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About Kumbh Mela

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About Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of pilgrims on earth. It is held by turns at four holy river cities: Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the unseen Saraswati meet at the Sangam; Haridwar on the Ganga; Ujjain on the Shipra; and Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on the Godavari. Each city hosts the full Kumbh about every twelve years.

The legend says that when the gods and demons churned the ocean, a pot (kumbh) of amrit, the nectar of immortality, rose up. As it was carried away, drops fell at these four places, which is why a bath in their rivers at the right time is believed to wash away sins.

Pilgrims take a holy dip on the main bathing days, such as Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami and Maghi Purnima. Sadhus of the akharas, including the Naga sadhus, lead grand processions to the water for the Amrit Snan. Many devotees stay for the whole month as kalpvasis, living simply by the river, praying and listening to saints.

Prayagraj also holds the Magh Mela every year, with Ardh Kumbh every six years and the Maha Kumbh every twelve years; the last Maha Kumbh was in 2025. The Kumbh Mela is on the UNESCO list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

How people celebrate Kumbh Mela

  • A holy dip at the Sangam and other sacred rivers
  • Amrit Snan processions of the akharas
  • Kalpvas: a month of simple living by the river
  • Ganga aarti with lamps at dusk
  • Listening to saints and religious talks
  • Giving food, clothes and alms

How to wish well

  • Wish on the main bathing days, such as Mauni Amavasya or Basant Panchami, or when someone sets off for the Mela.
  • A blessing for a safe journey and a peaceful holy dip is a caring touch for pilgrims.
  • Kumbh is a sacred event, so keep the tone devout and warm; avoid jokes.
  • Friends who cannot travel will value a wish that shares the blessings of the Sangam.

Questions about Kumbh Mela

When is the Kumbh Mela?

Each of the four cities hosts the full Kumbh about every twelve years. Prayagraj also holds the Magh Mela every year in January and February. The date shown on this page is Mauni Amavasya, the biggest bathing day of the season.

Where is the Kumbh Mela held?

At Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, and Nashik and Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra.

What is the difference between Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Maha Kumbh?

The Kumbh comes to each city about every twelve years. The Ardh (half) Kumbh is held at Prayagraj and Haridwar about every six years. The Maha Kumbh is the special Kumbh at Prayagraj every twelve years.

Why is the Kumbh Mela held?

Legend says drops of amrit fell at these four places when the pot of nectar was carried away after the churning of the ocean. A holy dip there is believed to cleanse the soul.

What are the main bathing days?

The main days include Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Maha Shivratri, with the Amrit Snan of the akharas on the biggest days.

When is the next Kumbh?

After the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj in 2025, the next big ones are at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar and the Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar in 2027, and the Simhastha at Ujjain in 2028.

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