Maha Kumbha- it is a once-every-144-year event! It is a celebration of Hindu faith, tradition, and unity like no other. Attracting pilgrims from all over the world, this sacred fair is scheduled to take place in Tirtharaja (king of pilgrimages) Prayag in 2025. As the city and world prepare to participate in this unique fair, let us take you on a journey of history, significance, and festivity of Maha-Kumbha and Kumbha.
The story begins in the time of the gods when the Samudra-Manthan was taking place. The
“Amrita Kumbha” or pot of nectar that emerged from the churning of the ocean, is said to be in the hands of Indra, Vishnu as Mohini, or Garuda (as per different sources) when a few drops trickled on the earth, marking the 4 spots where Kumbha Mela takes place.
According to some traditions, Indra’s son Jayant is believed to have transported Amrita to heaven, a journey that took him 12 days, which in human time is equal to 12 years, establishing the tradition of Kumbha Mela.
Prayagaraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik are the four places where the drops of Amrita fell, and since then these cities have been the venues for the holy Kumbha pilgrimage.
Kumbha Mela takes place once every three years, in the four cities- Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayag, and Nashik. The Purna Kumbha or “complete Kumbha” takes place every 12 years in these 4 sacred spots. Purna Kumbha coincides with Jupiter completing its revolution, which takes 12 years and marks a major astrological event.
The Mahakumbha happens once every 144 years in Prayag, on the Sangam or “confluence” of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (a Vedic period stream that has now gone underground). So the difference between Kumbha and Mahakumbha is the period (Kumbha occurs more often, while Mahakumbha has a longer duration of 144 years) and location.
Another Kumbha known as “Ardha-Kumbha” or “half-Kumbha” takes place in Prayag and Haridwar, once every 6 years.
Magha Mela held in all sacred places of Hinduism during January is an important annual religious festival, coinciding with the Kumbha fair, once every 12 years. Magha Mela is celebrated every year with “Kalpavasa”, a tradition of austerities such as three baths in the river, plain food, and simple living along with rituals and meditation.
1. Shahi Snana or Royal Bath of Sadhus: Akhadas (collectives of sages and ascetics) take an organized dip in the sacred water of the river during Kumbha Mela. The shubh-muhurta is finalized based on astrological markers and attracts sages from all over India, whose powerful presence and aura add to the fervor of Kumbha.
2. Maghi Purnima: It is celebrated on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Magha, with a sacred bath, daana (donation), and austerities by pilgrims. People flock to the banks of rivers all over India, to take a dip and cleanse their souls of all sins of the past and present births.
3. Makar Sankranti: The movement of Surya (Sun god) into Makar Rashi (Capricorn) is celebrated on this day. Rituals, bathing, offering prayers, and celebration of a fresh harvest cycle across India are the key events of Makar Sankranti.
4. Ganga Aarti and Puja: The water of river Ganga is believed to bless the bather with purity, longevity, and heaven. People take a dip in the river to ensure Moksha or salvation during Kumbha Mela. Special rituals to Ganga and Ganga aarti are important events dedicated to the ancient river goddess in Kumbha Mela.
5. Procession of Akharas: The organized orders of Sadhus gather in large numbers on the banks of Sangam during Maha Kumbha, creating an environment of devotional power. The Naga sadhus riding their horses and elephants on the riverside is a scene that represents the blend of warrior spirit and simplicity in the Hindu ascetic orders, a glorious vision for everyone who witnesses the parades.
The grand Maha Kumbha in Prayagraj is awaiting the arrival of pilgrims from India and the world this January 2025. Starting on 13 January 2025 and ending on 26 February 2025, the Mela will host lakhs of visitors, most of whom will remain in the city to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event. The government of India, the state government of Uttar Pradesh, and various other departments have joined hands to make the Maha Kumbha a truly unforgettable occasion for everyone.
1. State Pavillions: Each section dedicated to the culture, craft, and tradition of Indian states, will display the best of every Indian state. The theme for these pavilions is the festivals celebrated in India during January and February to showcase the richness of regional traditions that are unique yet based on shared cultural and environmental ethos.
2. Sanskriti Gram: The cultural village is being specially made for Maha Kumbha 2025, to showcase historical narratives, art, and craft traditions through exhibitions and workshops, and ancient astrological and religious legends. Planned in six smaller hubs, the Sanskriti Gram is all set to take the visitors on a voyage through India’s heritage.
3. Kala Gram: Designed as an art fair that will bring artistic and craft traditions of the country under one roof, the Kala Gram offers a great opportunity for Indian artists and art lovers to interact amidst the sacred environment of Kumbha.
4. Water-Laser Show and Drone Show: The organizers have planned to bring ancient tales and traditions of India to life through modern-age technology. With the exhilarating water and laser shows and drone shows, stories from Indian Puranas and narratives of Prayagraj’s history will be revealed to the audience, making these shows a key attraction of Maha Kumbha 2025.
5. Satsang: Spiritual discourses, bhajan and kirtan, and philosophical gatherings are organized by the government and the Akharas in the Kumbha, which allow the commoners and devotees to relish in the ancient principles and sacred hymns, in the company of sages and learned experts of religion and tradition from across the globe, making this a unique opportunity for anyone who wishes to have an in-depth understanding of the complex world of Hinduism.
6. Mediation and Yoga Camps: Throughout the Maha Kumbha, early morning and evening wellness retreats will be organized for those who are looking for an overall transformation. Training and guidance in Yoga, vyayaam, and pranayam will be provided by experts and Yogacharyas, amidst the sacredness of Kumbha.
The scale, cultural value, and uniqueness of Kumbha Mela were hailed by UNESCO in 2017 when the organization declared the fair as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”. It is recognized as a cultural gem, not just for India, but for all human beings across the globe, for the ethics, values, and rituals that it has preserved for centuries.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions on Kumbha Mela)
1. How often is the Kumbha Mela held?
Ans. Kumbha Mela occurs once every 3 years.
2. What is the difference between Kumbha and Mahakumbha?
Ans. Kumbha takes place once every 3 years in Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. Mahakumbha takes place once every 144 months and is organized in Prayag, on the Sangam (confluence of three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati).
3. Why is Kumbha Mela celebrated?
Ans. Kumbha Mela commemorates the legendary event of Amrita (nectar) falling on the earth, in the aftermath of Samudra-Manthan. It is celebrated with the gathering of sages and devotees in these holy places, with snana (sacred bath), worship rituals, Ganga aarti, and spiritual practices to cleanse the self and prepare the soul for Moksha or salvation.
4. When is the next Kumbha Mela?
Ans. Kumbha Mela or Mahakumbha will be held in January and February 2025, in Prayagraj.
5. Where does Kumbha take place?
Ans. Kumbha Mela is organized in 4 Indian cities- Prayagraj (on Sangam), Ujjain (on Shipra river), Nashik (on Godavari), and Haridwar (on the banks of Ganga).
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