The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, attracting millions of devotees, saints, and tourists from around the world. Held every 144 years at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—the event is considered the largest peaceful gathering on Earth.
This festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and astrology, symbolizing the cosmic battle of good versus evil. The key rituals include Shahi Snan (royal baths), spiritual discourses, and cultural festivities. Bathing in the sacred rivers is believed to cleanse sins and pave the way to salvation (moksha).
Modern highlights this year include a drone light show recreating the mythical Samudra Manthan, a multilingual chatbot for streamlined communication, and infrastructure upgrades worth ₹5,500 crore. The Maha Kumbh showcases a blend of spirituality, tradition, and technological innovation, drawing people from all walks of life.\
For the first time ever ✨
witness the skies of Mahakumbh come alive with a mesmerizing drone show! 🌌
A breathtaking fusion of tradition and technology awaits at this divine confluence.
Don’t miss this historic spectacle!#MahaKumbh #mahakumbh2025 pic.twitter.com/PyhZjZ5DxS
— MahaKumbh 2025 (@MahaaKumbh) January 25, 2025
What is the significance of Amrit Manthan?
The Maha Kumbh Mela has a profound connection to the Hindu mythological event of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean of milk. Legend states that during Samudra Manthan, a fierce battle ensued between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) for Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
As Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, carried the pot of Amrit, drops of it fell at four sacred locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These sites are believed to have been imbued with divine essence, becoming the locations for the Kumbh Mela.
Here are the top five attractions of this grand Hindu celebration which occurs every 144 years:
A Sea of Humanity: The Largest Peaceful Gathering on Earth: Imagine a city that pops up overnight, bigger than any metropolis, filled with millions seeking spiritual enlightenment. That's the Maha Kumbh Mela! This incredible gathering draws more people than any other peaceful event on the planet.
Hindu devotees take a bath in the holy river Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela on January 28, 2024 in Allahabad, India. Kumbh Mela in 2025 is a Maha Kumbh, which is a significant Hindu festival celebrated once every 144 years at Prayagraj (Allahabad). (Photo by Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
Bathing in the "River of Heaven": Washing Away Sins in the Mythical Saraswati: Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, during the Maha Kumbh washes away sins and brings spiritual liberation.
A Celestial Countdown, Aligned with the Stars: The Maha Kumbh isn't just a religious event; it's a cosmic one! The dates are meticulously calculated based on the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, creating a unique astrological window for spiritual transformation.
Temporary Metropolis, A City Built from Scratch:
To accommodate the millions of pilgrims, a temporary city emerges from the ground, complete with hospitals, sanitation facilities, and even its own communication network. It's a logistical marvel that disappears as quickly as it appears.
The Mystical Naga Babas: Unveiling the Guardians of Spirituality at Maha Kumbh:
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Maha Kumbh Mela is the Naga Babas, the mysterious and ascetic saints who steal the spotlight during the festival. These holy men belong to the warrior sects of Hinduism and are known for their unique practices, including living without clothing to symbolize their renunciation of worldly attachments.
What makes them even more fascinating is their Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) ritual. The Naga Babas are the first to take a holy dip in the sacred waters, and their grand procession, adorned with tridents, ash-covered bodies, and chants of devotion, is an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Interestingly, becoming a Naga Baba involves an intense initiation process that can take up to 12 years, where they undergo rigorous training in meditation, celibacy, and self-discipline. Despite their austere lifestyle, they are regarded as protectors of dharma, blending spirituality with ancient warrior traditions.
A screenshot of Prada manufactured Kolhapuri Chappal on their website.
A shoemaker in his workshop in Kerala village. Services and hand-making is very cheap in India.iStock
Footwear vendors in the streets of Mahabaleshwar in IndiaiStock
Vietnamese Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Pannakara offers water to his pet dog Aloka, a stray rescued from India, at the start of the 'Walk For Peace' pilgrimage in Dambulla, in northcentral Sri Lanka on April 22, 2026. A high-profile stray dog trotted at the head of a barefoot "peace walk" on April 22 by a group of 13 saffron-robed Buddhist monks led by Pannakara across Sri Lanka, braving searing tropical heat. The peace walk has amassed a large online following, with their Facebook page drawing more than three million followers. Getty Images
Vietnamese Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Pannakara (R) looks on during the start of the 'Walk For Peace' pilgrimage in Dambulla, in northcentral Sri Lanka on April 22, 2026. A high-profile stray dog trotted at the head of a barefoot "peace walk" on April 22 by a group of 13 saffron-robed Buddhist monks led by Pannakara across Sri Lanka, braving searing tropical heat. The peace walk has amassed a large online following, with their Facebook page drawing more than three million followers. Getty Images
Security personnel inspect the site in the aftermath of an attack as food stall chairs lie empty in Pahalgam, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) from Srinagar on April 23, 2025. Indian security forces in Kashmir carried out a major manhunt on April 23, a day after gunmen opened fire on tourists killing 26 people in the region's deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. Getty Images
Tourists visit Betaab Valley in Pahalgam, about 112 km south of Srinagar on June 26, 2025.Getty Images
Pilgrims gather at the Baltal Base Camp near Domel, en route to the sacred Amarnath cave in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 29, 2025. The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, proceeds under heightened security following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony handler. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers across the pilgrimage route, with checkpoints, surveillance, and restrictions in place to safeguard the thousands of devotees undertaking the arduous journey. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, drawing worshippers from across India to the high-altitude Himalayan shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite the threat of violence and challenging terrain, pilgrims continue their spiritual trek, determined to complete the sacred journey under the shadow of grief and resilience.Getty Images