The World's Largest Hindu Religious Festival, After 144 Years, Kumbh Mela in India, with a Gathering of Hundreds of Thousands at the Confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna
: The world’s largest Hindu religious festival, Kumbh Mela 2025, has begun, and it will run from January 13 to February 26. In this rare 45-day religious event, hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees have gathered in Prayagraj to bathe in the holy rivers at the confluence. It is believed that bathing in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers leads to the cleansing of sins and the attainment of liberation (moksha).
The World's Largest Hindu Religious Festival, After 144 Years, Kumbh Mela in India, with a Gathering of Hundreds of Thousands at the Confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna
The World's Largest Hindu Religious Festival, After 144 Years, Kumbh Mela in India, with a Gathering of Hundreds of Thousands at the Confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna
Prayagraj, India: The world’s largest Hindu religious festival, Kumbh Mela 2025, has begun, and it will run from January 13 to February 26. In this rare 45-day religious event, hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees have gathered in Prayagraj to bathe in the holy rivers at the confluence. It is believed that bathing in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers leads to the cleansing of sins and the attainment of liberation (moksha).
This year’s Kumbh Mela is especially significant as it marks the conclusion of a cycle of 12 Kumbh Melas, which occurs once every 144 years. The rare astrological alignment of this event makes it more sacred and auspicious than ever before. Specifically, on January 29, three hours before the new moon, the Pusya Nakshatra will align with four planets, making this year’s Kumbh Mela exceptionally sacred.
The main ritual of Kumbh Mela is the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath), which symbolizes spiritual purification and sanctity. The first Shahi Snan takes place on Makar Sankranti, January 14; the second on Mauni Amavasya, January 29; and the third on Basant Panchami, February 3. On each of these bathing days, millions of pilgrims gather to experience profound spiritual moments.
Additionally, the festival spreads joy and spirituality at the confluence, where spiritual leaders and gurus offer their guidance. Thousands of saints, ascetics, and devotees participate in grand processions and perform rituals to attain blessings and spiritual merit.
It is anticipated that more than 400 million devotees will attend the 2025 Kumbh Mela, making it not just a religious gathering but a confluence of tradition, culture, and spirituality. Devotees from all over India and abroad are gathering in Prayagraj to be a part of this historic moment.
This Kumbh Mela further highlights the spiritual significance of Hinduism and the cultural heritage of India.
