I remember most of my childhood family trips and tours had religious or spiritual significance of some kind. Whether it was the Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple in Uttarakhand, the Poombarai Temple in Tamil Nadu or Udupi’s Sri Krishna Temple in Karnataka, we all loved visiting these sacred temples as a family together. It felt truly special to visit these deeply divine places and all of us thoroughly enjoyed our time there. But this time, something was different. A trip was being planned to the Kumbh Mela and I have to admit, we were all a little nervous.
The sheer number of people that gather for the mela and managing our family amidst such large crowds was something that was worrying us slightly. One of my uncles even said, “It is the largest gathering of crowds in the world! Are you sure we can manage this?” Well, we couldn’t help but wonder if attending such a massive event was really a good idea.
That said, we also knew that it was a wonderful, once-in-a-blue moon opportunity so we didn’t quit just like that and gave it more of our time and research. And the more we learned, the more we were fascinated by the Kumbh Mela. Finally, after meticulously planning and preparing, we decided to go and I must say, it is by far the best trip we have taken as a family.
In 2025, the Kumbh Mela is being held at Prayagraj. This is where the three sacred rivers, namely the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati meet at the Triveni Sangam. It’s not just a religious event, but a true celebration of community. Pilgrims from around the world come to take a holy dip in the divine waters that is believed to wash away their sins. Alongside the religious activities is a large variety of food, shopping and religious discourses, making it a great time for learning, connection and reflection.
The Kumbh Mela will be held from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025. So, let’s explore this wonderful celebration of spirituality together.
It’s truly fascinating to learn about Indian culture, its depth and rich history. Our culture is not just ancient but deeply spiritual with traditions that have been passed down through generations. One such tradition is the Kumbh Mela, an extraordinary event that has been celebrated for centuries. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years at four different locations in India: Ujjain, Nashik, Haridwar and Prayagraj. What makes it so unique is that the timing of the mela is determined by the astrological positions of the Sun, moon and the planet Jupiter, making it a truly cosmic event.
The Kumbh Mela has ancient roots with references dating back to around 644 CE. The Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited India during that time, mentioned a great gathering where the Emperor Shiladitya distributed his wealth to the public every five years. Others believe that the famous Hindu saint, Adi Shankaracharya, played a key role in formalising the Kumbh Mela in as early as the 8th century. It is said that he started the event to bring together holy men from different parts of the country to allow them to meet and discuss spiritual matters.
One of the most stunning sights that I remember when I visited the Kumbh Mela was witnessing the snan or the holy bath which takes place at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the holy trinity of rivers, Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. The scene was unlike anything I had ever seen before; millions of people were gathered together, waiting for the sacred moment to cleanse themselves in the holy waters.
In Hinduism, the holy dip in the Ganges holds great significance. It is believed that the waters of this river has the power to wash away sins and bring spiritual purity. Devotees believe that by bathing in these holy waters during the mela, they can gain good fortune . It’s a deeply spiritual act, often done early in the morning, when the waters are considered to be at their most sacred.
A very important ritual at the Kumbh Mela is the Ganga Aarti. The Ganga Aarti is a deeply spiritual and visually captivating ritual that draws millions of devotees and visitors from around the world. Held at dusk on the sacred banks of the Ganga, the ceremony is an expression of gratitude to the holiest of rivers.
The aarti begins with priests, clad in traditional attire, chanting hymns and mantras. They hold huge brass lamps with multiple wicks and offer prayers to the river. The sound of conch shells, the chanting and the beating of drums creates a surreal experience overall.
Devotees then release floating diyas or oil lamps made of clay, often adorned with flowers, into the river, symbolising the release of their prayers and hopes. The sea of flickering lights floating on the water is a sight to behold.
Another wonderful aspect of the Kumbh Mela is the flow of knowledge that fills the air. Indeed, the Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering, it is a place where wisdom is shared freely. The festival is a great time to learn about Hinduism and gain profound insight from the teachings of saints and scholars who gather at the event.
Throughout the mela, the saints, gurus and religious scholars hold discourses on Hindu philosophy, life and devotion. These teachings help us understand the ancient traditions of Hinduism and even inspire us to apply some of them in our lives.
At the Kumbh Mela, one also gets a chance to participate in discussions, ask questions and seek advice from these spiritual leaders. In a nutshell, the mela creates an environment of wisdom and spiritual growth. It’s a place where people can reflect on their spiritual journeys and gain better understanding of their faith.
One of the most awe-inspiring sights I experienced at the Kumbh Mela was the presence of the Naga Sadhus. In fact, many of us are fascinated by these holy men, whose physical appearance, spiritual strength and unique way of life are a mystery to many.
A group of ascetics known for their distinct lifestyle and look, the Naga Sadhus are associated with the Shaiva sect and are famous for their devotion to Lord Shiva. Naga Sadhus give up all worldly possessions and attachments for practicing spirituality. They can be easily recognised by their bodies that are smeared with ash and their long, matted hair. The Kumbh Mela offers a rare opportunity to witness their rituals up close, allowing us to come in proximity to them, observe them and gain insight into their spirituality.
The processions and rituals, performed by the sadhus and pilgrims alike at the Kumbh Mela are also something not to be missed. Shahi snan, where sadhus take a bath in the Ganges is a ritual that is believed to wash away sins and purify one’s soul. Processions where sadhus arrive from distant parts of India and march to the river while doing symbolic rituals is also worth watching. These make for some beautiful sights that are filled with colours, chanting and offerings to the gods.
Indeed, it is a great experience to witness these processions which carry centuries-old traditions and showcase the faith of the participants. These rituals tell us about the rich cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela.
Although the Kumbh Mela is essentially a spiritual event, it is also a beautiful cultural festival. The mela grounds are filled with various stalls selling traditional clothing, religious items and food items such as tandoori chai, a flavorful tea with mild spices served in earthen pots, Allahabadi amrood (gauvas), kachori, chats and lassis. Travellers can explore the colourful market areas, sample local delicacies and buy items like beads, incense and spiritual books.
The mela also features performances by folk singers, puppeteers and theater artists and visitors can enjoy music shows and dances that showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. Devotional songs and performances based on folklore are held at various points in the mela, providing entertainment as well as an opportunity to witness the diversity of India’s traditions.
Is there anything more noble than helping someone in need? The act of giving, especially when done selflessly, is a true reflection of humanity. At the Kumbh Mela, acts of charity and service are central to the spiritual experience. Many pilgrims take the opportunity to give back to the community by helping those in need.
Serving others is considered a form of spiritual growth in Hinduism and many people participate in such acts of kindness during the Kumbh Mela. Some people distribute food and donate clothes to the needy. Others choose to donate to reliable trusts and old temples that believe in charity at the mela. Engaging in such noble acts contributes to one’s mental and spiritual wellbeing and also enhances the spiritual journey.
The Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a chance to reconnect with our faith and culture. From the holy dip in the river to attending spiritual discourses, exploring the cultural exhibitions and engaging in acts of charity, there is something for everyone at the Kumbh Mela. It’s a great time for reflection and spiritual awakening. A visit to the Kumbh Mela is a chance of a lifetime and is not to be missed.
The Kumbh Mela is a religious gathering held every 12 years at four sacred locations in India. The Kumbh Mela’s significance is great as millions gather to connect with their faith during the event.
Kumbh Mela is held at four locations, namely the Nashik Kumbh Mela, Ujjain Kumbh Mela, Haridwar Kumbh Mela and Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.
It is believed that bathing in the holy river of Ganga during the Kumbh Mela cleanses one’s sins and brings spiritual purity.
The mela features rituals like the holy dip, spiritual discourses, cultural performances and religious processions. It also has marketplaces to explore.
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