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Kumbh Mela is famous for the sacred river bathing ritual to wash away sins, along with religious talks, cultural performances, and processions.
Kumbh Mela 2025: Preparations underway at the bank of River Ganga for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj. (Image: PTI)
Kumbh Mela 2025: The Kumbh Mela, known for being one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, occurs every 12 years. The Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. The festival is famous for the sacred ritual of bathing in the rivers which is believed to wash away sins. Alongside the bathing rituals, the Kumbh Mela also features religious talks, cultural performances and processions.
The Kumbh Mela has its roots in the ancient Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. It is a story about a battle between gods and demons over a pot of nectar or ‘Amrit.’ The myth states that the places where Amrit fell became the sites for the Kumbh Mela.
ALSO READ: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How It Started, Why It Is Observed And Other FAQs
As the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela approaches, here’s a look at the major dates, events and activities planned for this spiritual journey.
Key Snan (Bathing Ritual) Dates
A major part of the Kumbh Mela is the sacred bathing ritual known as snan. Devotees come to Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet, to bathe in the holy rivers. People believe that royal bathing cleanses both the body and the soul. It is thought to wash away sins and help devotees achieve moksha (freedom from the cycle of rebirth).
Here are the key dates to remember for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela’s snan rituals:
- Paush Purnima – January 13, 2025
- Makar Sankranti – January 14, 2025
- Mauni Amavasya (Somvati) – January 29, 2025
- Basant Panchami – February 3, 2025
- Maghi Purnima – February 12, 2025
- Mahashivratri – February 26, 2025
Kalpavas
Kalpavas is a special practice where certain devotees, known as Kalpavasi, dedicate a whole month to staying at the Kumbh Mela. During this time, they embrace a simple and spiritual lifestyle.
Their daily routine includes taking a dip in the river, fasting and attending spiritual teachings. This period of devotion and self-discipline is believed to purify both the mind and the soul.
Naga Sadhus Procession
Naga Sadhus are a distinctive group of ascetics known for their intense devotion and warrior-like spirit. These holy men, often seen without clothes and covered in ash, carry weapons like tridents or swords as symbols of their strength.
During the Kumbh Mela, they lead the grand Shahi Snan processions. Their presence draws the attention of many pilgrims and visitors which makes these processions one of the most striking events.
Pind Daan (Ancestral Offerings)
During the Kumbh Mela, many pilgrims take part in a ritual called Pind Daan where they make offerings for their ancestors. This practice is done to honour deceased family members and is believed to bring peace to their souls.
Yogadham
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Satsang Foundation will set up a special Yogadham for spiritual seekers from around the world near the Someshwar Mahadev Temple which will occur for 45 days.
Spiritual seekers from across the globe will have the chance to connect with renowned spiritual masters from India. Some of the activities planned are: Dhuni Udheepanam & Dhwaj Arohan, Dhyan Parv, Upadesha Parv and Sadhana Parv.
Lighting Of Diyas
In the evenings at the Kumbh Mela, the riverbanks come alive with the glow of thousands of earthen lamps or diyas. Pilgrims light these lamps and release them onto the river as a gesture of devotion to the gods. This beautiful ritual is seen as a symbol of inner awakening.
Kirtan And Bhajan Singing
Singing kirtans and bhajans is an important part of the Kumbh Mela. Devotees come together to sing devotional songs in praise of the deity. They also play instruments like the harmonium, table and cymbals. These soulful melodies create a spiritual atmosphere.
Akharas Participation
Visitors to the Kumbh Mela can explore the Akharas which are spiritual institutions that preserve Hindu traditions. These Akharas play an important role in rituals like the Shahi Snan and contribute to various social, environmental and educational activities. Divided into sects such as Shaiva and Vaishnava, each Akhara is led by a chief who oversees its activities.
Puja And Havan Ceremonies
During the Kumbh Mela 2025, puja ceremonies are a common sight where devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other sacred items to seek blessings from the deity. Havan is also an important practice which is believed to invoke divine energies.
- Location :
Prayagraj, India
