Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (2025)

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a unique event where 40-45 crore people are expected to gather and bathe in the Triveni Sangam, seeking salvation and spiritual renewal. Here's why the Maha Kumbh Mela is so special compared to Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh and Purna Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (1)

A sadhu arrives in Prayagraj ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. (PTI)

Anupriya Thakur

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 10, 2025 11:55 IST

This Kumbh Mela is exceptional. It is a Maha Kumbh, which takes place once in 144 years, and is ordained by a rare alignment of four planets. This is the most special of the four Kumbhs, and around 45 crore people are likely to take a dip in the holy Ganges for a spiritual rejuvenation.

Here's why the Maha Kumbh Mela is so special as compared to Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh and Purna Kumbh.

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The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious and cultural gathering in the world, held once every 12 years at one of four sacred locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, or Nashik. This year, the festival will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

Kumbh Mela 2025 is happening after 144 years due to a rare astronomical alignment of planets and stars. Millions of devotees from around the world come to participate in this holy event to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers. A dip in the holy river is believed to wash away sins and attain salvation (moksha).

Spanning over 44 days, Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 starts from Makar Sankranti on January 13 and concludes on Maha Shivaratri on February 26.

There are four types of Kumbh Mela:

  1. Kumbh Mela (once in 4 Years)
  2. Ardh Kumbh Mela (once in 6 Years)
  3. Purna Kumbh Mela (once in 12 Years)
  4. Maha Kumbh Mela (once in 144 Years)

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (3)

Let's explore the differences between them:

KUMBH MELA

This event occurs once every 4 years, rotating among four locations: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. During the Mela, millions of devotees and saints gather to bathe in the sacred rivers, seeking freedom from sins.

The geographical locations of the Kumbh Mela span across four places in India, and the Mela site rotates between one of the four pilgrimage locations on sacred rivers, as listed below:

  • In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Ganges
  • In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Shipra
  • In Nashik, Maharashtra, on the banks of the Godavari
  • In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (4)

ARDH KUMBH MELA

The Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place every 6 years and is held only in Prayagraj and Haridwar. The main significance of this event is bathing in the holy rivers, with devotees seeking liberation from their sins.

PURNA KUMBH

The Purna Kumbh refers to the full Kumbh Mela held once every 12 years. It takes place on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj. The Kumbh held in Prayagraj holds special significance, as the date is determined based on the auspicious alignment of planets, leading millions of Hindus to gather and bathe in the sacred rivers.

MAHA KUMBH

Maha Kumbh is celebrated after 12 full Kumbh Melas, occurring once every 144 years. This rare event is highly revered, and people attach special importance to bathing during the Maha Kumbh.

During the Kumbh Mela, numerous ceremonies take place, including the traditional procession of Akharas called 'Peshwai,' featuring elephants, horses, and chariots, the shining swords and rituals of Naga Sadhus during the 'Shahi Snaan,' and many other cultural activities that attract millions of pilgrims to attend the Kumbh Mela.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (5)

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SHAHI SNAN DATES

January 13 - Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day)
January 15 - Makar Sankranti Snan
January 29 - Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 3 - Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 12 - Maghi Purnima Snan
February 26 - Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day)

HOW THE KUMBH DATE IS DECIDED

To decide the location and date of the Kumbh Mela, astrologers and leaders of various akharas (sectarian groups) meet and examine the positions of Jupiter and the Sun. Both Jupiter (Guru) and the Sun are significant celestial bodies in Hindu astrology, and the Kumbh Mela's timing and location are determined based on their positions.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How this event after 144 years is different from 3 other Kumbhs (6)

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MAGH MELA

A magh mela, which is also known as 'chota kumbh' is held annually and only at Prayagraj. It is organised in the month of Magh according to the Hindu Calendar, which typically falls in January-February.

ORIGIN OF KUMBH MELA

The origins of the Kumbh Mela are rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the tale of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. Ancient scriptures recount how the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) joined forces in a cosmic effort to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality.

As the churning unfolded, a Kumbh (pot) filled with this sacred nectar surfaced. To protect it from the demons, Lord Vishnu, in the guise of Mohini, took possession of the pot and fled. During his journey, several drops of the nectar fell at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These places became revered as sacred sites, where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated on a rotating basis.

Published By:

Anupriya Thakur

Published On:

Jan 7, 2025

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