In Hindu culture, the Kumbh Mela is one of the most revered festivals. This major event occurs at different intervals, with the Kumbh Mela being held every three years. Every six years, the Ardh Kumbh or Half Kumbh is celebrated, and the Maha Kumbh, or Great Kumbh, takes place every twelve years. The next Maha Kumbh will occur in Prayagraj in 2025. In addition to Prayagraj, the festival is also observed in Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to begin on January 13, 2025. This year’s opening day brings a special significance, with the presence of Siddhi Yoga, an auspicious alignment believed to enhance the benefits of the festival. Known as Hinduism’s largest gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims from across the globe. This event will run from January 13 to February 26.
The Maha Kumbh features specific dates known as Royal Baths, during which devotees participate in sacred dips in the river. These dates are:
The history of the Maha Kumbh Mela goes back to a mythological event known as the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, which involved a conflict between gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras). Ancient legends describe a fierce 12-day battle between them over a pot of nectar (Amrit) that surfaced from the ocean. During this struggle, drops of nectar fell at four locations on Earth: Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Nashik. These places are now considered sacred, and it is at these sites that the Kumbh Mela takes place.
The timing and location of the Kumbh Mela are closely tied to the positioning of the planet Jupiter (Guru) in different constellations. When Jupiter is in Taurus and the Sun is in Capricorn, the Kumbh Mela is held in Prayagraj. For Nashik, the alignment of Jupiter and the Sun in Leo is significant. Similarly, the Kumbh in Ujjain is celebrated when Jupiter is in Leo and the Sun in Aries. Finally, the Kumbh in Haridwar is observed when Jupiter is in Aquarius and the Sun in Aries.
Through these sacred events, millions of worshippers express their devotion, connecting with the profound spiritual energy believed to fill these holy locations during Kumbh Mela.
