Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Set to Welcome 400 Million Pilgrims in Prayagraj
The world's largest religious gathering begins January 13, featuring sacred river baths, elaborate rituals, and extensive preparations in Uttar Pradesh.
- The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
- Organizers expect up to 400 million participants, making it the largest human gathering in history, with extensive infrastructure including 150,000 toilets and community kitchens feeding 50,000 people at a time.
- Key rituals include Shahi Snan (royal baths) on January 14, January 29, and February 3, led by ash-smeared monks and spiritual leaders, followed by millions of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing.
- The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, commemorating a cosmic battle over the nectar of immortality, with Prayagraj believed to be one of the sacred sites where the nectar fell.
- UNESCO recognizes the Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its spiritual significance and its role as a unifying cultural event in India.
Hindustan Times 