Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: What It Is, History, Rituals & Everything You Need To Know About This Spiritual Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most sacred gatherings for Hindus. It takes place once every twelve years and this time around, it will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. As millions of devotees prepare to come together to pray and take a dip at the Triveni Sangam, here’s everything you need to know about this spiritual mela.

What Is Maha Kumbh Mela?

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years to celebrate every revolution completed by Brihaspati (Jupiter). It is celebrated at four riverside pilgrimage sites–Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin on January 13 with the Paush Purnima Snan. It will conclude on February 26, on Maha Shivratri.

Devotees believe that taking a bath, also called Shahi Snan, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh is particularly powerful. It is said that the sacred baths during the mela help purify the soul and wash away sins. It is believed that taking a bath in the river during Kumbh also helps people attain Moksha!

The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj particularly holds immense spiritual significance due to its mythological roots and geography. Home to the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—it is often considered one of the most sacred sites in the world for Hindus.

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History Of This Spiritual Mela

As per Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan, when a Kumbh (pot) filled with Amrit (sacred nectar) emerged, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, seized the pot and fled. While he was being chased by the Asuras, a few drops of the Amrit fell on earth. These places were Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. That’s why these places are now considered sacred and holy sites for the Kumbh Mela. They host the Kumbh Mela on a rotating basis.

This year’s Maha Kumbh is especially rare. According to Hindustan Times, a mela like this occurs once every 144 years. This is mainly because of the unique alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. It is believed that praying and bathing in the river this time is exceptionally auspicious for devotees.

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Maha Kumbh Mela Rituals That You Should Know About

Here are some important and significant rituals of Maha Kumbh you should know about if you’re attending this spiritual mela –

1. Shahi Snan, or sacred dip, is believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings. Important bathing dates for this mela are as follows –

• Maha Kumbh Mela Starts: January 13
• Maha Kumbh Mela Ends/Maha Shivratri: February 26
• Paush Purnima: January 13
• Makar Sankranti: January 14
• Mauni Amavasya: January 29
• Basant Panchami: February 3
• Maghi Purnima: February 12

2. One should attend kirtans and bhajans that are held around the mela site to soak in the spiritual energy.

3. People also meditate and attend spiritual sermons, and yoga sessions to gain physical, mental, and spiritual clarity during Maha Kumbh.

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So, are you planning to head to Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)