At the heart of the Mahakumbh are its sacred bathing rituals, or snans, which hold profound significance for devotees. These holy dips are believed to cleanse sins, liberate ancestors and guide the soul towards moksha. Specific dates during the mela witness heightened fervour, with grand processions of saints and ascetics culminating in the Shahi Snan, considered the spiritual pinnacle of the event.
A snapshot of the key events marking Mahakumbh 2025:
Paush Purnima (January 13)
The first significant day of the Mahakumbh. This full moon day marks the start of Kalpvasa, a period of intense devotion and spiritual practice for pilgrims.
Makar Sankranti (January 14)
With the sun transitioning into a new zodiac sign, this day is synonymous with acts of charity. Pilgrims offer donations to mark the occasion.
Mauni Amavasya (January 29)
Often the busiest day of the Mahakumbh, Mauni Amavasya sees millions flock to the Sangam for what is considered to be the most auspicious of holy dips. This day symbolises the power of silence and spiritual purification.
Basant Panchami (February 3)
Marking the arrival of spring, this is a day of worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Devotees adorn themselves in yellow attire and gather for the sacred bath.
Maghi Purnima (February 12)
On this full moon, pilgrims believe they are blessed by celestial beings descending to the Sangam. The bathing ritual on this day is thought to elevate souls towards spiritual enlightenment.
Maha Shivratri (February 26)
The final bath of the Mahakumbh coincides with this day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the culmination of rituals for Kalpvasis and a spiritual finale for devotees.
Beyond the baths, the Mahakumbh offers a vibrant blend of religious discourses, ceremonies and cultural displays. With preparations nearing completion, Prayagraj is ready to welcome millions for this awe-inspiring event that is a confluence of devotion, tradition and timeless faith.
Why Mahakumbh is celebrated every 12 years
The Prayagraj Mahakumbh is organised every 12 years, guided by a combination of astrological, mythological and religious factors. Its timing is rooted in the planetary alignment of Jupiter, the sun, and the moon. Specifically, the Mahakumbh occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi) and the Sun enters Aries (Mesh Rashi). This celestial alignment happens approximately every 12 years, forming the basis for the event’s periodicity.
The origins of the Mahakumbh trace back to the ancient Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan. According to the legend, devas and asuras churned the ocean in search of amrita, the nectar of immortality. During their struggle over the kumbha (pot) containing the nectar, a few drops spilled at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. These sites are now considered sacred, and bathing in the rivers at these locations is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
The 12-year cycle aligns with Jupiter's revolution around the sun, as it takes about 12 years for Jupiter to return to the same zodiac sign. This cycle determines the periodicity of the Mahakumbh at each of the four sites, with the Kumbh Mela being held at one location approximately every three years in rotation.
For devotees, the Mahakumbh holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that the rivers, particularly the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj, become spiritually charged during this period. Bathing at the Sangam is thought to offer freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
The akhada culture
The akhadas are pivotal to the spiritual and cultural tapestry of the Kumbh Mela, embodying the enduring essence of Sanatan Dharma. These monastic orders of Hindu saints and ascetics date back to ancient times when they were established to safeguard and propagate religious traditions. At the Kumbh, the akhadas symbolise the preservation of Hindu spirituality, tradition and unity, drawing millions of devotees to their fold.
Broadly divided into Shaiva (followers of Lord Shiva), Vaishnava (followers of Lord Vishnu), and Udasin (renunciates without allegiance to a specific deity), the akhadas are further subdivided into smaller groups, each bringing its own distinct rituals, philosophies and practices to the Kumbh. This diversity makes the event a vibrant confluence of spiritual traditions, with the akhadas serving as its cornerstone.
The Shahi Snan is one of the most iconic contributions of the akhadas. In a grand procession led by the revered Naga Sadhus, known for their austere lifestyle and renunciation, the saints ceremoniously take a dip in the holy rivers.
Beyond the Shahi Snan, the akhadas act as centres of religious activity during the Kumbh. Their camps host spiritual discourses, debates on Hindu philosophy and religious assemblies, offering devotees an opportunity to deepen their understanding of dharma and seek guidance from the saints. These camps become hubs of learning, reflection and devotion, attracting seekers from across the world.
The akhadas also represent the unity within Hinduism’s diverse traditions. Despite differences in beliefs and practices, they converge at the Kumbh, emphasising the collective strength and shared heritage of Sanatan Dharma. Their role extends beyond spirituality, preserving rituals, knowledge and traditions passed down for centuries.
At Mahakumbh 2025, the akhadas will continue their timeless role as torchbearers of faith and tradition, showcasing the spiritual grandeur of one of the largest gatherings of humanity on earth.
Subscribe to India Today Magazine
At the heart of the Mahakumbh are its sacred bathing rituals, or snans, which hold profound significance for devotees. These holy dips are believed to cleanse sins, liberate ancestors and guide the soul towards moksha. Specific dates during the mela witness heightened fervour, with grand processions of saints and ascetics culminating in the Shahi Snan, considered the spiritual pinnacle of the event.
A snapshot of the key events marking Mahakumbh 2025:
Paush Purnima (January 13)
The first significant day of the Mahakumbh. This full moon day marks the start of Kalpvasa, a period of intense devotion and spiritual practice for pilgrims.
Makar Sankranti (January 14)
With the sun transitioning into a new zodiac sign, this day is synonymous with acts of charity. Pilgrims offer donations to mark the occasion.
Mauni Amavasya (January 29)
Often the busiest day of the Mahakumbh, Mauni Amavasya sees millions flock to the Sangam for what is considered to be the most auspicious of holy dips. This day symbolises the power of silence and spiritual purification.
Basant Panchami (February 3)
Marking the arrival of spring, this is a day of worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Devotees adorn themselves in yellow attire and gather for the sacred bath.
Maghi Purnima (February 12)
On this full moon, pilgrims believe they are blessed by celestial beings descending to the Sangam. The bathing ritual on this day is thought to elevate souls towards spiritual enlightenment.
Maha Shivratri (February 26)
The final bath of the Mahakumbh coincides with this day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the culmination of rituals for Kalpvasis and a spiritual finale for devotees.
Beyond the baths, the Mahakumbh offers a vibrant blend of religious discourses, ceremonies and cultural displays. With preparations nearing completion, Prayagraj is ready to welcome millions for this awe-inspiring event that is a confluence of devotion, tradition and timeless faith.
Why Mahakumbh is celebrated every 12 years
The Prayagraj Mahakumbh is organised every 12 years, guided by a combination of astrological, mythological and religious factors. Its timing is rooted in the planetary alignment of Jupiter, the sun, and the moon. Specifically, the Mahakumbh occurs when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi) and the Sun enters Aries (Mesh Rashi). This celestial alignment happens approximately every 12 years, forming the basis for the event’s periodicity.
The origins of the Mahakumbh trace back to the ancient Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan. According to the legend, devas and asuras churned the ocean in search of amrita, the nectar of immortality. During their struggle over the kumbha (pot) containing the nectar, a few drops spilled at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. These sites are now considered sacred, and bathing in the rivers at these locations is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
The 12-year cycle aligns with Jupiter's revolution around the sun, as it takes about 12 years for Jupiter to return to the same zodiac sign. This cycle determines the periodicity of the Mahakumbh at each of the four sites, with the Kumbh Mela being held at one location approximately every three years in rotation.
For devotees, the Mahakumbh holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that the rivers, particularly the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj, become spiritually charged during this period. Bathing at the Sangam is thought to offer freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
The akhada culture
The akhadas are pivotal to the spiritual and cultural tapestry of the Kumbh Mela, embodying the enduring essence of Sanatan Dharma. These monastic orders of Hindu saints and ascetics date back to ancient times when they were established to safeguard and propagate religious traditions. At the Kumbh, the akhadas symbolise the preservation of Hindu spirituality, tradition and unity, drawing millions of devotees to their fold.
Broadly divided into Shaiva (followers of Lord Shiva), Vaishnava (followers of Lord Vishnu), and Udasin (renunciates without allegiance to a specific deity), the akhadas are further subdivided into smaller groups, each bringing its own distinct rituals, philosophies and practices to the Kumbh. This diversity makes the event a vibrant confluence of spiritual traditions, with the akhadas serving as its cornerstone.
The Shahi Snan is one of the most iconic contributions of the akhadas. In a grand procession led by the revered Naga Sadhus, known for their austere lifestyle and renunciation, the saints ceremoniously take a dip in the holy rivers.
Beyond the Shahi Snan, the akhadas act as centres of religious activity during the Kumbh. Their camps host spiritual discourses, debates on Hindu philosophy and religious assemblies, offering devotees an opportunity to deepen their understanding of dharma and seek guidance from the saints. These camps become hubs of learning, reflection and devotion, attracting seekers from across the world.
The akhadas also represent the unity within Hinduism’s diverse traditions. Despite differences in beliefs and practices, they converge at the Kumbh, emphasising the collective strength and shared heritage of Sanatan Dharma. Their role extends beyond spirituality, preserving rituals, knowledge and traditions passed down for centuries.
At Mahakumbh 2025, the akhadas will continue their timeless role as torchbearers of faith and tradition, showcasing the spiritual grandeur of one of the largest gatherings of humanity on earth.
Subscribe to India Today Magazine
Français 
English