Kumbh Mela is a monumental Hindu festival that showcases Indian spirituality and divinity. It has grown into such a cultural extravaganza where millions gather to experience the sacred spirit of the Hindu religion. The Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in the holy city of Prayagraj.
The main attraction of Kumbh Mela lies in bathing in the holy rivers of India. This bathing is not just the everyday bathing you do every day, but bathing in the rivers of India. This ritual bathing is an exercise to free oneself from the cycle of birth and death and become pure of all the sins.
Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. That is why it is known as Maha Kumbh. The next Maha Kumbh will take place in Prayagraj in 2025. Religious festivities will start from 14th January 2025 and go on till 25 February 2025.
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As in all the previous Kumbh Mela, the main attraction in the 2025 edition of the Kumbh Mela will be the Shahi Snah (Royal Bath), where the mahants of various akharas will bathe in the holy river confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
Yogis, sadhus, saints, and other religious sects will come from all parts of India to celebrate this grand occasion. The river ghats along the Ganga will come to life during this occasion.
The origins of the Kumbh Mela are in the ancient Hindu texts and religious books. The Hindu mythological legends have stated why the Kumbh Mela is such a huge religious event. The story goes that when the Devas and Asuras were churning the cosmic ocean, nectar came out from this churning. This pot or kumbh contains Amrit or nectar of the gods, and it is so magical that anyone who consumes it will become immortal, and no one can kill them.
Lord Vishnu took the divine feminine form known as Mohini Avatar. She took the pot (kumbh) of Amrit from the Asuras and flew skywards. But as she was flying, some drops of this holy nectar fell on the earth.
These places became immensely holy. One of these places is Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). The other places where the drops of nectar fell were Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar.
The main attraction of the Kumbh Mela is the Shahi Shan or the Royal Bath. This Shahi Shan is a grand occasion where mahants and followers of 13 Akhadas (Hindu monasteries) arrive in chariots and huge processions. They bathe in the Ganga and chant shlokas and prayers.
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The arrival of these akharas is a visual treat for all the tourists, as devotees shout out ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and blog trumpets and horns to announce their arrival. Yogis, rishis, sadhus, and saints follow them, and they are covered in ashes and wear garlands on their necks. During the Kumbh Mela 2025, Shahi Snan will happen on 14 and 19 January, 4, 12, and 26 February 2025.
Like all the Kumbh Melas, the Kumbh Mela 2025 will also see many religious and cultural events. Sadhus will descend from the Himalayas, and it will be a golden time to seek their spiritual guidance and blessings. There will be spiritual discourses, philosophical teachings, and matters of religious importance.
You enjoy cultural programs, such as classical dance and music performances. These are called Kalagrams and are colorful events where you can shop for local handicrafts and ethnic crafts. You can also interact with the artisans. Besides, there are exciting things to enjoy boating in the river, laser light shows, visits to temples, and taking part in aarti and puja.
The Kumbh Mela 2025 will see an extravaganza of street food. Tourists can eat in community gatherings called Bhandaras. These community meals are free for visitors. Various organizations sponsor these community meals. Non-profit organizations and local government bodies also give donations to support such events.
Street food stalls and makeshift tents will serve delicious street food items like jalebi, samosa, kachori, pakoras, and other similar food items. Tea stalls are best if you want a cup of piping hot tea, freshly made with spices.
You will find many tents and camps to stay in during the Kumbh Mela 2025. Tent villages are best if you wish to stay in comfort and with other fellow pilgrims. Cottages are better as they offer basic comforts, along with room service, breakfast, 24-hour running water, and all meals.
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