Kumbh Mela – The Largest Spiritual Gatherings in India

The Kumbh Mela takes place at four different holy sites of India after an interval of every 4 years near the holy rivers named Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Shipra and the Godavari. During the auspicious festivals, many fairs and ceremonies are held which include traditional processions. The customary parade involving Akharas, known as Peshwai come riding on horses, chariots, and elephant backs, the display of gleaming swords, and Naga Sadhus' rites during the Shahi Snan are all represented during Kumbh Mela.

The significance of Kumbh Mela stems from the fact that it brings together a variety of aspects, including the convergence of all civilizations, spirituality, humanity, rituals, customs, the essence of life, and binding forces because of its four different locations. The rituals and activities that are performed during the festival are mentioned below:

Aarti

The concept of Aarti in Hindu tradition has great importance as humans show their respect, devotion and faith towards the holy rivers by doing grand arrangements and chanting of hymns and mantras. Thousands of people become spectators and participate with tremendous gratitude during the Arati ritual. Aartis at the riverbanks are usually performed by the Batuks (priests) holding huge lamps two times a day, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Kalpavas

Kalpavas have a huge spiritual and cultural significance among Hindus and it means devotees reside for an entire month near the banks of the sacred rivers. The word ‘Kalpavas’ is derived from the Sanskrit word, where ‘Kalp’ means long period and ‘Vas’ means to live. Doing Kalpavas at the confluence of rivers is considered to be quite sacred as it involves around a set of 21 rules that are followed like celibacy, honesty, nonviolence, sacrifice of all worldly pleasures, and a comprehensive list of Brahmachari principles. The Kalpvas period lasts from the Ekadashi of the full moon in the Magh month of the Hindu calendar to the Maghi Ekadashi, which is equivalent to January-February in the Gregorian calendar.

Deep Daan

Deep Daan is one of the most fascinating panoramas of Kumbh Mela where people offer earthen lamps (diyas) in sacred rivers, forests, temples and other holy sites to spread purity and spirituality in the environment.

Snan

The concept of snan (bath) in holy water is performed before starting any auspicious work, therefore a significant ritual bath also takes place at the Kumbh site. Devotees believe that taking a bath or dip in the holy river of the Kumbh sites will help attain Moksha as they get themselves relieved from the cycle of birth and death. Washing away all the sins and darkness will give them a sense of purity within their souls. Many rituals and pujas are also performed at the river banks with the help of priests.

Huge gatherings of saints, their followers and members of Akharas take part in the Shahi Snan which is also known as the Rajyogi Sean before participating in the rituals and other activities of Kumbh. It is believed that taking holy dips every day in the river is quite auspicious and purifies one's soul.

Satsangs

During the Kumbh Mela, the satsang is a fundamental part of the festival which attracts millions of people to listen to the religious hymns, mantras and prayers for quite long hours. Saints and devotees with deep devotion inside themselves can be easily seen reciting spiritual chants which cleanse the mind and soul.

Parikrama

Parikramas (circumambulation) of the four sites with the changing times have a great impact on devotees. Parikramas have always remained an important factor of Kumbh since the beginning of the festival.

Since many decades have passed, Hindus are seen visiting different pilgrimage sites to sanctify their souls and hence visiting the upcoming Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025 will be a great event for them. The major event is happening in the Prayagraj city (Allahabad) of Uttar Pradesh where it is expected that a huge gathering of people will take place again. More than 2 crores are expected in Kumbh Mela 2025 to reach the city of Prayagraj to perform the holy bath at the Triveni Sangam.

People also believe that according to the positioning of the stars and planets during Kumbh, the river waters turn into Elixir (Amrit) where the Hindu pilgrims take a dip to wash away their sins. Not only people from different states of India but tourists from abroad nations are also expected to join the gathering of Kumbh Mela according to data covered so far. It is also suggested that to attend the event without any hassle, book flight and train tickets a little faster.

Many official arrangements such as security, sanitation, accommodation centres, civic facilities and broadening of roads have been made and the work is still in progress to expect a smooth functioning during the Kumbh Mela 2025. As suggested by the state government, the police and other public service departments are making up special teams to manage the huge gathering efficiently.

Every six years, Prayagraj celebrates Ardh Kumbh Mela in the months of January and February when the planets and stars come in a specific zodiac position during the Hindu month of Magh. According to the data, the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela will take place in 2025 at the Triveni Sangam in Prayag. The Kumbh Mela bathing dates in 2025 are beginning on January 13, 2025 (Paush Purnima) and ending on February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri). It will once again be the focus of global fascination and attention.

Important Bathing Dates

• Paush Poornima (Snan) - 13 January 2025
• Makar Sankranti (Snan) - 14 January 2025
• Mauni Amavasya (Snan) - 29 January 2025
• Basant Panchami (Snan) - 3 February 2025
• Achla Saptami - 4 February 2025
• Maghi Purnima (Snan) - 12 February 2025
• Maha Shivratri (Snan) - 26 February 2025

Interesting Facts

• The worldwide famous Kumbh Mela was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
• Till now as per Government data, a record was set in 2019 as around 24 million people visited the Sangam city including 1 million foreign tourists.
• The slogan for Kumbh Mela 2025 - Chalo Kumbh Chalo-Chalo Kumbh Chalo (Let’s go Kumbh – come on Kumbh).
• The Shaivanti Naga Sadhus are typically a popular attraction of every Kumbh fair.

Following all the ethics, culture and rituals of the Kumbh Mela, it is noticed that the event stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and unity among Hindus and even foreigners. Millions of people irrespective of their sex, caste, culture and creed come together to celebrate the grand festival and seek blessings from the sacred rivers.

The glorious festival finely blends the cultural and spiritual heritage with peace and harmony. Experiencing some wonderful rituals and sacred activities by sacred rivers is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that one should not pass up. Ultimately, the Kumbh Mela is more than simply a pilgrimage; it is a celebration of life, a path towards spiritual enlightenment, and a powerful representation of humanity's shared soul.