KUMBH MELA FAQ

All About Kumbh Mela: Questions and Answers

1. What is Kumbh Mela ?

• The Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, celebrated by millions of Hindus every 12 years at four special places in India: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The origins of this festival lie in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of the “samudra manthan” (churning of the ocean). According to legend, gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). During the churning, a pitcher (kumbha) containing nectar emerged and when the gods and demons fought over it, four drops of the nectar fell at these places, making these places holy. Thus, the Kumbh Mela became a way to celebrate this divine event.
• The Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years at each of these four sites, rotating on a 12-year cycle, and attracts millions of pilgrims who bathe in the holy rivers to purify themselves and attain salvation. The most important Kumbh Mela takes place at Prayagraj (Allahabad), where the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers is considered the most powerful. In addition to spiritual rituals, the Kumbh Mela is a vibrant celebration of Hindu culture, offering devotees an opportunity to seek blessings, reflect on their spiritual journey and connect with other like-minded individuals.

2. What are the major places where Kumbh Mela is celebrated ?

• The Kumbh Mela is held at four sacred places in India, each with its own historical and religious significance. These places are:
  • Prayagraj (Allahabad):
    • This is where the most significant Kumbh Mela is held, once every 12 years. Prayagraj is considered one of the holiest cities in India, located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers, known as the Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims come here to take a holy dip in the waters to cleanse themselves of sins.
  • Haridwar:
    • Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in India and is situated on the banks of the Ganga River. Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years, and it is an important place for Hindus to perform rituals and take a dip in the river.
  • Ujjain:
    • Located in Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is famous for its temple of Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva). The Kumbh Mela here takes place every 12 years at the Simhastha fair, when devotees bathe in the holy Shipra River.
  • Nashik:
    • Nashik, situated in Maharashtra, is another significant location for the Kumbh Mela. The Godavari River flows through Nashik, and the city is one of the four places where the nectar pot was believed to have spilled during the mythological battle between gods and demons. The Kumbh Mela here is held every 12 years.

3. Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025 ?

• The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu festival, is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This 44-day event is expected to attract approximately 400 million visitors.
• Key Details:
  • Dates: January 13 to February 26, 2025
  • Location: Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
  • Expected Visitors: Around 400 million
• Significance:
  • The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs once every 12 years and is considered one of the largest human gatherings globally. Devotees gather to take a ritual dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, believing it purifies them of sins.
• Shahi Snan Dates:
  • The festival features several auspicious bathing dates, known as ‘Shahi Snan.’ The first Shahi Snan is scheduled for January 13, 2025.
• Travel and Accommodation:
  • Given the massive influx of visitors, extensive arrangements are being made for transportation, accommodation, and amenities. Special trains and buses are being organized to facilitate travel to Prayagraj. Additionally, luxury tented accommodations are being set up to cater to diverse preferences.
• Safety and Preparations:
  • The local government is implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, including the construction of temporary infrastructure, medical facilities, and security arrangements.
• Planning Your Visit:
  • If you plan to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, consider the following:
    • Advance Booking: Due to high demand, it’s advisable to book transportation and accommodations well in advance.
    • Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and be cautious of crowded areas.
    • Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and practices to enhance your experience.

4. What are the dates for Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj ?

• The Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) as the Maha Kumbh Mela.
• Dates for Kumbh Mela 2025 (Maha Kumbh):
  • Start Date: January 13, 2025
  • End Date: February 26, 2025
• This event will span 44 days and is expected to attract millions of devotees. The most significant dates, known as Shahi Snan (royal bathing dates), will include:
  • 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 Snan): February 3, 2025
  • Achla Saptami: February 4, 2025
  • Maghi Purnima: February 12, 2025
  • Maha Shivratri: February 26, 2025
  • Other important bathing dates are also included throughout the festival period.

5. What are the key Shahi Snan dates for Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj ?

• Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan): January 14, 2025
• Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan): January 29, 2025
• Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan): February 3, 2025

6. When is the next Kumbh Mela, and where will it be held?

• The next major event will be the Simhastha Mahaparv in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• Key Details:
  • Simhastha Mahaparv 2028 in Ujjain:
    • Dates: From March 27, 2028 to May 27, 2028.
    • Astrological Alignment: This event is observed when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun is in Aries, which holds immense significance in Hindu astrology.
• The Simhastha Mahaparv is a special form of the Kumbh Mela held in Ujjain and is considered an important religious and spiritual gathering, drawing millions of devotees to bathe in the Shipra River.

7. Where can I find the official website for Kumbh Mela 2025?

• Yes, the official website for Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj is indeed https://kumbh.gov.in/. This site will provide all the necessary information regarding the event, including dates, schedules for Shahi Snan, registration details, and other vital updates for pilgrims and visitors.
• Feel free to explore this website as the event approaches for the latest updates.

8. Why is Kumbh Mela so important?

• Kumbh Mela holds great spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this festival, the divine nectar that grants immortality fell on the earth at four places. Bathing in these holy rivers during the Kumbh Mela purifies the soul and washes away past sins, bringing the devotee closer to salvation.

9. Where is Kumbh Mela celebrated?

• Kumbh Mela is celebrated at four locations in India:
  • Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Held every 12 years, the most famous of all Kumbh locations.
  • Haridwar – Held every 12 years.
  • Nashik – Held every 12 years.
  • Ujjain – Held every 12 years.

10. What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela bath?

• The Kumbh Mela bath, also known as the “Shahi Snan”, is a sacred ritual where devotees take a dip in holy rivers to wash away their sins. It is believed that bathing in the river during the Kumbh Mela purifies the body and soul, brings about spiritual renewal and helps attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

11. How many people attend the Kumbh Mela?

• The Kumbh Mela is known to attract millions of devotees. In 2013, it was recorded that around 120 million people attended the festival in Prayagraj, making it the largest peaceful gathering in the world.

12. What is the history of Kumbh Mela?

• The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to ancient times, found in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas. The Kumbh Mela is believed to have begun as a celebration of the victory of the gods over demons in a battle for the nectar of immortality. The festival is believed to have been started as a way for devotees to gather and honor this divine event.

13. What is the importance of the Kumbh Mela for Hindus?

• For Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is an opportunity to purify oneself spiritually and physically by taking a dip in holy rivers. The event is also a time for prayer, religious rituals, and meeting spiritual leaders. It is considered an essential part of Hinduism and a journey toward salvation and self-realization.

14. What should I know before attending the Kumbh Mela?

• Before attending Kumbh Mela, visitors should be aware of the following:
  • Be prepared for large crowds, as millions of people attend.
  • Make travel and accommodation arrangements in advance.
  • Carry essential items like warm clothing (if attending in winter), toiletries, and identification.
  • Stay close to designated areas and avoid wandering into busy spots.
  • Respect the religious customs and practices.
  • Be mindful of health and hygiene, as the event can be overwhelming.

15. What Happens Every 144 Years?

• The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) every 144 years, making it the most important and grandest event of the Kumbh Mela cycle. This extraordinary gathering is regarded as the largest religious congregation in the world. Millions of pilgrims, including devotees, saints and spiritual seekers from all over the world come to attend it.
• The main attraction of the Maha Kumbh is the holy bath in the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. It is believed that bathing here on this auspicious occasion purifies the soul, washes away sins and grants liberation (salvation). The Maha Kumbh Mela is not only a spiritual experience but also a celebration of faith, unity and cultural heritage.

16. Who Started the Kumbh Mela?

• The origins of the Kumbh Mela are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of the Samudra manthan (churning of the ocean) described in the Puranas. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean by the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita), a few drops of the nectar fell at four earthly places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. These places became sacred and the focal point of the Kumbh Mela, where millions of people gather to bathe in the holy rivers to wash away their sins and attain salvation.
• However, the credit for the historic celebration of the Kumbh Mela goes to Emperor Harshvardhan (606-647 CE). He is credited with institutionalizing the festival on a large scale. Harshvardhan, a staunch follower of Buddhism and Hinduism, organized large religious gatherings at Prayagraj, where he generously donated to the poor, monks, and pilgrims. His gatherings, described by the Chinese traveler Xuanzang, resembled the Kumbh Mela in scale and spirit. Harshvardhan’s role helped establish the tradition of the Kumbh Mela as an important religious and cultural event that combined spiritual practices with values ​​of charity and community welfare.

17. Why is it called Kumbh?

• The name Kumbh comes from the Sanskrit word “Kumbha,” meaning “pot” or “pitcher.” It is rooted in Hindu mythology’s Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). During this cosmic event, gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) fought over a divine pitcher containing Amrit (nectar of immortality). As the battle unfolded, drops of nectar spilled at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, making them sacred.
• The festival is named “Kumbh” to honor the celestial pitcher and its life-giving nectar. It symbolizes spiritual purification, with millions of devotees bathing in holy rivers at these sacred sites for liberation and blessings.