Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh, will host the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, from January 13 to February 25, 2025. At the meeting point of three rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—millions of people will come to seek blessings and take a holy dip.
This special event happens every 12 years and brings together millions of Hindu devotees who believe that bathing in the holy waters cleanses their souls.
Here are 10 important things you need to know if you’re planning to attend Maha Kumbh 2025:
1. Largest Religious Gathering: The Maha Kumbh Mela is recognized as the biggest religious event on the planet. People from all over the world visit Prayagraj to bathe at the sacred confluence of the three rivers.
2. Event Dates and Costs: The Maha Kumbh 2025 will begin on January 14 and is expected to take place on 4,000 hectares of land along the riverbank. Officials estimate about 400 million visitors will come, with an estimated cost of ₹6,382 crore for organizing the event.
3. Plan Your Visit Early: With millions expected to attend, it’s wise to book your hotel and travel options ahead of time. This ensures you’ll find a place to stay and avoid higher prices as the date approaches.
4. Auspicious Bathing Days:
– January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima
– January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)
– January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
– February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
– February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan)
5. Dress Warmly: Bring warm winter clothes like socks, scarves, gloves, and heavy coats. It gets quite cold near the Sangam, so it’s important to keep warm.
6. Safety First: There will be 2,300 CCTV cameras to watch over the crowd and keep everyone safe. The authorities will also set up 145,000 restrooms and 99 temporary parking spaces over 1,850 hectares.
7. What to Bring: Don’t forget your ID, reservation details, any important documents, a first aid kit, a mask, and hand sanitizer.
8. Cultural Events: Besides bathing, there will be spiritual talks from famous saints and various cultural performances, including music and dance.
9. Follow Instructions: There will be volunteers and police to help. It’s important to follow their guidance to make your visit easy and safe.
10. Significance of the Festival: The festival has roots in ancient Hindu stories. It’s believed that during the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), drops of special nectar fell in four places, including Prayagraj, making it a sacred site.
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