Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Check start dates, shahi snan schedule, historical significance and know the easiest routes to reach Tirtha Sangam

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, celebrated by millions of Hindus. It takes place every 12 years at four different locations in India: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nashik, and Ujjain. The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela is all set to be held in 2025, from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj. This festival is known for its sacred baths, called Shahi Snan, where devotees believe they can cleanse their sins and attain spiritual benefits. The event has a rich history and deep significance in Hindu culture, drawing pilgrims from across the globe.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Historical Background

The Kumbh Mela has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. According to Hindu mythology, the festival highlights the battle between the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) for the nectar of immortality (amrit). During this cosmic struggle, four drops of amrit fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.

These locations are now known as Kumbh Mela sites. The first recorded Kumbh Mela took place in 200 BC, but it has been celebrated in various forms for centuries. The term "Kumbh" refers to a pot that symbolises abundance and prosperity.

Kumbh Mela vs Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela are two prominent religious gatherings in Hinduism, both attracting millions of devotees, but they differ in several key aspects.

Kumbh Mela

• Frequency: Kumbh Mela occurs every three years.
• Locations: It is celebrated at four sacred sites: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj.
• Attendance: Each Kumbh Mela attracts millions of attendees, but the numbers are generally smaller compared to the Maha Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh Mela

• Frequency: Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years.
• Location: This grand gathering is exclusively held in Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
• Attendance: The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 is expected to attract over 45 crore (450 million) pilgrims, making it one of the largest religious gatherings globally. The event will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

When Will Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Start?

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. The festival commenced on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025. The most auspicious bathing dates, known as Shahi Snan, are important for devotees who believe that taking a dip in the sacred waters during these times will cleanse them of sins and lead to salvation.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Key Dates for Shahi Snan

Here are the important upcoming dates for Shahi Snan during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:

Ways to reach Maha Kumbh Mela by Road?

• Car/Bus: You can drive or take a bus to Prayagraj. Major highways connect the city to various regions:
• Delhi to Prayagraj: Approx. 700 km via NH19 (around 11 hours drive).
• Lucknow to Prayagraj: Approx. 200 km via NH30 (around 4-5 hours drive).
• Varanasi to Prayagraj: Approx. 120 km via NH19 (around 3 hours drive).
• Local Transport: Within the city, expect shuttle buses and e-rickshaws for easy movement around the Mela area.

Ways to reach Maha Kumbh Mela by Train?

To reach out, Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela trains are considered the most opted yet convenient. During Maha Kumbh Mela, Pryagraj Junction is the main railway hub that unites it to almost all regions.

Prayagraj has eight railway stations that run trains to major cities of India such as Patna, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jaipur. Local trains, auto rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and city buses are available at the railway station to reach the Mahakumbh Mela.

Main Stations:

• Prayagraj Junction: The primary station with extensive connections.
• Naini Junction and Subedarganj Station: Alternative options nearby.

Ways to reach Maha Kumbh Mela by domestic flights?

To reach the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, domestic flights are a convenient option. Prayagraj Airport (Bamrauli Airport), also known as Allahabad Airport, connects to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Lucknow through various airlines like IndiGo and Air India. It is advisable to book flights well in advance to secure seats and avoid higher prices.

For those coming from international destinations, the nearest major airports are Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow.

Official Website for Maha Kumbh Mela

The official website for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is kumbh.gov.in. This site provides detailed information about the event, including important dates, accommodation options, and updates related to the festival, which will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Visitors can also find details about various activities and facilities available during the Mela.

When is the next Maha Kumbh Mela 144 years?

The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years, but it also follows a 144-year cycle based on the specific locations where it is held. This year, the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj 2025 is especially rare, which comes once every 144 years.

The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 2013 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). This fair lasted for 55 days and lakhs of pilgrims participated in it. This fair was considered the largest gathering in human history.

And, this year it is all set to be celebrated from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj itself.

Historically, the Maha Kumbh Mela has been celebrated for centuries, with significant gatherings of pilgrims and devotees participating in ritual bathing at sacred rivers. The festival is celebrated with various religious activities, including prayers, discourses, and cultural performances.

Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Prayagraj holds intense spiritual significance for Hindus. Here are some key aspects:

1. Spiritual Cleansing: Pilgrims believe that bathing (Shahi Snan) in the sacred waters during the Kumbh washes away sins and purifies the soul.
2. Unity and Devotion: The gathering fosters a sense of community among devotees from diverse backgrounds who come together to celebrate their faith.
3. Cultural Heritage: The event showcases India's rich cultural heritage through various rituals, ceremonies, and traditional performances.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event. It is a celebration of faith that brings together millions of people in a spirit of devotion and unity. As Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 starts, it promises to be an extraordinary experience filled with spiritual awakening and cultural richness.

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