Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Dates, Place, Key Rituals, Attractions And More

The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated as the world's largest spiritual gathering is set to commence next month. Kumbh Mela marks the convergence of faith, culture and ancient tradition. The event draws millions of devotees from across the world.

In the 2025 edition of Maha Kumbh Mela, lakhs of devotees, sadhus and spiritual leaders will congregate in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for special rituals and holy bath at Sangam— the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan. The religious festival will end on February 26, 2025, on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.

The sacred festival of Kumbh Mela happens four times over the course of 12 years, across the cities of Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj in rotation. Each of these cities is situated along the banks of the holiest rivers including the Ganges, Shipra, Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. 

Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. In 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela will be held at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

As per a press release by the Ministry of Culture, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will see key rituals and practices such as:

• Shahi Snan: The bathing ceremony of the Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant rituals. Held at the Triveni Sangam, millions of pilgrims gather to participate in this holy practice, which is deeply rooted in the belief that immersing oneself in the holy waters can cleanse an individual of all sins.

• Aarti: During this breathtaking and sacred ritual, priests perform intricate ceremonies while holding glowing lamps, offering a visual spectacle. The Ganga Aarti attracts thousands of devotees, evoking profound devotion and reverence for the sacred river.

• Kalpavas: Kalpavas, a lesser-known aspect of the Maha Kumbh Mela, offers devotees a sacred retreat dedicated to spiritual discipline, austerity and higher consciousness.

• Prayers and Offerings: Devotees perform Dev Pujan to honor deities believed to visit the Sangam during the Kumbh. Rituals such as Shraadh (offering food and prayers to ancestors) and Veeni Daan (offering hair to the Ganges) are integral to the festival.

• Deep Daan: Devotees float thousands of lighted earthen lamps (Diyas) on the flowing waters of the Triveni Sangam as an offering of gratitude, during the Deep Daan ceremony.

• Prayagraj Panchkoshi Parikrama: The historical ritual of circumambulating Prayagraj has been revived to reconnect pilgrims with ancient practices, the culture ministry said. This journey encompasses sacred landmarks like the Dwadash Madhav and other significant temples, offering spiritual fulfilment while preserving cultural heritage. 

Here are the key Shahi Snan dates of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:

• Jan.13 - Paush Purnima

• Jan. 14 - Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)

• Jan. 29 -Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)

• Feb. 3 - Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)

• Feb. 4 - Achla Saptami

• Feb. 12 - Maghi Purnima

• Feb. 26 - Maha Shivaratri (Final Snan)

Not just the Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj has a host of other attractions for visitors. The Triveni Sangam, where the three rivers meet, is known for its religious significance. The city also has an array of cultural, historical and architectural gems.

It is home to several temples, such as the Hanuman Mandir, Alopi Devi Mandir, and Mankameshwar Temple. Prayagraj also boasts significant historical landmarks, such as the Ashoka Pillar. It is also home to colonial structures such as the University of Allahabad Building and Swaraj Bhawan.

The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to make Kumbh Mela 2025 a memorable experience for devotees. According to a report by PTI quoting officials, Bollywood stars and noted artists are slated to perform during the grand event. Bollywood actors such as Ravi Kishan, Puneet Issar, Hema Malini and Ashutosh Rana will perform at the Maha Kumbh Mela.  The cultural programmes will depict the stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and the religious significance of the Kumbh Mela.