Knowledge nugget of the day: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

3. Historical Foundations: Ancient Hindu epics and literature, such as the Mahabharata and Puranas, are where the Kumbh Mela got its start. According to the Amrit Manthan tradition, four drips of amrita, or nectar, dropped on the ground at each of the four Kumbh Mela places. This historical background, which has its roots in ancient mythology, gives the festival an additional dimension of supernatural charm.

4. Cultural Significance: The meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the fabled Saraswati river at Allahabad (Prayagraj), where the Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years, forms a site of great spiritual significance. One of the main highlights of the Kumbh experience is this sacred gathering place, known as Sangam, which is thought to atone for sins and provide freedom.

5. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a spiritual phenomenon rich in culture, history, and cosmic importance that goes much beyond a simple religious assembly. The Kumbh Mela is still very relevant in today’s world, whether it be for spiritual purification or the happiness of all people. Notably, the sense of togetherness that the Maha Kumbh Mela cultivates is one of its most important aspect. The pursuit of spirituality and inner tranquility unites people from all backgrounds, castes, and creeds.

Key Rituals

1. Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): The festival’s most significant rite is ceremonial bathing in sacred waterways. The Naga sadhus (ascetic warriors) lead the way, immersing themselves in the sacred waters during big processions. This act represents the remission of sins and the achievement of spiritual merit.

2. Sankirtan and Bhajans: Devotees sing and chant devotional songs, creating a spiritual ambience.

3. Yogasanas and Meditation: Many guests engage in yoga and meditation techniques to achieve physical and mental calm.

4. Spiritual speeches: Renowned saints and gurus give speeches on spiritual and philosophical issues, giving knowledge to the assembled devotees.

Sadhus who come to the Maha Kumbh sit around bonfires, trying to protect themselves from the heavy cold waves at the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj. (Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)

Difference Between Maha Kumbh and Kumbh 

While Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled for this year in 2025, many end up confusing Mahakumbh Mela with Kumbh Mela. These are two significant Hindu religious gatherings that attract millions of devotees; however, there are some differences between the two:

1. The Mahakumbh Mela occurs once every 12 years and is considered the most sacred of all Kumbh Melas. Whereas Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 3 years, rotating among four locations: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj, with each location hosting the Kumbh Mela in a cycle that ensures each site is featured once every 12 years.

2. The Mahakumbh Mela primarily held at Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge. It is a grander event that draws a larger crowd compared to the regular Kumbh Melas. Kumbh Mela takes place at four sacred sites—Haridwar (Ganges), Ujjain (Shipra), Nashik (Godavari), and Prayagraj (Ganges-Yamuna-Saraswati). Each site has its unique significance and rituals associated with it.

3. Participating in the Mahakumbh Mela is believed to provide immense spiritual benefits, including purification of sins and attainment of salvation. The holy dip during this time is considered particularly powerful. While Kumbh Mela is also significant for spiritual growth and purification, it is viewed as less potent than the Mahakumbh. Nonetheless, it still attracts millions who seek spiritual rejuvenation through rituals performed at the riverbanks.

4. Lastly, the Mahakumbh Mela attracts an estimated 40 crore (400 million) devotees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, while the Kumbh Mela, although large, generally sees fewer participants than the Mahakumbh due to its more frequent occurrence and smaller scale.

BEYOND THE NUGGET: Kumbh Mela in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 

1. In 2017, the Kumbh Mela was declared India’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO. The event was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UN body.  The list describes Kumbh Mela as “the festival of the sacred Pitcher” where pilgrims bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. The list includes forms of expression that testify to the diversity of the intangible heritage and raise awareness of its importance.

2. The UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted in 2003, defines intangible cultural heritage as the practices, representations, expressions as well as knowledge and skills that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.

(Sources: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 : When will it start?, How is Maha Kumbh different from Kumbh, The secrets of Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Kumbh Mela enters UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage)

For your queries and suggestions write at roshni.yadav@indianexpress.com

The Indian Express UPSC Essentials brings to you the December issue of its monthly magazine. Click Here to read. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.