The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, which started in Prayagraj, UP, on January 13, will run until February 26, with millions of devotees anticipated to attend.
The Mahakumbh Mela is steeped in the themes of the battle between good and evil, salvation, and a broader spiritual narrative. From the myth of ‘Samudra Manthan’ to the establishment of ‘Akharas’ by an eighth-century Hindu philosopher, and culminating in the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, let’s explore the significance of this sacred gathering.
The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, which began in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13, will conclude on February 26. Millions of devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the first ‘Amrit Snan’ of the Kumbh, with numbers expected to rise as the event progresses. The various types of ‘Snan’ refer to different bathing rituals.
Triveni Sangam, notably, is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
This year’s Mela spans approximately 4,000 hectares along the riverbank and is anticipated to draw at least 40 crore visitors.
The most auspicious days for taking a holy dip at the 2025 Mahakumbh are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri, marking the final bath).
Origin of the Mahakumbh
Having explored the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, let’s travel back in time. The origins of the Mahakumbh Mela can be traced to the eighth-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who is credited with documenting its significance, as per the official Mahakumbh website.
While the exact origin of the Mela remains unclear, legend traces its roots to the Puranas, the ancient scriptures of myth and legend.
The story connects to the ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the ocean), during which gods and demons battled over the Kumbh (sacred pitcher) containing Amrit (nectar of immortality).
Mythological accounts suggest that Lord Vishnu, disguised as the enchantress Mohini, tricked the demons and seized the Kumbh. As he carried it towards the heavens, a few drops of Amrit fell at four locations—Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj—becoming the sites of the Kumbh Mela.
Why is the Mahakumbh Celebrated Every 12 Years?
The battle and the chase for the Kumbh lasted for twelve days, which in mythological terms equals twelve human years. Hence, the Mahakumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years, with events held in each of the four sacred cities.
Historically, it wasn’t until the reign of King Harshavardhana (590-647 AD) that the Kumbh Mela gained widespread recognition globally.
The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is considered the most significant of all the Kumbh festivals held at various locations.
Akharas
The Puranas also suggest that Adi Shankaracharya founded the Akharas, which play a crucial role in the Kumbh Mela. These Akharas are essential in organizing the Mahakumbh and are divided into three main categories: Shaiva Akharas, which worship Lord Shiva; Vaishnava Akharas, which revere Lord Vishnu; and Udaseen Akharas, a sect founded by the son of the Sikh community’s first guru.
Akharas are responsible for maintaining social order and promoting ethical values within society, serving as a symbol of unity among their followers. This sect, including the Naga sadhus, is collectively known as the Akhara Matha.
The existing Akharas include Juna Akhara, Niranjani, Atal, Mahanirvani, Bada Udasin, Naya, Nirmohi Ani, Digamber Ani, Nirvani Ani, Nirmala, Panchagni, Aavahan, and Panchayati Akhara.
Returning to history, during the medieval period, the grandeur of the Mahakumbh Mela expanded, with royal patronage and flourishing cultural traditions becoming a prominent part of the event.
The Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties in the south, as well as the Mughal Empire in the north, played a significant role in supporting the Kumbh Mela. It is also noted that Emperor Akbar participated in the Kumbh Mela festivities to promote religious inclusivity.
Naga Sadhus
One of the most notable aspects associated with the Mahakumbh Mela is Akbar’s alliance with the Naga Sadhus, the ascetic warriors known for their ash-covered bodies and long dreadlocks.
In an effort to learn about and understand the Naga Sadhus, Akbar made a historic gesture by granting the ascetics the privilege of leading the royal procession into the Mahakumbh Mela.
The Kumbh Mela, a major pilgrimage event, continued to take place during the British colonial era. After India’s independence in 1947, the Mela gained even greater significance, evolving from a gathering of seers, saints, Naga Sadhus, and devoted pilgrims into a cultural celebration that symbolizes diversity and national unity.
Four Types of Kumbh Mela
- Regular Kumbh Mela: Held every three years on a rotating basis at the four sacred sites of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: This “half Kumbh” occurs every six years at Haridwar and Prayagraj, marking the midpoint of the 12-year cycle of the regular Mela.
- Purna Kumbh Mela: Celebrated every 12 years at the four sacred sites, this Mela corresponds to the alignment of planet Jupiter with other constellations.
- Mahakumbh Mela: A rare event celebrated once every 144 years at Prayagraj, following 12 Purna Kumbh Melas. This Mela attracts a large number of devotees, saints, and seers. The current Kumbh is held after 12 years, but seers believe the celestial alignments for this event occur once every 144 years, making it particularly auspicious.
Kumbh Rituals
In addition to the gathering of seers, saints, Naga Sadhus, and pilgrims from around the world, the Kumbh Mela is renowned for its sacred rituals.
The rituals of the Kumbh Mela include the Aarti, a sacred offering of flames to the Gods on the banks of the Yamuna, Ganga, and at the Triveni Sangam. Another significant ritual is the Shahi Snan, which holds great importance for devotees who believe that a dip in the Triveni Sangam cleanses them of their sins, frees both them and their ancestors from the cycle of rebirth, and helps them attain Moksha (salvation).
Notably, the Naga Sadhus, saints, seers, and members of the Akharas participate in the Shahi Snan. The dates for the three Shahi Snans are January 14, 29, and February 3.
Another special but lesser-known ritual is Kalpavas. According to the Puranas, the Kalpavas period lasts from the Ekadashi of the full moon in the Paush month to Maghi Ekadashi. A Kalpavasi, as described in the Padma Purana, must observe 21 rules through their mind, speech, and actions, as outlined on the official website for the Kumbh Mela by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The 21 rules for Kalpavas include: speaking the truth, practicing non-violence, controlling the senses, fostering benevolence toward all living beings, maintaining celibacy, renouncing indulgence, rising before sunrise, observing the Trikal Sandhya (prayers at three times of the day), performing Pind Daan for ancestors, donating according to one’s ability, chanting, participating in satsang (prayers), respecting designated spaces, refraining from criticism, offering services to ascetics and saints, engaging in sankirtan (group chanting), japa (repetition of mantras), eating only once a day, sleeping on the ground, and renouncing Gangodak-Agni (the sacred fire of Ganga).
Deep Daan is another important ritual at the Kumbh, where countless lit oil lamps are floated at the Triveni Sangam, the mystical confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam is believed to provide numerous spiritual benefits.
Next is the Prayagraj Panchkoshi Parikrama, a circumambulation ritual that has a direct influence on the changing times. The Shri Akhada Parishad and Mela authorities have re-established the Parikrama path, which has been an essential part of the Kumbh for centuries. Finally, pilgrims visit the Shri Madhava temples as part of the sacred journey.
Kumbh Mela World Records
The Mahakumbh, or simply Kumbh Mela, carries a timeless legacy and holds a distinguished place in global cultural heritage. It is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a significant honor on the global stage.
The 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj set three Guinness World Records. The first was for the Longest Parade of Buses, where 503 special Kumbh Mela buses paraded over a stretch of 3.2 km on February 28, 2019.
The second record was for the Most Contributions to a Handprint Painting, where 7,644 individuals participated in creating a handprint painting within just 8 hours on March 1, 2019.
Lastly, the third record was for the Most People Sweeping the Floor at multiple venues, where 10,181 cleaners swept simultaneously on March 2, 2019.
The Mahakumbh Mela has always held a special place for devotees throughout history. It symbolizes a journey of purification, a quest for spiritual enlightenment, and the pursuit of salvation.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is a sacred gathering with profound spiritual significance. Rooted in ancient Hindu mythology, the Mela symbolizes a journey of purification, enlightenment, and the pursuit of salvation.
