Independent Guide to Ardh Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025
The largest religious gathering in the World
The legendary significance of Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is the greatest holy pilgrimage festival of India. This event is an amalgamation of spiritual, cultural and religious beliefs which occurs once in 12 years attracting umpteen participants to take a dip in the holy river in India. The Kumbh mela is as mesmerizing as it is spiritual. This ancient festival is a gathering of mystical hearts, minds and souls. The biggest religious gathering in the world brings holy men/women together to discuss their faith and dissipate information about their religion. Millions of people gather to attend this festival each day till the Mela lasts. In the month of December in 2024, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) proclaimed Kumbh Mela as a part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity list.
Pilgrims at the Kumbh come from all verticals of Hindu religious life ranging from layman people, foreigners to babas and sadhus (holy men) who remain bare-clothed their complete life and practice the most crucial physical disciplines. Major crowds of devotees, their intimates and spectators join the ascetics organized by social welfare societies and political lobbyists. The Naga Akhada often claim the holiest spots at each Kumbh Mela as most propitious, although the Indian government now enforced and established rules and regulations for bathing in order to avoid crowd collision.
Some devotees believe that taking dip on this occasion provides the power of faith that can part rivers, mountains and endure the hardships that comes bundled up for a good human-being. A congregation of millions gather together to be free from the viscous earthly cycle of death & life, and moves towards the heavenly realm which knows no pain or sufferings.
The location for Kumbh Mela is decided according to the position of moon, sun and Jupiter in that particular time span. The aura absorption of these energies is so high that it creates a subtle link into heaven above and extends straight up to our Ancestors in the Ethers. It’s like a Cosmic Ladder.
Kumbh at Prayagraj:
When moon and sun are in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Taurus during the Hindu month of Maagh (January & February).
Kumbh at Haridwar:
When Sun is in Aries and Jupiter is in Aquarius during the Hindu month of Chaittra (March & April).
Kumbh at Nasik:
When Jupiter and Sun are in Leo during the Hindu month of Bhadraaprad (August & September).
The next Maha Kumbh Mela is all set to be held in the city of Prayagraj (Prayag) in the year 2024. Read the rest of the sections to know about the important dates, history and traditions of Kumbh Mela along with the visitors’ information.
The glorious story behind the Kumbh:
Kumbh in Hindi language means pitcher or a pot. Mela means a fair or festival. Hence, the Kumbh mela is the festival of pitchers. As per the Vedas and Upnishads (the holy heritage books of India), the mythological significance of Kumbh revolves around the story of churning the primordial ocean for the sake of amrit (the nectar of immortality) which was done by the gods and demons to obtain the invaluable jewels and the nectar. The mountain known as “Mandrachala” became the churning stick and the snake Vasuki acted as the rope. Deity Vishnu took the form of tortoise to provide base to the mountain (Mandrachal) with fear that it may get slipped and submerged in the ocean.
The first thing emerged from this churning was a lethal bane which was swallowed by the Lord Shiva, that’s why he is known as Neelkanth (one who has blue neck). Then other comes the Kaamdhenu (the holy cow), Jayant (son of lord Indra) and the Amrit. The nectar was to be shared equally between the gods and the demons. However gods and demons engaged in a tussle for the proverbial pitcher of Nectar, which went for 12 days in the time of gods & demons and for 12 human years (that’s why Purna Kumbh is celebrated after 12 years). During this fight, the celestial bird known as Garuda flew away with the pitcher containing the nectar in order to fortify it from the demons. Noticing this, Guru Shukracharya, the pedagogue of demons alerted them and ordered them to chase Garuda. In this hustle and bustle, the drops of nectar are believed to have fallen in the four holy places namely (Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Nasik (Maharashtra) and Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) where Kumbh mela is celebrated.
The story symbolizes churning of our minds to the depth where all powers and positivity arise and eventually leading to salvation or immortality. As mentioned in the Skanda Puraan (holy heritage book of India), Kumbh is not just celebrated where the nectar had spilled, also the places are considered where the pitcher was kept down. It is believed that these drops gave mystical powers to these places.
Types of Kumbh:
Maha Kumbh:
Maha Kumbh Mela is considered to be once in a lifetime occasion for Hindus pilgrims. Periodically, Maha Kumbh comes in every 144 years or after 12 Purna Kumbhs. It is only held in Prayagraj (Prayag). The Maha Kumbh is attended by umpteen numbers of devotees who plunge in the holy river to wash their sins. As per a legend, Deity Brahma has once promulgated that taking a dip or bath in the holy river will liberate humans from their misdeeds and sins. Hindus also believe that a bathing in Ganges, especially during Maha Kumbh, can purge them and their ancestors back to eighty-eighth generations from all evils and sins. The last Maha Kumbh was held in 2013 and the next will be held after 144 years.
Purna Kumbh Mela:
This Kumbh is held after every 12 years in Prayag (Prayagraj). Umpteen pilgrims take bath in the holy Sangam. This auspicious Mela is organized at a great level attended by millions of devotees.
Ardh Kumbh:
In Hindi, 'Ardh' means 'half' and 'Mela' means 'fair'. The festival is also known as Ardh Kumbh Mela as it is celebrated after every 6 years, means it marks the half-stage between the Purna Kumbh (that is held after 12 years). The Ardh Kumbh is organized in only Haridwar and Prayagraj.
Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela is held at four different places - Prayagraj, Ujjain, Haridwar and Nasik. Kumbh Mela is organized at a large scale and millions of devotees attend the event and take the holy bath. The planetary positions of the Jupiter and Sun decide when and in which city Kumbh is to be celebrated.
Maagh Mela:
The Maagh Kumbh holds importance for the Hindus as they believe the origin of the Maagh Mela as the creation of the Universe. This fair is organized every year on the banks of the Sangam (where river Ganges, Saraswati and Yamuna) in Prayag (Prayagraj). As its name suggests, it is organized in the month Maagh of the Hindu calendar.
The holy locations for Kumbh celebration:
This year (2024-2025) the Kumbh Mela will be celebrated in Prayag (Prayagraj) on the holy banks of river Ganges.
The normal Kumbh is celebrated every three years while the Ardh (Half) Kumbh commenced every 6 years primarily at hallowed places of Haridwar and Prayag (Prayagraj). Based on the astrological charts and planetary influences, the Purna (Complete) Kumbh is held after every 12 years on the four important spots. The very holy and mesmerizing period of Kumbh mela witness mega celebrations at the city of Prayagraj. The last such colossal event of Kumbh was experienced in year 2013.
The Prayag (Prayagraj) is considered to be an important and sacred part of amongst all festivals. The center of attraction of Kumbh mela is the holy river and the Sadhus (the holy men). During the Ardh Kumbh celebrations millions of devotees take a plunge in the river Ganges to annihilate their sins and cleanse their body and soul.
The auspicious time when Kumbh is held:
In each location (Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik and Ujjain), once in every 12 years Purna Kumbh is held. The dates and places are decided as per the religious and astrological considerations of planets. On the 6th year of this time span, Ardh Kumbh takes place.
In addition, every year Maagh mela is celebrated in Prayagraj in the holy month of Maagh (as per Hindu calendar between January and February). This Maagh mela is referred to as Ardh Kumbh and Maha Kumbh when it happens in 6th and 12th year, respectively.
The Maha Kumbh is considered to be the most auspicious festival all over India.
Sacraments and Rituals performed at the banks:
The main ritual is the Shahi Snan (holy bath). Hindu mythology strongly believes that plunging in the sacred river on the most auspicious day of the new moon will absolve them and their ancestral sins.
Devotees start royal bath (Shahi snan) by lining up from 4.00 am of this day. As the sun light scatters, the different group of sadhus (the holy men) moves in possession towards the river to take a dip. The Nagas usually lead, while each group tries to outdo others with more fanfare and grandeur. The moments are mesmerizing and everyone get absorbed in it. After holy bath, the devotees wear fresh clothes and proceed to worship by the river bank.
What astrologers have to say about Kumbh?
Rather than the mythological beliefs, astrologers strongly believe the extraordinary significance of Kumbh connected with entry of sun in Aries and Jupiter in Aquarius.
The position of these planets is said to medicate the water of Ganges, and on this day the holy river Ganges becomes the river of nectar. That’s why millions of devotees and pilgrims come to take the holy bath to purify their conscience. In the medieval period, it was believed that the position of planets during Kumbh is excellent for mediation and concentration.
Centre of attraction: The Sadhus and the Temples:
The sadhus are the center of attraction of the Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims who attend it come to see and listen to these men for the enlightenment of their spirituality and religious beliefs. There are various types of Akharas (group of Sadhus) performing various activities and taking dips in the river.
Naga Sadhus: Naked men who are resistant to extreme temperatures, smearing their bodies with ash and have long matted hair. They are supposed to take the first dip in the river as they have devoted their complete life to god and his beliefs.
Parivrajaka: Men who have taken a vow of silence till their last breath.
Urdhwavahurs: Sadhus who have emaciated their bodies from rigid spiritual practices.
Shrishasine: Men who remain standing their whole life and sleep with their heads resting on a vertical pole and renowned for standing their head against the ground for meditation.
Kalpvasis: Sadhus who remain by the bank of river and devote their complete life to meditation, performing rituals and taking dips in the rivers numerous times a day.
The land that is made holy by the confluence of Ganges, Saraswati (the Ambrosia from the heaven) and Yamuna rivers, Prayagraj is one of the four destinations of the popular Kumbh Mela. This city will host Kumbh (2024), being a chest of treasures for Hindu devotees as well as for the history enthusiasts who can take delight in traversing the monuments, ancient Hindu temples and other tourist places.
Apart from Sangam (three rivers meet), which secures the first place as a must visit in the city, tourist attractions in Prayagraj include temples like Hanuman temple and temple Mankameshwar; historically significant, Ashok Pillar and a number of Colonial period buildings like the Swaraj Bhavan awaiting to be captured in the lens while on your tour to Kumbh Mela.
The auspicious dates for Kumbh Mela (2024):
Date |
Day |
Event |
15-Jan-2025 |
Tuesday |
Makar Sankranti (Royal bath 1st shahi snan) |
21-Jan-2025 |
Monday |
Paush Purnima (Full moon) |
4-Feb-2024 |
Monday |
Mauni Amavasya (Main royal bath the 2nd shahi snan) |
10-Feb-2024 |
Sunday |
Basant Panchmi (Royal bath 3rd shahi snan) |
19-Feb-2024 |
Tuesday |
Maaghi Purnima (Full Moon) |
4-Mar-2024 |
Monday |
Maha Shivratri (the marriage of Lord Shiva) |
Hassle free travelling to Prayag (Prayagraj):
Travelling to Prayagraj now made easier with the facilities like airport, railway station and a connected cage of highways.
For air travelers: Lal Bahadur Shastri International is the nearest airport. The airport is connected to metro hubs like Kolkata, Lucknow and Delhi. Thereafter, you can hire private vehicles and cabs to reach the holy spot. Flying to Lucknow or Varanasi is a better option as both the airports are much better serviced and are just few kilometers away from Prayagraj.
For travelers by train: Prayagraj is a major rail head and it is connected to all important cities of India.
For road travelers: Prayagraj has a good connectivity of roads and highways, these highways of this bustling city are linked to all major domestic cities and towns.
All in all, be ready to be awed by the power of faith that drives multitudes of people from various walks of life to collect at one place to pray and ask for deliverance. A once in a lifetime gathering, the Kumbh will surely get you closer to your spiritual self.
Some special stipulations for visitors:
- Follow traffic regulations: Pilgrims are kindly requested to adhere to all the traffic regulations in the Kumbh Mela area.
- Pilgrims and tourists are requested to notify the Mela authorities in case of any suspicious object or item is found within the Mela area.
- No to beggar activities: Pilgrims are advised not to support any sort of beggar activities.
- Proper documentation: Foreign tourists must possess a valid tourist visa.
- Pilgrims and tourists are kindly requested to dress in an appropriate way as to respect the religious sentiments of the people gathered therein at the Mela area.
- Fixed locations for bathing: Pilgrims can bath only in specific bathing Ghats, which are allowed or authorized by the Kumbh Mela administration authorities.
- No soaps or detergents: The use of any kind of soaps during bathing ritual at the holy banks or rivers is strictly prohibited.
One of the most auspicious gatherings, Kumbh is a venerable occasion where devotees from across the globe come to achieve spirituality and wash off their misdeeds in the ritual bathing at the banks of Ganges, Prayagraj. And amid the blissful sights of miracles performed by Sadhus adorned in saffron, Hindus believe that those who bath in the sacred river during the Kumbh are eternally blessed by the divine. All their misdeeds are washed away and they come one step closer to liberation.
Cultural Details in Prayagraj
Situated on the peninsula of Uttar Pradesh and surrounded by holy rivers, Prayagraj city is known as a place of scriptures and Veda. Although the majority of the citizens preferred traditional type of clothing especially in Kumbh Mela season, the modernized and western culture did not leave anyone from its influence. Based on suggestion, avoid wearing revealing clothes while moving in and out of Kumbh Mela. People in Prayagraj are quite soft spoken and follow a simple lifestyle for them. Try to be polite and do not engage yourself in any nuisance.
Nearby Attractions:
Sangam:
Sangam known for the confluence for Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna. Reckoned for their religious importance all over the world, the place is said to host for the Kumbh and it is believed who ever bathes in this mystical water will get its souls purified.
Prayagraj Fort:
Made in 1583, the fort is said to resemble as an place of historical importance. Built by Mughal emperors the fort depicts the culture and images of the dynasty and is included as one of the archaeological sites in the country. The Prayagraj fort is a must visit to dig deep in the magnificent culture of emperors.
Anand Bhawan:
The residence of Jawaharlal Nehru and museum now is an artifice and depicts many pictures and store of Indian independence. Indira Gandhi donated the Bhawan to Indian government to preserve the memories of Jawaharlal Nehru as a treasure with the government.
Khusro Bagh:
Fort built on the instructions of Jahangir for his son, Khusro, is one of the very much explored destination in the city. The Jahangir’s son Khusro and his mother tombstone is constructed in the garden, for the tourist to have a look on ancient period visuals.
Where to Stay:
There are many hotels to seek accommodation for, as there are many options available for them to allow them for booking beforehand. If you are planning to visit Kumbh 2025, then remember pre-booking is must due to the flood of the crowd expected by the fair. There are many options available throughout the city in various ranges. You can choose from the one that suits your budget for the due dates. The hotels like The Legend, Hotel Polo Max, Imperial house, City Palace are quite comfortable for guest to stay in. Do check out as per your dates of traveling and their availability of rooms.
Accommodation facilities at Kumbh:
From the perspective of a visitor, the Kumbh Mela is unforgettable and daunting experience. Dedicated arrangements are made especially for foreigners. Special camps and tents are set up providing luxury tabernacles with attached bathrooms, guides and assistance from excursions. Several private companies and organizations arrange eateries and other domestic facilities at reasonable rates. Tight security is also in place to avoid any sort of crowd collision or threats.
Scams to be aware of:
Travelling to India is an amazing experience with never forgetting memories, but an individual need to act smart during the journey. As there can be many people around trying to take advantage of your wandering on unknown lands. We will start with some of the tips that will help you in falling apart from the scammers.
Have a look:
- Never take any gift from unknown people, especially at holy places, people will reach to tie strings on your wrists or a tilak at your forehead. Try not to fall into their hands and end up paying money unnecessarily. Stay apart from them and show that you smart enough to acknowledge the scammers.
- While traveling always to acknowledge the prices and fares applied to go to your destination, as there can be many instances when people will try to fool you by charging on higher rates. But if you are aware enough of the fares, nobody can play any game with you.
- Watching live animal performances are always paid, so if you stop at any snake, monkey or elephant performance do know that payment needs to be given to the owner. Nothing is free, so beware of them and watch them at your own risk.
- Beware of pickpockets: While walking in Kumbh, keep your valuable under bullseye. As people try to take advantage of the vast crowd and can trick you in a moment. So, try not to carry your valuable items or bare minimum cash to the fair so that you can enjoy to your fullest without worrying about your belongings.
- Research before you arrive: Prevention is better than cure, so always try to know the place where you are planning to pay for your visit. Hotels, places to visit around, local language common words, currency value, etc. need to be known before you travel to any unknown lands.
Kumbh Mela is one of the significant events to visit in 2024 and to explore the Indian spirituality and know about various variants attached to their esteemed beliefs. We have tried to mention the guidelines as much s possible, do let us know if you have any queries. As we travelastu can help you with everything about Kumbh, our customized itineraries can be obtained on the personal attraction of our team. Our rich experience with citizens of various nationalities has given us the exposure and comfort for working as per their requirements. Reach us out for any queries relating your travel to India as have been serving for the purpose from past decade in the same domain.
Contact us for customized itineraries and detailed quotes; we are more than happy to guide you.
Travel itinerary for Kumbh Mela Prayagraj 2025
As per Hindu mythology, those who bathe in the holy waters during Ardh Kumbh are blessed by divine. They get one step closer to salvation as all their sins are washed away. So must come to Kumbh this time. Check ultimate itinerary of North India Tour with Nirvana in Kumbh 2025
https://www.travelastu.com/Fair-and-Festival-Tours-of-India/Kumbh-Mela-Tour.html
