Mahakumbh and Kumbh mela: Know the key differences

What is Kumbh Mela?

According to Dr Pallavi Jambhale, Associate prof. and in-charge director of K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, the Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage celebrated every four years, rotating between four holy locations in India:

• Prayagraj (Allahabad): Confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
• Haridwar: Banks of the Ganga.
• Ujjain: Along the Shipra River.
• Nashik: On the Godavari River.

The mela’s timing is dictated by specific planetary alignments of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. During this period, it is believed that the rivers at these locations become imbued with divine nectar, offering pilgrims a chance to cleanse their sins and attain moksha (liberation).

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 begins gearing up as preparations kick off in Prayagraj. Sadhus come from all over to now visit the sacred site at the Triveni Sangam. (Express Photo by Vishal Srivastava)

What is Maha Kumbh Mela?

The Maha Kumbh Mela, often referred to as the “grand Kumbh,” occurs every 12 years at the same site as the regular Kumbh in Prayagraj.

The Maha Kumbh in 2025 is particularly special because it aligns with celestial configurations that occur once in 144 years, making it an extraordinary event for devotees and spiritual seekers. This unique convergence makes the upcoming Maha Kumbh extraordinarily powerful, auspicious, and sacred, prof Jambhale said.

Unlike the regular Kumbh Mela, the Maha Kumbh attracts an even larger congregation of devotees, sadhus, and spiritual leaders, making it one of the largest human gatherings on Earth.

The main ritual of Kumbh or Maha Kumbh is snan (ritual bathing), which signifies cleansing or purification. As per prof Jambhale, this act is considered essential to attain liberation. Maha Kumbh, in particular, is believed to offer a cosmic-scale connection with the divine, making it an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual renewal.

Mahakumbh and Kumbh Mela Key Differences

Why are these events so special?

1. Astronomical Alignment
   Both festivals are rooted in the mythological story of the “Samudra Manthan” (churning of the ocean), where gods and demons battled for a pot of nectar (kumbh). The drops of this nectar are believed to have fallen at the four sacred sites, marking their sanctity.
2. Spiritual Cleansing
   Bathing in the rivers during the Mela is considered a spiritual act that purifies the soul, removes negative karma, and opens the path to liberation.
3. Global Recognition
   The Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Mela are not just religious events; they are cultural and sociological phenomena that showcase the vibrancy of Indian heritage. UNESCO has recognised the Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.