Incredible India beckons you to visit for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest public gathering and collective act of faith anchored in Hindu mythology, is to be held this year at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India from 13 January to 26 February. An epic pilgrimage that brings together millions of devotees, ascetics, seekers and tourists from all over the world, Mahal Kumbh this year is an extraordinary event taking place after 144 years. The event affords an opportunity to experience first-hand India’s rich spiritual traditions and cultural diversity, along with the strides made by a vibrant, plurilateral but inclusive democracy embedded in the philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam, or ‘World is One Family’.
Kumbh Mela is held four times every 12 years in one of four cities of India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. Maha Kumbh is, however, held after every 144 years at Prayagraj.
‘Kumbha’, a Sanskrit word for ‘pitcher’, symbolizes the essence of universe and confluence of all cultures. According to the Puranas, the world’s oldest religious literature, Kumbh Mela derives its origins from the cosmic battle waged between Gods and Demons after Samudra Manthan (churning of the sea) to attain the elixir of immortality, during which drops of nectar fell at these four locations: Prayagraj, Hardwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Due to the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Prayagraj is considered the holiest of allthese locations.
Kumbh Mela includes the sacred bathing ritual, or Shahi Snan, to be done at a predetermined time and place. The ceremony is rooted in the belief that holy waters cleanse all sins and enable attainment of ‘Moksha’ – liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The 45 days of cultural extravaganza would also feature devotional and spiritual sessions and discourses, art exhibitions, and yoga camps. Kumbh Mela also brings together holy men, ascetics, saints and the sadhus, who have renounced the worldly life and pleasures to follow an exclusive life of religion.These sadhus belong to religious organisations, ashrams and akhadas, and among them are women ascetics, or Sadhvis. As the upholders of tradition, there are 13 akhadas whose presidents are the first to take the dip in the holy river.
Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to be attended by over 350 million visitors, and feature sacred traditions, spirituality, and state-of-the-art technological advancements such as special cyber security arrangements using print, digital and social media platforms and deployment of mobile cyber team. Immersive digital experiences await devotees, with 360-degree virtual reality stalls showcasing major events and a fleet of 2,000 drones narrating legendary tales of ‘Prayag Mahatmyam’ and ‘Samudra Manthan’ to create a magical spectacle. City of Maha Kumbh would also have state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure, and enhanced security arrangements including AI powered cameras and underwater drones.
Online bookings in regard to accommodation would be facilitated from January 10 to February 28. Special focus is being placed on ensuring seamless connectivity for visitors, with expansion of railways, highways, waterways and airports. Eco-friendly sanitation facilities would be upholding environmental standards, and there would be adequate facilities for water, electricity, etc. With special provisions being made for international visitors, Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to be a global celebration of an exotic mix of spirituality, culture, sustainability and modernity.
This year, incredible India beckons you to visit; a transcendental experience awaits you. The High Commission of India would be very happy to extend assistance and facilitation to those who are interested in participating in Maha Kumbh 2025.
For more details on Maha Kumb 2025, please visit: https://kumbh.gov.in/ and https://pib.gov.in