Last update:December 08, 2024, 11:03 p.m. IST

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26

The kumbh mela features cultural performances, including traditional music, dance and theatrical performances of Hindu epics. (Image: PTI/File)

The kumbh mela, celebrated every 12 years, holds deep significance in Hindu mythology as a symbol of the spiritual quest for salvation. This grand festival takes place at four sacred places, with Prayagraj hosting the Maha Kumbh, considered the largest and most important gathering.

WHERE AND HOW TO ARRIVE

THE Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Prayagraj is well connected to major cities across India through its extensive rail network, with eight key stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Rambagh, Sangam and Naini Junction.

Regular trains from cities like Delhi (Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat), Mumbai (Mahanagri SF, Saket SF) and Kolkata (Howrah-Prayagraj Express) ensure easy access for visitors to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. The train routes and Reservations are available on the IRCTC website.

Prayagraj Airport, located 13 km from Bamrauli town, has regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. For road travel, Prayagraj is connected by a strong state and national road network, on which public buses of the UPSRTC and private operators provide services from major cities.

WHERE TO STAY

Prayagraj offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. For an authentic experience, consider staying in the tent cities near the Mela area, just 1.1 km from Triveni Sangam.

Tented accommodation ranges from basic facilities to luxurious cottages with private amenities, offering easy access to rituals, sacred baths and a lively festival atmosphere. Prayagraj also offers other options, from high-end hotels to budget lodges equipped with modern amenities.

For a deeper spiritual experience, ashrams provide basic facilities as well as spiritual programs and activities.

DIRECTIONS TO GHATS (FROM RAILWAY STATION, BUS STOP, AIRPORT)

To reach Triveni Sangam Ghat or the main mela grounds, local transport or government buses are the best options. Arriving at Prayagraj Junction, you will find various choices including auto-rickshaws, buses and taxis to take you to your accommodation or directly to the Kumbh Mela venue.

Navigating the city and expansive Mela grounds is made easier with these local options, especially given the large crowds and restricted vehicle access near the event area. Auto rickshaws are readily available for short trips, while cycle rickshaws offer a traditional and economical way to travel in congested areas.

TOURIST GUIDE

The Maha Kumbh Mela features the key days of ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath), which are considered very auspicious. The main dates include Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29 and Basant Panchami on February 3. Other important days are Paush Purnima (January 13), Achla Saptami (February 4), Maghi Purnima (February 12) and Maha Shivratri (February 26).

VISITOR’S GUIDE

To prepare for your visit, make sure your MMR, tetanus, and flu shots are up to date, and consider getting additional ones for hepatitis A and typhoid. Avoid tap water, raw salads, unpeeled fruits and unhygienic street food. Pack energy bars for convenience.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for uneven and muddy paths. Carry a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent and any personal medications.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

The kumbh mela is a religious and cultural gathering organized around the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati meet. Taking a holy bath there is believed to cleanse sins and grant liberation.

For a serene experience, Arail Ghat offers a peaceful setting with stunning views of the ‘Sangam’, while Ram Ghat holds historical and spiritual significance. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam is a must-see, with priests performing a mesmerizing fire ritual accompanied by chants and music.

The mela also offers cultural performances, including traditional music, dance and theatrical performances of Hindu epics.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Prayagraj has a rich mix of spiritual and historical monuments. Key sites include the Hanuman Temple, famous for its submerged elongated statue during the monsoon, the ancient Patalpuri Temple and the Kalyani Devi Temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Kalyani.

Cultural attractions include the iconic Allahabad Fort, built by Akbar, housing the Patalpuri Temple, Ashoka Pillar and Saraswati Koop. Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru family, now transformed into a museum, highlights India’s struggle for independence.

For a peaceful stroll, visit Khusro Bagh, a Mughal garden housing the tombs of Khusro Mirza and his family.

FOOD AND THINGS TO DO

The kumbh mela is a treat for the senses, offering traditional North Indian thalis, street foods like chole bhature, aloo puri, kachori sabzi and snacks like pani puri, chaat and samosas. Sweet treats like jalebi, gulab jamun and rasgulla, paired with drinks like masala chai, lassi and nimbu paani, complete the culinary adventure.

Langars of religious groups offer free healthy vegetarian meals for an authentic experience. Volunteering in crowd management, medical aid or environmental cleaning offers meaningful engagement, while workshops on crafts, yoga and Vedic rituals deepen the spiritual connection to the festival.