Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is going to be the biggest human gathering ever in human history. It is expecting more than 450 million people to visit and attend this, Purn Kumbh. However, there are many questions about Kumbh that you may want to know, so let’s see them:
What is Kumbh and How it started?
Kumbh mela is one of the largest as well as one of most significant Hindu pilgrimage festivals in the world. The word “Kumbh” means “pot” in Sanskrit, and it refers to a historical event described in Hindu scriptures. It is said that after obtaining the nectar of immortality (Amrit) from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons. The struggle began between the two groups and four drops of this nectar of immortality fell at four places on Earth, these four locations are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
So, these four locations became the sites of the Kumbh Mela, celebrated to commemorate this celestial event. All these Kumbh mela places are situated at the banks of major rivers in India, Prayagraj on the banks of merger of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Haridwar on the banks of Ganga, Nashik on the banks of Godavari and Ujjain on the banks of Shipra. Participants take a holy dip in these sacred rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and achieve spiritual liberation. You may also be confused by different types of Kumbh fair and when it happens; let’s see:
Types of Kumbh
This will clear your doubts about the Kumbh mela that, how you often heard about Kumbh mela being held if it happens in every 12 years. There are basically four types of Kumbh.
- Maha Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years at Prayagraj, it is the largest of all Kumbh gatherings. Maha Kumbh is being held this time in 2025, which is very much anticipated. It is often called Purna Kumbh.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every 6 years at Haridwar and Prayagraj. The last Ardh Kumbh held in 2019 was the largest human gathering that could be seen from space.
- Kumbh Mela: Rotates every 12 years among the four Kumbh mela locations that we have seen above. Each of these locations follows its own astrological cycle of 12 years.
- Magh Mela: Held annually in Prayagraj, a smaller-scale version of the Kumbh Mela.
Mahakumbh 2025 is even more special than normal Mahakumbh (which is itself very special), because this Mahakumbh happens after every 144 years, which is after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas. The Indian government is preparing for around 100 crores (10 billion) visitors from all over the globe. So, you cannot miss this Kumbh mela festival. Let’s see Kumbh mela schedule for 2025:
Kumbh Mela 2025 Schedule
Mahakumbh Prayagraj 2025 is starting from 13th January to 26th February. All days of Maha Kumbh is very auspicious however, there are some days which are even more auspicious for holy dip, these are:
- Paush Purnima: 13 January 2025
- Makar Sankranti: 14 January 2025
- Mauni Amavasya: 29 January 2025
- Basant Panchami: 03 February 2025
- Maghi Purnima: 12 February 2025
- Maha Shivaratri: 26 February 2025
Mahakumbh mela is not just any gathering or a religious festival limited to Hindus, it is the celebration of the rich culture, traditions and religious heritage of India. Here you could encounter many enlightened sadhus, gain knowledge, feel spiritually more connected. You should definitely attend this unique festival.
Until next time, keep travelling and take care of Nature.
Pingback: Best Places for Skiing in India - Shruti's Fairytales