last people to witness it were your great-great-grandparents. The Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj is not just an event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that occurs only after 144 long years... Now, would you want to miss something this rare? Of course not!

Spanning 45 incredible days, from January 13 to February 26, this grand celebration is a must-attend. It’s the world’s largest gathering, with millions of people coming together at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

Despite the chilly January mornings, when the wind is particularly cold and harsh, pilgrims take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Sangam. The sight of unshakeable faith and devotion warms the heart, reminding you that this is more than just an event—it’s truly an experience of a lifetime!

Aerial view of Mahakumbh, Allahabad

Story of the Kumbh Mela

Okay, first, let’s understand what is kumbh mela? The word kumbh, derived from Sanskrit, means ‘pitcher.’ Now, there’s an interesting story behind the origins of this grand festival. It is believed that during the Samudra Manthan, the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain the amrit (nectar of immortality). At this time, Dhanvantari (the god of health and Ayurveda) emerged carrying a pitcher of amrit.

To make sure the asuras didn’t get this pitcher, Indra’s son, Jayant, ran off with the pot. Along the way, the Sun, Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon helped protect him and the precious nectar. As Jayant ran, the amrit spilled at four spots: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain. He ran for 12 days straight. It is said that one day of the devas is equal to one year of humans.

This is why the kumbh mela is celebrated every 12 years at these sacred locations, situated along the banks of holy rivers—the Ganga, the Sangam (where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet), the Godavari, and the Kshipra.

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at different intervals based on its type:

• Magh Kumbh happens every year
• Kumbh Mela happens every 3 years
• Ardh Kumbh happens every 6 years.
• Purna Kumbh takes place every 12 years.

Crowded pontoon bridges during the Kumbh Mela

What is Mahakumbh?

The kumbh mela follows a 12-year cycle based on the celestial positions of the sun, moon, and Jupiter. When this 12-year cycle occurs 12 times (12 x 12 = 144), the 12th kumbh mela is called the mahakumbh, which is celebrated in an exceptionally grand manner. The 12-year interval between kumbh melas is linked to Jupiter’s orbit, as it takes 12 years to complete one revolution around the sun.

Naga Sadhu blowing into a Conch Shell

Why Prayagraj?

It is said that the location of the Kumbh Mela is decided by specific celestial alignments. When Jupiter is in Taurus and the Sun and Moon align in Capricorn (Makar rashi), the Kumbh Mela takes place at Prayagraj, coinciding with the Makar Sankranti period.

When Jupiter is in Aquarius (Kumbh rashi, symbolised by the water bearer) and the Sun and Moon align in Aries and Sagittarius, the Kumbh is held at Haridwar.

Similarly, when Jupiter is in Leo (Simha rashi) and the Sun and Moon align in Cancer, the Kumbh is held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, which is why it is also known as the Simhastha Kumbh.

The city of Prayagraj

Significance of the holy dip

It’s an exceptionally auspicious time for prayers and rituals, drawing millions of devotees from around the world. Pilgrims take a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam. These sacred bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snans, are believed to purify the soul, wash away sins and bring spiritual renewal, making them the most significant and special moments of the event.

Here are the important dates for your holy dip at Prayagraj:

• Jan 13- Paush purnima snan (Opening day)
• Jan 14- Makarsankranti snan | 1st shahi snan (Transition of Sun into Capricorn)
• Jan 29- Mauni amavsya snan | 2nd shahi snan (Day of silence and great procession)
• Feb 3- Basant panchami snan | 3rd shahi snan (Welcoming spring and prosperity)
• Feb 12- Maghi purnima snan (Full moon night)
• Feb 26- Mahashivratri snan (Concluding day )

An Indian couple praying in Triveni Sangam

What not to miss?

• Don’t miss the mesmerizing Ganga aarti, where hundreds of lamps light up the riverbanks, creating a magical and spiritual atmosphere.
• Meet the Aghori Babas (if you’re brave enough!) as they are known for their mysterious and unconventional spiritual practices. But just one conversation with them will teach you a lot about their unique beliefs in life, death and liberation.
• Attend the cultural programmes here and get a glimpse of folk music, dance performances and storytelling sessions happening across the Mela grounds.
• You must have the free meals at bhandaras (community kitchens) and try delicious vegetarian dishes and local delicacies offered by devotees.
• If you are interested, attend enlightening talks and satsangs (spiritual gatherings) conducted by renowned saints and gurus.
• Shop at the Mela Bazaar for traditional handicrafts, religious items and souvenirs at the bustling bazaars within the Mela.

The crowd at Mahakumbh mela

Conclusion

Doesn't all of this sound fascinating? I mean, where else will you witness millions of people coming together, all filled with such deep bhakti that the entire atmosphere radiates nothing but positivity and divine energy? Wouldn’t that make you want to be there and soak in all the goodness and positive energy?

Whether you’re seeking moksha (liberation) or just a curious traveller wanting to witness the magic of this mega event, the Maha Kumbh 2025 is an experience like no other. So, calendars nikaalo, dates mark karo and get ready to be part of history at Prayagraj. This isn’t just a journey, it’s bhakti, tradition and yaadein coming together in one unforgettable experience!