The world’s largest spiritual and religious attraction, Kumbh Mela, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that demonstrates India’s cultural trajectory. Each year this festival witnesses more than 100 million pilgrims from all over the world. However, the Maha Kumbh Mela only occurs once every 12 years in Prayagraj (Allahabad) referred to as the holiest sites at the bank of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati River.
After 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela dates have been announced and the festival is expected to take place from the 13th of January to the 26th of February, 2025. The decade-long wait of the pilgrims will come to an end as the festival dates are nearing. So, start preparing ahead if you are planning to visit the Kumbh festival in 2025. Read this article to have a basic idea of what you can expect from the festival and keep yourself prepared.
First Timer’s Guide to Kumbh Mela – Brief History
Kumbh Mela is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and has become the epicenter of spirituality, faith, and cultural unity for decades. The Hindu mythology has a tale that says once the devas(Gods) and the asuras(demons) churned an ocean of milk named Kshirasagar. The reason behind this was to obtain Amrit (divine nectar). It was believed that whoever drank that nectar would become immortal.
Eventually, the pot of nectar emerged from the ocean and became known as Kumbh. A fight broke out between the devas and asuras over the pot, however, Lord Vishnu took it and flew to the heavens and while he was flying few drops fell on four places on Earth, i.e., Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik, where the Kumbh Mela is now celebrated.
Dates and Timings of Kumbh Mela
The significance of the Kumbh Mela is not just mythological but beyond it. The festival was recorded earliest in the 7th century when Xuanzang, a Chinese traveler, documented his visit to Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj during the reign of King Harsha. Over the years, this mela has gained nobility and millions of pilgrims come to visit from all over the world.
The Kumbh Mela does not have a specified date and is predicted based on astrological and lunar calculations, i.e., the dates of the festivals are determined by the zodiac positions of the moon, sun, and Jupiter. To ensure that devotees get the most spiritual benefits this celestial alignment provides the most auspicious times for bathing and rites. The spiritual bathing in Kumbh Mela is also known as Shahi Snan or ‘Royal Baths’ which is believed to be a sacred bath to wash away sins and escape from rebirth.
Dates for Shahi Snan in Kumbh Mela 2025
| DAY | DATE | DETAILS |
| January 13 | Paush Purnima
(Full Moon) |
Now is a significant day for bathing as it marks the beginning of the Kumbh Mela 2025 pilgrimage season. |
| January 14 | Makar Sankranti | The sun enters the astrological sign of Capricorn, which is a very auspicious occasion. |
| January 29 | Mauni Amavasya (New Moon) |
Key bathing day on the calendar of the Kumbh Mela 2025. Silence and meditation are practiced by sages and sadhus. |
| February 3 | Basant Panchami (Magha month of Hindu) |
The spring season in India has arrived. The goddess of knowledge, learning, and wisdom, Saraswati, is worshipped by devotees. |
| February 12 | Maghi Purnima (Full moon in Magha month) |
A crucial day for the Kumbh Mela 2025 sacred dip at Triveni Sangam. |
| February 26 | Maha Shivratri | Lord Shiva’s holy day. Fasting is done by devotees. |
The best time to visit for first-timers is around the main bating dates where they can experience the unique spirituality of the Kumbh Mela. Since the festival is stretched to over two months, one can visit any time in between those months. However, visiting in the early days of the mela can give a more relaxed and less crowded experience. To avoid large crowds it is also advised to visit in between two Shahi Snan dates or weekdays and be assured that this period still offers the auspicious atmosphere of the Kumbh Mela.
First Timer’s Guide – What to Expect?
The big festival is scheduled to happen in Prayagraj city in Uttar Pradesh where more than two crore devotees will be welcomed in 2025 to perform a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam. It is advised that if you are planning to visit Kumbh Mela then book your flights and trains ahead to avoid last-minute rush.
Major Rituals in Kumbh Mela
The visitors can expect to experience the following rituals and activities in the festival:
1. Aarti
It is the way of Hindus to show respect, faith, and devotion towards their deity. For over the years, the sacred rivers have been worshipped in India by chanting mantras and hymns. Thousands of people from all over the world gather on the river banks to witness the Ganga Aarti during this festival.
2. Shahi Snan
As the holy rivers of India have been worshipped by Hindus, it is believed that taking a dip in those rivers can wash away their sins. Pilgrims believe that due to the position of the sun, moon, and planets, the river water turns into Amrit during Kumbh where they can take a dip to attain spirituality and peace.
3. Kalpavas
It is derived from the Sanskrit word where ‘Kalpa’ means long period and ‘vas’ means ‘to reside’ Hence, the term kalpavas means to reside by the river for a long period for spiritual gains. It involves a set of 21 rules that need to be followed and it usually lasts from Ekadashi (full moon in the Magh month) of the Hindu calendar to the Maghi Ekadashi, i.e. January to February as per the Gregorian calendar.
4. Deep Daan
It is a spiritual activity where people offer diyas (earthen lamps) in sacred rivers, temples, forests, etc as a symbol of spreading purity in the environment.
5. Satsangs
Satsang is a crucial aspect of the Kumbh Mela celebration, attracting millions of people to listen to religious hymns, mantras, and prayers for several hours. Saints and devotees within themselves can often be seen performing spiritual chants that cleanse the mind and soul.
6. Parikrama
Devotees are greatly impacted by the parikramas (circumambulation) of the four places as the times change. Parikramas have been a significant part of the Kumbh celebration since its beginnings.
First Timer’s Guide- How to Get Ready?
Proper preparations and beforehand bookings are essential for a hassle-free visit to Kumbh Mela. Here’s a guide to a first-timer’s experience:
Permits and Documentation
If you are an international tourist then make sure you have proper travel documents including a passport and visa to enter India. You can check beforehand if there are any special permits required to enter certain areas of the festival specifically if you are staying in pilgrim camps. Also, make sure to obtain travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and loss of personal belongings.
Packing Essentials
As January and February are winter months in India, make sure to pack warm clothes and shoes. However, as you are visiting a religious site consider wearing modest clothes to respect religious and customs sentiments. Carry your personal items like hygiene products, chargers, cameras, a power bank, water bottles for hydration, and sunscreen.
Accommodations
Book hotels or camps before two months as the prices are high as well as the crowd. Compare prices and then book hotels as per your budget. You can also check for ashrams for a more immersive experience. It is also advised to book accommodations near festival grounds as due to crowds local transportation may not be available all the time.
Transportation
The nearest airport to Prayagraj is Bamrauli Airport in Prayagraj or one can alternately prefer Lucknow or Varanasi airports that are well-connected with transportation to Prayagraj. The nearest railway station is Prayagraj Junction which is connected to most parts of India, and it is advised to book train tickets for two to three months. Also, there is road transport available as both private and state-run buses operate to Prayagraj from nearby cities.
Conclusion
By following the above guide you can easily book a safe visit to Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. It is a unique experience to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj but devotees should also keep in mind the basic things like keeping the spiritual place clean, not dumping waste into the Ganga, respecting other pilgrims, avoiding breaking queues, etc. Eventually, it is a celebration of life and a path of spiritual awakening of the human soul. Visit Tusk Travel for more information and spiritual highlights.
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