The festival is called Kumbh Mela, and it happens every twelve years in four different places in India – Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It’s a huge gathering where people from all over the country come to bathe in the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers.
Many believe it only happens once in twelve years, but it actually occurs every three years in one of the four holy cities. It’s an incredible experience to see people from all over the world come together for this festival, regardless of their backgrounds.
During the festival, people bathe in the sacred waters, which are filled with flowers and incense. They also chant prayers and hymns. It’s believed that attending the festival can wash away sins and bring liberation from the cycle of life and rebirth.
Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage
Taking a bath in the holy river during Kumbh Mela is a very important activity for pilgrims. They believe it helps wash away their sins. This is especially significant for the Hindu community.
The famous ancient traveler, Hüan-Tsang of China, was the first person to talk about Kumbh Mela in his diary. He wrote about a 75-day festival that happened in the Hindu month of Magha (January – February). Millions of saints, ordinary people, and kings attended this festival.
History And Its Origin
According to Hindu stories, during a big event called the churning of the ocean, some special liquid called amrita, which gives immortality, spilled from a pot called kumbha. Lord Vishnu, one of the gods, made sure that a few drops of this amrita fell on four places on Earth: Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Trimbak-Nashik. It’s said that the water in these places turned into nectar because of the stars’ positions. These places are now considered holy for the Kumbh Mela.
Every three years, this big fair happens on the banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Godavari rivers. The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (Prayag) is the most important and biggest of them all.
Before the world was created, it’s believed that Brahma Ji, a very important god, did a special ritual called Ashwamegha Yagya in Prayag. Now, there’s a temple called Brahmeshwara temple and a place called Dashwamedh Ghat to remember this ritual. That’s why the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is extra special.
Types of Kumbh Mela
There Are five types of Kumbh Mela in India –
- Maha Kumbh Mela – This big event happens only in Prayag (Allahabad) and occurs once every 144 years, or after 12 Purna Kumbh Mela. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people.
- Purna Kumbh Mela – This occurs every 12 years in four places: Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain. It rotates between these four places every 12 years.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela – Ardh Kumbh means “Half Kumbh,” so it happens every 6 years in only two places: Haridwar and Allahabad.
- Kumbh Mela – This happens at four different places: Ujjain, Allahabad, Nasik, and Haridwar. Many people participate with great devotion in this event, which is organized by state governments.
- Magh (Kumbh) Mela – Also called Mini Kumbh, this event is held annually only in Allahabad. It takes place during the Hindu month of Magh (usually from January to February). This is a famous pilgrimage event where people come to the confluence of three holy rivers, known as Triveni Sangam, to start the Universe according to Hindu mythology.
According to the traditional Hindu calendar in North India, there’s a holy fair called the Magh Mela that happens every year during the Hindu month of Magh. It’s not just for one month though – it lasts for about 45 days. The Magh Mela is like a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela and is sometimes called the Mini Kumbh Mela.
The Magh Mela starts on Makar Sankranti day in January, which is an important bathing day according to the Hindu calendar. Lots of pilgrims come to the Sangam to take a holy dip on these special dates.
Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2025
Hindus love to celebrate their festivals in a big way, and one of the grandest festivals is the Kumbh Mela 2025. It happens every 12 years in most places, except in Haridwar and Allahabad where it also happens every 6 years. If you want to experience Hinduism in its holiest and grandest form, this is the place to be.
The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad will start on January 14th, 2025, which is the day of Paush Purnima, and will continue until February 26th, 2025, which is the day of Maha Shivratri. It will take place at the Triveni Sangam in Prayag.
During this time, millions of people are expected to take a holy bath in the rivers. In the 2025 Ardh Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, it’s estimated that more than 20 million people will bathe in the sacred waters.
Must-Visit Spots at Kumbh Mela
Do not miss out on the following experiences during the Kumbh Mela:
- Triveni Sangam: This is the holiest place where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers come together. Many pilgrims visit here for a sacred dip in the waters.
- Akhara Campgrounds: Check out the different Akhara campgrounds to see their unique customs and rituals.
- Ganga Aarti: Don’t miss the beautiful evening aarti (prayer) by the river, which is both a spiritual and visual experience.
- Local Markets: Stroll through lively markets filled with religious items, souvenirs, and traditional snacks which provide you a taste of local culture and crafts.
How to reach Kumbh Mela?
Visiting Allahabad during the Kumbh Mela festival is quite an adventure. The excitement of the festival draws many people, and the challenges of getting there add to the experience. Allahabad is a key religious and educational hub in India which makes it well-connected to major cities across the country. Travelers can choose from various transportation options such as train, road, or air to reach the Kumbh Mela.
New Delhi, the closest major city, is about 643 km away from Allahabad. Although there are other cities farther away, pilgrims can easily select how they want to travel.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bamrauli Air Force Base, just 12 km from Allahabad. Major airlines like Air India and Indigo operate flights to this airport and local taxis and buses are available to take travelers into the city.
- By Road: Allahabad is well-connected by national and state highways which makes it convenient to travel by car or bus. Local transport options, such as taxis and auto-rickshaws, are also readily available.
- By Rail: Allahabad serves as a hub for the Northern Central Railway and provides efficient train connections to various cities across India. Many pilgrims prefer to travel by train to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the Kumbh Mela.
Things To be Kept in Mind While Visiting Kumbh Mela
- Do not leave your children’s hands as they might get lost in such a huge crowd.
- Make sure to confirm your stay or accommodation at least 30 days before your trip.
- If your children are small, don’t leave their hands while taking the holy dip in the water.
- Avoid all the places of a stampede, specifically if you are with your children.
- The crowd and hustle-bustle are not appropriate for pregnant women, so make sure they stay away.
Unique Attraction of Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2025
At the Kumbh Mela, people are always eager to see the Shaivanti Naga Sadhus. Foreign devotees are especially curious about their mysterious lifestyle and philosophy. During the royal bath of Kumbh, these Sadhus get to bathe first. They are naked and covered in ashes, with big hats that attract a lot of attention.
It’s amazing to see these saints holding tridents and shouting during the Mela. They are mentioned in mythological texts and are known for living naked and practicing in caves.
The last Kumbh Mela in Allahabad was in 2013 and was the largest religious gathering in the world, with almost 120 million visitors. The next one is scheduled for 2025, along with an Ardh Kumbh Mela.
The United Nations organization UNESCO has recognized the Kumbh Mela as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. According to UNESCO, it’s the most peaceful religious gathering on Earth. This is why millions of Hindus from all over the world come to bathe in the holy rivers, hoping to cleanse themselves of sin and bring purity to their lives. It attracts devotees from all corners of the globe.
Also Read: Unveiling Pushkar Mela 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
When was the last Maha Kumbh Mela happened?
The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in the year 2013 and the next is due in 2025.
Which year is the Nashik Kumbh Mela?
The next Nashik Kumbh Mela will be held in 2027.
Where Kumbh Mela will be held?
Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in the Allahabad city. It is said that more than 20 million people are likely to attend this mela.
Which cities are in Kumbh Mela?
The festival of Kumbh Mela is held in the cities, of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik every four years by rotation and is witnessed by millions of people.
Who started the Kumbh Mela?
King Harshavardhana began the commencement of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad around 644 BC.
Who bathes first in Kumbh Mela?
India possesses 13 Akhadas with their own respective Presidents or Mahants. The Presidents of these Akhadas are the first who take the dip or bathe in the divine river during the Kumbh, and with their bath, the Kumbh Mela proceedings commence.
Why do Hindus go to Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela has immense importance in the Hindu culture. Devotees believe that taking a bath in the Ganga River washes out all their sins and makes them free from the cycle of birth and death.
Which is the biggest Mela in India?
The Kumbh Mela held every twelve years, at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain is one of the biggest melas in India. Millions and millions of devotees are gathered and makes it the largest gathering in the world.
What is the Speciality of Kumbh Mela?
The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu occasion that upholds immense spiritual importance. People believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the Kumbh Mela washes off one of the sins and brings blessings and salvation.
Which is the second largest fair after Kumbh Mela?
Medaram Jatara is the second-largest fair in India after the Kumbh Mela. It is celebrated by the second-largest Tribal Community of Telangana, called the Koya tribe. It is usually celebrated for four days. Medaram Jathara is celebrated in honor of the Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.
