Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The world’s
largest gathering

Over 45 days, over 40 crore faithfuls will congregate in Prayagraj, India.

Key dates for
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Paush Purnima

13 January

Heralds an unofficial inauguration of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Marks the initiation of Kalpvasa, a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the 45-day gathering.

Makar Sankranti

14 January

Signifies the sun's transition to its next astronomical position in accordance with the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the initiation of charitable donations.

Mauni Amavasya

29 January

Marks the celestial alignments that are believed to be most propitious for the sacred act of taking a holy dip. The day draws the largest congregation of pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Basant Panchmi

3 February

Symbolises the transition of seasons and celebrates the arrival of the Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati, in Hinduism. Pilgrims wear vibrant yellow clothes on this auspicious occasion.

Maghi Purnima

12 February

Gathering of pilgrims at holy ghats, driven by the conviction that their presence at this auspicious moment will guide them towards heavenly realms, despite being in their earthly forms.

Maha Shivratri

26 February

Marks the final holy bath of the pilgrims. Intrinsically connected to Lord Shiva the destroyer and a part of the Holy Trinity, comprising Lord Brahma, the creator, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver.

What is the significance of the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam?

The devotees, including seers from 13 akharas (religious orders), believe they cleanse themselves of sin to attain moksha (liberation) from the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth. The festival, which culminates on mauni Amavasya, commemorates a battle between gods and demons over a pitcher of the nectar of immortality, as narrated in the puranas, sacred ancient Hindu texts.

Maha Kumbh, a unique confluence of devotion and technology, however, goes beyond the tenets of Hinduism, a traditional way of life. The gathering attracts people from all walks of life — from the ultra-religious, the moderately faithful, the sceptics, the agnostics, and the Western seekers — for a slice of ancient Indian civilisation in this millennium.

Once every 144 years

Held once every 144 years as the event marks the completion of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles, millions of pilgrims and seers from all over the world are scheduled to gather at Prayagraj, a confluence of three sacred rivers — Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati.

The Maha Kumbh Mela traces its origin, according to some scholars, to 644 Common Era (CE). The gathering has profound roots in Hinduism, a way of life. The spiritual odyssey is regarded as a chance for believers to cleanse themselves of sin to attain moksha (liberation) from the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth by taking a holy dip in the river during the auspicious period, as per the Hindu calendar known as panchangam.

What is shahi snan?

Shahi Snan refers to the royal bath, in the sacred Ganges. On auspicious days, a grand procession of pious men belonging to various akharas walk towards the bathing ghats on the lines of a royal parade of ancient India.

Confluence of devotion

Maha Kumbh, a happy blend of devotion and technology goes beyond the tenets of Hinduism. It’s a meeting of minds and ideas — from the ultra-religious, the moderately faithful, the sceptics, the agnostics, and the Western seekers — for a slice of ancient Indian civilisation in this millennium.

The Prayagraj district administration’s arrangements for the massive event is a town planning marvel.