The Mahakumbh Mela is a significant Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela commenced on January 13 and is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2025.

Key Bathing Dates:

• January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day)
• January 15, 2025: Makar Sankranti Snan
• January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
• February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
• February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima Snan
• February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day)

These sacred bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snans (Amrit Snan), are believed to purify the soul and absolve sins, making them the spiritual highlights of the event.

Historical Significance:

The Kumbh Mela is rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the tale of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). During this process, a few drops of the nectar fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These sites became the venues for the Kumbh Mela, held in rotation based on specific astrological alignments.

The Mahakumbh Mela is renowned for being one of the largest human gatherings on Earth. In 2013, an estimated 120 million people attended the event in Prayagraj over a two-month period, with over 30 million on a single day.

The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is anticipated to draw approximately 400 million participants over its six-week duration. The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken extensive preparations, including infrastructure development, security measures, and public amenities, to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims.

Attending the Mahakumbh Mela offers devotees an opportunity to engage in spiritual practices, seek blessings, and experience a profound sense of community and devotion.