Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025: Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most sacred gatherings in Hinduism. It's celebrated once every twelve years. Millions of pilgrims and devotees from around the globe are expected to converge at this sacred site where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. The Maha Kumbh Mela is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is considered an opportunity for devotees to absolve sins and attain Moksha, or liberation. The event is highlighted by the Shahi Snan, or Royal Bath, where holy ascetics and saints lead ceremonial processions to the riverbanks on auspicious dates. Here's all you need to know. Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Key bathing dates and location The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled to commence on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. These dates include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and Basant Panchami on February 3, and are set to take place at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Key Bathing Dates: Paush Purnima: January 13, 2025 Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan): January 14, 2025 Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan): January 29, 2025 Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Shan): February 3, 2025 Maghi Purnima: February 12, 2025 Maha Shivratri: February 26, 2025 Where is the Maha Kumbh Fair held? Maha Kumbh 2025 is organised in four locations across India: Haridwar: It is hosted by the Kumbh Mela while the Sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius. Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh Mela is held at Prayagraj while the Sun is in Capricorn. Nashik: The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place in Nasik when the Sun and Jupiter are in the zodiac. Ujjain: It is hosted by the Maha Kumbh while Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Aries. MahaKumbh Mela 2025: Rituals and Significance This grand festival, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification and enlightenment. Key Rituals: Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): The festival's most significant rite is ceremonial bathing in sacred waterways. The Naga sadhus (ascetic warriors) lead the way, immersing themselves in the sacred waters during big processions. This act represents the remission of sins and the achievement of spiritual merit. Sankirtan and Bhajans: Devotees sing and chant devotional songs, creating a spiritual ambience. Yogasanas and Meditation: Many guests engage in yoga and meditation techniques to achieve physical and mental calm. Spiritual speeches: Renowned saints and gurus give speeches on spiritual and philosophical issues, giving knowledge to the assembled devotees. The Maha Kumbh Mela holds profound spiritual importance. It is believed that during the festival, the planets align in a way that enhances the spiritual energy of the location, making it an auspicious time for spiritual practices. The act of bathing in the holy rivers during the Kumbh Mela is considered a means to attain moksha (liberation) and cleanse oneself of past karmas. Preparations for the 2025 Mela are underway, with extensive infrastructure developments focusing on enhancing facilities, ensuring safety, and maintaining hygiene to provide a meaningful experience for all attendees. It is expected to be nearly thrice the size and budget of the last one in 2012, and over 15 state government departments—with some help from two of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)—are racing against time to complete over 500 projects within three months. Natural huts and tents to be built Natural huts and tents with modern facilities will be built in Prayagraj to provide a comfortable stay for the devotees that'll be visiting for Mahakumbh 2025. The Additional District Magistrate of Prayagraj, Vivek Chaturvedi, exclusively speaking to ANI, said that around 2000 tents will be built, which people can book for their comfortable stay. "Our tent city will be coming, there will be 2000 tents.people can make the booking for it. Other than that.in other sectors as well we are bringing a tent city of 400 tents," Chaturvedi said. The ADM informed that the tents will have 5-star facilities,"people who are coming here can book the tents and avail all the facilities" he added. These tents will be constructed to world-class standards, offering five-star hotel-like facilities. The tent city will offer accommodations in four categories: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day. Additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 will apply for extra guests (excluding dormitories). This ambitious project aims to cater to the expected 45 crore visitors from 75 countries.
