The Kumbh Mela is often referred to as the largest gathering of people all across the world. It attracts Sadhus, Hindu devotees, tourists and pilgrims from every corner of the world. This Mela is organized every three years in four cities of India which are, Prayagraj, Hardwar, Nashik and Ujjain.
In 2025 there is yet another Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj fast approaching, so prepare yourself for one more opportunity for spiritual enhancement.
Timing and Dates
The Kumbh Mela held at Prayagraj is among the largest religious gatherings held, and it is mainly based on lunar and astrological calculations. The dates of the celebrations are fixed according to the location of the Sun, Jupiter, and the moon in the zodiac belt. The bathing and other rituals during the Kumbh Mela are performed at the astrologically designated time calculated by the positions of planets or celestial bodies.
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Significance and History
According to Hindu Mythology, Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival linked to the ancient story of gods and demons who churned the ocean to get Amrit, the nectar of immortality, and from the Amrit, some drops fell at four places —Ujjain, Nashik, Prayagraj, and Haridwar. And ever since, Kumbh Mela has been organised at these four auspicious locations. Over the centuries, Kumbh Mela has brought people together for prayer, faith, and spiritual rituals.
Best Time to Attend Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
Though Kumbh Mela remains crowded throughout its course, here are some suggestions when you can expect a comparatively less crowd.
- Visiting during the middle of the week has few tourists, it is best to go during the mid-days if you don’t like the crowd.
- The starting days of the Kumbh Mela have less crowd.
- For a serene smooth experience of Kumbh Mela, consider visiting during the bathing days so that you get the festival vibe of Shahi Snan.
Prayag Kumbh Mela 2025 Bathing Dates
Here are the scheduled days of bathing for the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela:
- Paush Purnima: 13th January 2025
- Makar Sankranti (Shahi Snan): 14th January 2025
- Mauni Amavasya (Shahi Snan): 29th January 2025
- Basant Panchami (Shahi Snan): 3rd February 2025
- Achala Saptami: 4th February 2025
- Maghi Poornima: 12th February 2025
- Mahashivratri: 26th February 2025
How to Reach for Prayagraj Kumbh Mela?
When planning your trip to Prayagraj Kumbh Mela there are several ways to get to this city conveniently. The closest one is Allahabad Airport (IXD) located only 12 km away from the city and receives flights from major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
By Train, Prayagraj Junction Station is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Lucknow. National Highways connect Prayagraj with Varanasi (120 km), Lucknow (200 km), Kanpur (200 km) and Delhi (700 km). Also, there are many bus services available to .
Accommodation Options for Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
Various accommodation options are available in Prayagraj. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from and also there’s an option to stay in the tents which are set up by NGOs or Ashrams specially for Kumbh Mela visitors.
Activities at Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
At the Kumbh Mela, you can engage in various unique spiritual and cultural activities:
- Processions and Parades: See the grand Akhara processions with sadhus riding horses, elephants, and chariots, and witness the rituals of the Naga Sadhus during Shahi Snan.
- Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music and dance performances that celebrate India’s cultural heritage.
- Satsangs: Attend Satsangs, spiritual discourses that offer a deeper connection with spirituality.
- Holy Snan: Participate in the sacred bath, especially on Shahi Snan days, believed to purify sins and lead to salvation.
Considerations
- Avoid visiting for holy dips, baths or Snans during peak hours as it’s heavily crowded and might not be a pleasant experience especially for the first timers.
- Save important phone numbers like medical services, local police, and your accommodation provider on your phone, as well as carry a physical printout of the same with you as well.
- Keep track of the event related alerts and reminders, and other important information that is communicated to the participants by the event planners. Such information is displayed on screens and can be heard from megaphones.
- Secure all your items in place and do not leave anything lying around. A safe bag or a money belt would help keep your valuables in place. You should be aware of the possibility of pickpockets who attack at night and other uncomfortable situations.
- Upon getting to the campsite, determine the nearest medical stations. Get help immediately if you feel sick or hurt.
- Stay hydrated by taking appropriate amounts of non-carbonated fluid and carrying a refillable water bottle with you. Also, consider carrying some energy food such as nuts or energy bars to give you the needed energy.
- Respect all the rules and traditions of the people, especially when taking part in rituals and prayer.
- Make sure to install the Kumbh Mela app, which has information on contacts, maps and timetables. These systems incorporate all the information in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: How many times is the Kumbh Mela organised in a year?
Ans: Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years and Ardh Kumbh, the smaller version of Kumbh, is celebrated every 6 years and Magh Mela is celebrated every year.
Q-2: How to reach Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela?
Ans: You can choose to reach Prayagraj by air, by rail or by road. You can also hire a private vehicle.
Q-3: Where can I stay during Kumbh Mela?
Ans: There are many accommodation options like hotels, simple tents and luxury camps. Its is recommended to book early as places fill up fast during this time.
Q-4: Are there any special rules to follow?
Ans: You must look out for signs and follow the instructions. Photography is restricted at some places. Therefore, respect the traditions and restrictions to avoid any consequences or unpleasant situations.
Q-5: Is the facility for food and water available there?
Ans: Yes, various food stalls and community kitchens are set up by charitable organisations at minimal costs that offer vegetarian meals. Clean drinking water facility is also available.
Q-6: Is it safe to attend Kumbh Mela?
Ans: Yes, it is completely safe to be a part of Kumbh Mela. Various security measures are taken for the safety of pilgrims. Hundreds of police officers, volunteers and doctors are deployed. Volunteers continuously monitor the crowd, keep them divided in smaller sections and medical facilities are also taken care of. Stay alert of your belongings during the densely packed areas.
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