The Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, where millions of devotees, sadhus, and yogis come together to take a holy dip in sacred rivers, with the belief that it brings about spiritual rejuvenation and purification from all sins. This gathering is known as the Maha Kumbh Mela, held but once every hundred and forty-four years. The next one, in Prayagraj in 2025, is eagerly awaited. The Kumbh Mela will then be hosted in Haridwar in 2028.

In the following steps, we are going to see:
✅ Dates of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
✅ Reason for once in 144 years of Maha Kumbha Mela
✅ Last Maha Kumbh Mela
✅ Next Maha Kumbh Mela after 2025
✅ Upcoming Kumbh Mela 2028 Details
✅ Rituals, Significance & Travel Guide

Kumbh Mela: Mythological Meaning

Kumbh in English means pot or pitcher; whereas Mela means fair or gathering. The Kumbh Mela is not, however, merely ceremonial. It is based on Hindu mythology and is associated with the story of Samudra Manthan, meaning “Churning of the Ocean.”

According to the Puranas, when the Devas and Asuras were churning the ocean in search of Amrit, the drops of nectar fell on 4 places:
1️⃣ Prayagraj (Allahabad)
2️⃣ Haridwar
3️⃣ Nashik
4️⃣ Ujjain

These 4 places are Kumbh Mela sacred sites to which devotees believe a bath in the river will surely cleanse them and bestow moksha-upon them.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: A Rare and Magnificent Spiritual Gathering

The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated exclusively in Prayagraj and happens once every 144 years. This makes the event a lifetime opportunity for most of the devotees.

Important Snan Days of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Here are some of the most important bathing dates to be observed in Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:

📅 January 13, 2025 – Paush Purnima (First Holy Bath)
📅 January 14, 2025 – Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
📅 January 29, 2025 – Mauni Amavasya (Main Shahi Snan)
📅 February 3, 2025 – Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
📅 February 12, 2025 – Maghi Purnima
📅 February 26, 2025 – Mahashivratri (Last Snan)

🔹 Shahi Snan: This holy dip is of special importance since it is given to the Naga Sadhus, Akharas, and saints before the general public takes their bath.

🔹 Location: Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj (Confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers).

Why Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is Special?

✔The event will occur only once a in every 144 years
✔ This time is considered the most auspicious for spiritual cleansing.
✔ It will be attended by millions of saints, sadhus, and devotees from across the world.
✔ Divine blessings and liberation from sins await here.

Up Next: Kumbh Mela 2028 at Haridwar: Dates & Significance

After Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025, the next Kumbh Mela shall take place in Haridwar in 2028.

📍 Place: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
📅 Expected Dates: January to Extreme April 2028

What Is the Significance of Kumbh Mela 2028 in Haridwar?

🔹 Haridwar is the holiest city of India where the Ganges enters the plains from Himalayas.
🔹 The Kumbh Mela is believed to charge the river water with divine energy.
🔹 Millions of devotees take a holy dip at Har Ki Pauri, believing it will cleanse their past sins.

For a complete guide on Kumbh Mela rituals, Roamtraveller

History: When went the last Maha Kumbh Mela?

The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in 1881 in Prayagraj. These fairs are held every 144 years; hence, the next Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 will be very special for devotees.

Upcoming Kumbh Mela Schedule

Here is a list of the upcoming Kumbh Melas after 2025:

📅 Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 – Prayagraj
📅 Kumbh Mela 2028 – Haridwar
📅 Kumbh Mela 2033 – Nashik
📅 Kumbh Mela 2036 – Ujjain

Festivities at Kumbh Mela

1️⃣ Shahi Snan: Saints and Akharas perform ceremonial bathing prior to the public.
2️⃣ Kalpavas: Devotees are stationed at the Mela site for a month, involving a great number of spiritual practices.
3️⃣ Satsangs & Pravachans: Religious discourses and talks by revered saints.
4️⃣ Pujas & Hawans: Fire pujas and offerings for prosperity and spiritual awakening.
5️⃣ Darshan of Akharas: A meeting with the Naga Sadhus and spiritual leaders to gain some blessings.

Travel Guide for Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025

✈ How to reach prayed?
Air: Prayagraj Airport (IXD), or, nearby airports in Varanasi & Lucknow.
Train: Well connected with Prayagraj Junction with all important cities.
Road: Prayagraj is well connectivity with Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow by National Highway.

Accommodation Options

✔ Tents and Campsites (Great for a complete spiritual experience).
✔ Hotels and Dharamshalas (Book, don’t forget!)
✔ Ashrams and Guest-houses (Cheap stays near the Mela Grounds).

Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 of Prayagraj is an event of a lifetime, occurring once in 144 years-and then follows the Kumbh Mela 2028 in Haridwar, another mega event in spirituality.