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IN PHOTOS: All you need to know about the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, regarded as the world's largest spiritual gathering, is a magnificent display of devotion, faith, and ancient traditions. Hindu pilgrims make their way along the banks of the Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge, in anticipation of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj. (Pic/ PTI & AFP)

Updated On: 2024-12-17 11:24 AM IST

Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava

(Pic/ PTI & AFP)
Held once every twelve years, the Maha Kumbh rotates among the sacred cities of Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, each positioned along India’s most sacred rivers. In 2025, Prayagraj will host the Maha Kumbh Mela from January 13 to February 26, welcoming millions of pilgrims, saints, and seekers from across the globe.
At the heart of the Mela lies the Shahi Snan, the sacred bathing ritual at the Triveni Sangam, believed to cleanse the soul and liberate ancestors from sin. Special bathing dates, such as Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, are marked by grand processions of ascetics and saints, arriving to take their ceremonial dip.
The "royal bath" symbolises the divine blessings bestowed by virtuous deeds and the wisdom of revered spiritual leaders. For many pilgrims, the act of purification through the sacred waters is the driving force behind their journey to Prayagraj.
As night falls, the Ganga Aarti brings the riverbanks alive, with priests performing rituals accompanied by the harmonious sounds of bells, conches, and chants. The sight of flickering lamps and the river's flowing waters creates a deeply moving experience, evoking profound devotion in participants.
During the Mela, some pilgrims engage in Kalpavas, a period of strict spiritual discipline, where they embrace a simple lifestyle focused on prayer, meditation, and scripture. Daily rituals like Yajnas and Satsangs guide participants toward self-realisation, helping them reconnect with the divine.
Rituals such as Shraadh and Veeni Daan, where devotees honour ancestors and surrender hair to the river, reflect gratitude and the act of purification. The festival also encourages charitable acts, such as donating food, cows, and clothes, believed to bring blessings to both the giver and the receiver.
One of the most visually breathtaking aspects of the Mela is Deep Daan, where thousands of earthen lamps are floated on the Triveni Sangam, creating a celestial glow on the river’s surface. The Prayagraj Panchkoshi Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation of the city, allows pilgrims to journey through historic temples, connecting modern generations with ancient spiritual traditions.
 
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