Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Why is it celebrated once in every 12 years?
Hindu legend claims that the churning of the ocean of milk, or Samudra Manthan, is where the Kumbh Mela had its start. The actual question, though, is why it is honored every twelve years. Here is the solution for you.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Millions of devotees, saints, and pilgrims from all around the world will assemble in Prayagraj (Allahabad), India, for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a magnificent Hindu celebration. Every twelve years, this revered occasion entails ritual bathing in the holy rivers, especially at the Triveni Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the fabled Saraswati rivers. During the Maha Kumbh, bathing here is thought to bestow spiritual blessings and purify sins. Prayers, religious talks, cultural activities, and parades will all be part of the festival. It showcases India's spiritual legacy and is one of the world's largest peaceful gatherings.
When is Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 starting?
From January 13 to February 26, 2025, many pilgrims will be immersed in the sacred Sangam during the 30- to 45-day Kumbh Mela. Makar Sankranti will mark the start of the celebration, and Maha Shivratri will mark its conclusion. During this time, important bathing dates will include:
Bathing dates | Event |
---|---|
13th January, 2025 | Paush Purnima |
14th January, 2025 | Makar Sankranti |
29th January, 2025 | Mauni Amavasya |
4th February, 2025 | Basant Panchmi |
12th February, 2025 | Maghi Purnima |
26th February, 2025 | Maha Shivratri |
Why is Kumbh Mela celebrated in every 12 years?
The Kumbh Mela's distinctive 12-year cycle is among its most fascinating features. The alignment of the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) with the Sun and Moon is represented by the 12-year interval. When these celestial bodies are in a favorable position, which is regarded as spiritually significant, the Kumbh Mela is held according to astrology. Based on particular astrological alignments, each of the four Kumbh Mela sites¡ªPrayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik¡ªfollows a 12-year cycle. For instance, when Jupiter is in Taurus, and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn, Prayagraj hosts the Kumbh Mela.
What happens during Kumbh Mela 2025?
Holy Bathing: In order to obtain divine benefits, devotees take a bath in the hallowed rivers.
Religious Ceremonies: Chanting, prayers, and yajnas (fire rites) are conducted.
Sadhu Procession: Naga sadhus, or austere monks, are among the sadhus who arrive in vibrant processions.
Spiritual Talks: Well-known spiritual authorities give talks.
Cultural Programs: The joyous ambiance is enhanced with folk music, dance, and artistic displays.
Who started Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj?
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, has been celebrating the Kumbh Mela for centuries. During the 7th-century reign of King Harshavardhana, the celebration became more organized and well-known. Buddhism and Hinduism were greatly supported by King Harshavardhana, who ruled throughout northern India. He was instrumental in the Kumbh Mela's advertising, converting it into a sizable community where religious and cultural interactions occurred. His work specified Prayagraj as one of the main venues for the Kumbh Mela celebration and enabled the institutionalization of the occasion.
In which states does Kumbh Mela take place?
Four Indian states celebrate the Kumbh Mela, with each one holding the event at a different time:
- Haridwar
- Prayagraj
- Nashik
- Ujjain
What are the types of Maha Kumbh Mela?
Various celebrations of the Kumbh Mela are held depending on the region and frequency:
- Purna Kumbh Mela: The biggest and most important Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj every twelve years.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: Every six years, Prayagraj and Haridwar
- Maha Kumbh Mela: Every 144 years, following 12 Purna Kumbh Melas, Prayagraj hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, a magnificent occasion.
- Magh Mela: A yearly celebration in Prayagraj, is regarded as a scaled-down replica of the Kumbh Mela.
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