Do you know that the Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest festivals in India? Kumbh Festival is a religious festival held in four places in India. These places are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. In 2025, the Kumbh Fair is taking place in Prayagraj. Almost 40 crore tourists are expected to visit the Kumbh Festival in 2025. But what is Kumbh Mela? Know all the details of Kumbh Fair and Sanan dates.
What is the Kumbh Mela?
Do you know that there is a mythological story about the Kumbh Mela? Yes, Kumbh Fair indeed has very ancient legends. This is a story about the gods and demons. Once they fought over the pot of divine nectar, which is called Amrit. Lord Vishnu snatched the pot of nectar from the demons and flew away. But some drops of this nectar fell on earth. The four places it fell were Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. This pot of nectar is called Kumbh. And this is why the festival is called Kumbh Festival or Kumbh Fair.
Why is the Kumbh Mela so important to Hindus?
This is a true fact that Hindu astrology plays a big role in Mahakumbh 2025. The planets in the heavens come in a certain position during the year. This is considered to be very beneficial to the mind and body. When pilgrims bathe in the holy waters of Sangam they become free of their sins and attain moksha from life and death. Countless devotees have a holy dip in the Sangam and are blessed for a lifetime. This is the sacred importance of the Kumbh Fair.
What are the types of Kumbh Mela?
Do you know that there are many types of Kumbh Fair? Read all about them below.
- Prayagraj. This Maha Kumbh Mela is said to be very auspicious event. Holy bathing in the Sangam is said to have divine effects on the body and mind.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela: This type of Kumbh Fair takes place after 6 years. Ardh Kumbh Mela is smaller when compared to the bigger Kumbh Mela. This Kumbh Mela is held only at Prayagraj and Haridwar.
- Purna Kumbh Mela: This is the Kumbh Mela which takes place every 12 years. The places where Purna Kumbh Mela takes place are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- Magh Mela: This type of Kumbh Mela takes place in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu calendar. This month corresponds with January and February. Magh Mela is also called as Mini Kumbh Festival.
What is Shahi Sanan and what dates of Shahi Sanan?
Shahi Sanan is also called the Royal Bath. This Shahi Sanan is one of the major events in the Kumbh Mela Festival 2025. The Akhadas or organization of holy men take a dip in the Sangam. They chant the sacred mantras and sing bhajans in praise of the gods. The dates on which Shahi Sanan takes place are mentioned below.
- January 14 Makar Sankranti
- January 29 Mauni Amavasya
- February 3 Basant Panchami
Other important bathing dates are shown below:
- Paush Poornima on January 13, 2025
- Maghi Poornima on February 12, 2025
- Maha Shivratri on February 26, 2025
Starting and closing dates of Kumbh Mela 2025
The Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place on January 13, 2025, and concludes on February 26, 2025. This is a duration of 45 days. The last day of the Kumbh Mela is Maha Shivratri.
What activities to do during Kumbh Mela 2025?
If you are going to the Kumbh Fair it is important for you to know what are the things that you can do here.
- You can take a holy dip in the Sangam. The Sangam is the meeting point of three rivers, which are Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
- You can watch the grand procession of the sadhus and Yogis during the Kumbh Mela. These sadhus enter the Kumbh Mela with a huge procession. They sing and dance, and chant loud slogans in praise of god.
- You must attend the Ganga Aarti at Prayagraj. The Hindu priests hold lighted lamps and sing hymns. The public gathered here also sang in unison with the priests. It makes the entire environment very devotional.
- You must attend various cultural events like dance and music performances. Eminent religious figures will hold lectures on spiritual topics.
- You can visit the tourist attractions in Prayagraj. The famous places to visit are Akshay Vat, Allahabad Fort, Patalpuri Temple, and others.
- You must shop for puja items when you visit Kumbh Festival 2025 in Prayagraj. Handicraft items are also very popular things to buy.
- You can participate in Yoga and meditation sessions. The camps hold these sessions for the benefit of the pilgrims.
How to reach the Kumbh Mela?
You should reach Prayagraj by flight/ train. You can also take cabs and buses to reach Prayagraj.
- Flights: There are regular flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi and other major cities of India.
- Trains: You can board express trains and reach Prayagraj Junction railway station.
- Road: You can take cabs and buses to reach Prayagraj. State highways and national highways are best to take for this road trip to Prayagraj.
Where to stay during Kumbh Mela?
You will get many options to stay during the Kumbh Mela. These are shown below.
- Maharaja Tents: You can stay in tents in the Kumbh Festival grounds. These tents are luxury tents that have all types of luxury facilities. Some tents are also budget-friendly and have reasonable rates.
- Swiss Tents: You will find many Swiss-style tents in the Tent City in Prayagraj. These tents have plush interiors and luxury amenities for their guests.
- Dormitories: These are shared accommodation options for visitors to Kumbh Fair. Dormitories have basic facilities and common bathrooms.
- Dharamshala: The Dharamshala are very cheap accommodation options for you. These are in temples and religious organizations. You will get basic amenities in these dharamshalas.
- Ashrams: The ashrams are for those who like to do religious activities. You can stay in these ashrams for a few days during your visit to the Kumbh Festival.
- Hotels: You can stay in hotels during the Kumbh Mela visit. These hotels are located close to the Kumbh Fair grounds.
- Cottages: You can stay in cottages if you prefer more privacy during your Kumbh Mela visit. Cottages are more luxurious and have greater comforts.
Things that you should consider when participating in the Kumbh Fair
There are many things that you should consider when visiting the Kumbh Mela Festival 2025 in Prayagraj.
- You should note down the dates of royal baths or Shahi Sanan. You will have to face a huge crowd of pilgrims during these days.
- You should always have your identity cards with you. Also, make sure to carry important documents and addresses.
- You should look out for signboards and hoardings that announce important events and happenings during Kumbh Mela.
- You should take care of your belongings and possessions. Always remember that you will be surrounded by lakhs of other tourists.
- Make sure that you participate in meditation or Yoga sessions. You should enjoy this Kumbh Mela by participating in the cultural events.
- You should book hotels or tents in advance. We recommend you book the tents at least 3 to 4 months before the date of travel.
- You should pack clothes that are appropriate for the Kumbh Mela. Most tourists do not pack heavy luggage for this Kumbh Festival. They prefer to travel with minimum bags.
- You should try and respect the traditions during the Kumbh Mela. Do not insult the temple priests or the saints at the bathing ghats.
FAQ
The Kumbh Mela 2025 is called Maha Kumbh Fair because it takes place after 144 years.
Yes, there are changing rooms where you can change clothes after taking a holy dip.
The weather will remain cool and pleasant during the Kumbh Fair 2025.
Conclusion
We have shown you What is Kumbh Mela? Know all the details of Kumbh Fair and Sanan dates. We have seen why the Kumbh Mela is so important for the Hindus. It has become even more special as it is taking place after a gap of 144 years. You should visit the Kumbh Mela festival in 2025. It will remain for 45 days. If you have never visited Kumbh Mela in previous years, then this is your chance to do so!! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you must not miss it at all cost. You will have a chance to view the spiritual and divine aspects of India during this festival.
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