I Visited The Maha Kumbh 2025 And It Was A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

The air is thick with devotion at the Maha Kumbh 2025. Throngs of pilgrims, ascetics, sadhus and seers have started gathering in the specially erected mela ground in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Unlike any other pilgrimage, the Kumbh Mela is a mega event, known to be the world’s largest gathering of people, where millions of devotees come from all over India, and the world, to take a dip in the holy waters to wash away their sins and break the cycle of life and death.

The origins of this mela date back thousands of years—in fact, the earliest mention of the Kumbh Mela is found in the Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture. According to Indian mythology, during the sagar manthan the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain amrit, the nectar of immortality, in a pitcher or kumbh. During the scuffle in this celestial battle, four drops of amrit fell at four locations on Earth—Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik and Prayagraj. These cities have since become pilgrimage sites, and the rivers flowing through these cities are thus known for their holy waters—the Ganga in Haridwar, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Godavari in Nashik and the confluence of three rivers in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati merge into one, known as the Triveni Sangam. The mela is held every three years in each of these cities by rotation. The exact dates of the mela are determined by the Hindu astronomical calendar—the specific planetary positions, especially of the sun, moon and Jupiter generate immense spiritual energy on the earth, making these dates significantly more auspicious for the holy dip.

Even though it is the largest religious gathering in the world, its significance goes beyond religion. It is a celebration of faith and culture as well. In 2017, UNESCO recognised the Kumbh Mela as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Visiting the mela a few days prior to the first shahi snan (royal bathing ritual) gave me a glimpse of all the preparations that have been made at Prayagraj, the host city of this year’s Maha Kumbh. While I am still processing what it meant for me personally, I can safely say that it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Believer or not, there is no denying the palpable spiritual energy that pervades the Kumbh. If you’re wondering if it’s for you, I’d suggest going with an open mind and let the collective energy of this gathering do its thing, for the experience will undoubtedly mean different things for different people, but it will not leave you untouched.

Special Significance of Maha Kumbh 2025

As mentioned earlier, the dates of the Kumbh Mela are determined by the astronomical calendar. While the Kumbh is held every three years, the Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and the Purn Kumbh is held every 12 years. Upon the completion of 12 Purn Kumbhs comes the Maha Kumbh, making it a once in a 144-year phenomenon. This year, the sun, moon and Jupiter (known as the most auspicious planet according to Hindu astrology) will come together in a straight line after 144 years. This will yield an unprecedented spiritual energy at the confluence of the holy waters of Prayagraj. Not surprisingly, the record breaking projection of pilgrims and visitors attending the Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to be around 45 crore individuals.

Security and Arrangements

Catering to this huge gathering is no mean feat. In order to make the experience smooth for all visitors, preparations have been on for months. The Kumbh Mela has been designated as a separate district within Uttar Pradesh, with its own District Magistrate, et al. A sprawling temporary city has been erected for devotees, divided and organized into 25 sectors, complete with roads, pontoon bridges and tented accommodation. The city’s infrastructure has been strengthened overall, the roads are well lit and decked up with beautifully painted walls making visually attractive corridors to welcome pilgrims and travellers from all over the world. Unprecedented security measures are in place to ensure that there are minimal mishaps. CCTV cameras have been installed everywhere and there is deployment of a large number of security personnel trained in rescue drills. There are medical facilities, fire-fighting squads and complaint centres on site for any untoward event. Technology and AI have also been incorporated via drones, including under water drones that can rescue people from drowning. While there are added flights and trains connecting Prayagraj to major Indian cities, you can expect roads blocked for one-way traffic to facilitate movement of the huge numbers. During the span of six weeks of the mela, there are seven days for the shahi snan. These days, when the sadhus lead large processions to take the holy dip at the confluence, are expected to be the most crowded. Most roads will be blocked for vehicles on these dates and will remain open for pedestrians only. We were even told that entry of cars into Prayagraj will remain closed a day before and a day after the snan days—so, go well prepared to walk.

Things to Do

• One of the key things to do at the Kumbh is to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam, or the holy confluence. While there are several bathing ghats that can be accessed by foot, a boat ride can take you to the actual confluence where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Be prepared with a change of clothes as the water is cold and it is wintertime as well. If you want to carry some of the holy water back home for family and friends, we suggest carrying a bottle that’s leak proof. You can buy jerry cans near the confluence or the ghats, but they are not of the best quality. Also remember, you will need to check in this container if you’re flying back to your respective city.
• Visit popular temples like Lete Hue Hanuman Temple and the Nagvasuki Temple that is dedicated to the king of serpents, from the mythological sagar manthan.
• Walk through the Akharas of the different sects—the atmosphere is vibrant, to say the least. The sight of naga sadhus is a quintessential aspect of the Kumbh Mela—you may photograph them after taking their permission and even seek their blessings.
• The mela ground is a photographer’s haven with plenty of photo opportunities to document this monumental event.
• Enjoy India’s rich artistic legacy and culture through the elaborate street art all over the city. View the world’s largest rangoli that is expected to span over 55,000 square feet.
• More than anything, just soak in the vibrant atmosphere – it indeed is an inimitable vibe.

Where to Stay

A sprawling tent city offers a variety of accommodation. Luxury resorts have also set up pop tents with attached bathrooms and heating. jüSTa Shivir’s luxury tents are located 2.5 kilometeres from the sacred Prayagraj Sangam. With 179 tents spread across 17 acres of land, this camp is by the banks of the serene Ganga. The accommodation is comfortable, and there’s 24-hour running hot water and attached bathroom. The food served is vegetarian, but includes the entire range of Indian, barbecue and even Italian and Chinese dishes. They have their own parking facility; a 45-minute drive, depending on the traffic, can take you to the mela ground. They organise activities such as guided yoga and meditation, boat cruises along the sacred rivers, walking tours of the akharas, and audiences with seers and ash-smeared sadhus.

Bookmark Naga Shivir offers a more immersive experience. Located within the Juna Akhara, one of the largest akharas of Maha Kumbh, this one offers 35 tents with comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. Here, you will be up close with the saints, and even the kitchens are managed by the sadhus of Juna Akhara. The food is delicious, and the chants by the sadhus before each meal add to the experience. Here also, the hospitality team can assist you with guided experiences through the mela.

Related: Your Guide To Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Tips, Key Attractions, And More!

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