Kumbh Mela 2025: The Maha Kumbh Mela is set to commence in Prayagraj today. Held every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is considered the world’s largest religious gathering. Millions of devotees from across India and abroad participate in this grand event, taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, known as the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. According to religious beliefs, bathing at the Sangam during this time absolves sins and bestows divine blessings. However, it is believed that participating in the Shahi Snan (royal bath) during the Kumbh Mela holds even greater spiritual significance, offering special rewards.
Why is Shahi Snan important?
The first Shahi Snan of the Maha Kumbh will take place on January 14, 2025, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. On this auspicious day, the Naga Sadhus are the first to bathe at the Sangam, followed by the general public.
The Shahi Snan holds immense spiritual significance, as it is believed that taking a dip at the Sangam on this day grants manifold blessings. It is said that this holy bath not only absolves the sins of the present life but also erases those of past lives. Additionally, it is believed to bring peace to the souls of one’s ancestors.
Shahi Snan Maha Kumbh 2025 Dates
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will run from January 13 to February 26, culminating in a series of holy bathing rituals at the Triveni Sangam. These Shahi Snans (royal baths) are the spiritual highlights of the festival, believed to cleanse the soul and absolve sins. Here are the bathing dates:
January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima
January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima
February 26, 2025: Mahashivratri (Final Snan)
Shahi Snan Maha Kumbh 2025 Timings
The sacred baths are meticulously organized for the 13 Akharas (monastic orders), with designated time slots:
- Mahanirvani and Atal Akhara is held between 5:15 AM to 7:55 AM.
- Niranjani and Anand Akhara is held between 6:05 AM to 8:45 AM.
History of Maha Kumbh
The Kumbh Mela traces back to the Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean. According to legends, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to retrieve Amrit, the nectar of immortality. During this cosmic event, a Kumbh (pot) of nectar emerged. Lord Vishnu, in his Mohini avatar, secured the pot and spilled nectar drops at four sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, making them sacred. These sites now host the Kumbh Mela in rotation, symbolising the divine blessings.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Helpline Number
If tourists require assistance or information about the Maha Kumbh Mela, they can reach out to the Ministry of Tourism through a dedicated toll-free helpline at 1800-111-363 or 1363. This helpline is available in Hindi, English, and several other national and international languages to cater to visitors from around the world.
