2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela
 | |
 Pilgrims at Triveni Sangam | |
| Date | 13 January – 26 February 2025 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 days |
| Venue | Triveni Sangam |
| Location | Prayagraj |
| Coordinates | 26°25′52″N 82°53′06″E / 26.431°N 82.885°E |
| Type | Hindu culture |
| Budget | ₹7,500 Cr ($866 million) |
| Patrons | Saints, Sadhus, and Bhakts |
| Organised by | Prayagraj Mela Committee |
| Outcome | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |
| Frequency | 144 years |
| Country | India |
| Website | kumbh |
| UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage | |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
|---|
 |
The 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, is the ongoing iteration of the Kumbh Mela. It is the world’s largest religious gathering, scheduled to take place from 13 January to 26 February 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. This event marks the completion of a 12-Kumbh Mela cycle and is officially termed a Maha Kumbh Mela, spanning 45 days.[1]
Since the Kumbh Mela has been organized for ages and its commencement date is unknown, calculating the exact 144-year cycle is not certain. However, as per astronomical calculations, the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is unique in itself since its constellation alignment is witnessed once every 144 years. Thus, the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh in the past 144 years is in 2025.[2][3][4][5]
The Kumbh Mela, in India, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of Kumbh Mela spans over four locations in India and the Mela site keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages on four sacred rivers as:
- In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on the banks of Ganga River
- In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on the banks of Shipra River
- In Nashik, Maharashtra on the banks of Godavari River
- In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at Triveni Sangam, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati River.
The site of each Kumbh Mela is decided by the astrological alignment of Jupiter (Guru), Sun (Surya), and Moon (Chandra).[6][7]
Significance
[edit]The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolises the victory of Gods over demons.[8] In 2025, the event started on 13 January and is expected to conclude on 26 February.[9][10]
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful congregation of people.[4] This gathering contains millions of devotees immersing themselves in the Ganges, Yamuna, and the Saraswati, waters of which are considered holy by the Hindus, symbolising a purification of the soul and a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.[11]
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela has made preparations for the attendance of up to 40 crores (400 million) visitors.[12] Many tourists and pilgrims come from various countries such as Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Russia South Africa, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States. [13][14][15]
Amrit Snān occasions
[edit]
Amrit Snan (transl. Nectar Baths) or Shahi Snan are being held as follows: [16][17]
| Amrit Snan | Day | Date (Gregorian) | Date (Panchanga) | Amrit Snan Occasions (English) | अमृत स्नान के पर्व (Hindi) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | Monday | 13-01-2025 | Pausha Purnima | पौष पूर्णिमा | Official start of the Maha Kumbh Mela; significant bathing day | |
| Second | Tuesday | 14-01-2025 | Makara Sankranti | मकर संक्रान्ति | First Amrit Snan (royal bath), a major highlight of the festival | |
| Third | Wednesday | 29-01-2025 | Mauni Amavasya | मौनी अमावस्या | Second Amrit Snan; believed to be highly auspicious for cleansing sins | |
| Fourth | Monday | 03-02-2025 | Vasant Panchami | वसन्त पञ्चमी | Third Amrit Snan; marks the arrival of spring and is significant for devotees | |
| Fifth | Wednesday | 12-02-2025 | Magha Purnima | माघ पूर्णिमा | Important bathing day; an opportunity for spiritual renewal | |
| Sixth | Wednesday | 26-02-2025 | Maha Shivaratri | महाशिवरात्रि | Concludes the Maha Kumbh Mela; another important bathing day |
Revenue generation
[edit]
Maha Kumbh's budget stands at nearly ₹64 billion (₹6,382 crore) and it is estimated that Maha Kumbh 2025 will generate a revenue of more than ₹2 trillion (₹2 lakh crore) for Uttar Pradesh.[18][19]
The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have advanced fire fighting vehicles as for protection against any fire related incidents.[20][21] The Uttar Pradesh State Government will depute 500 dedicated Ganga Praharis to ensure the cleanliness of the river during Maha Kumbh.[22] Total cost of 83 project around mela area is estimated to be 1428.68 crore out of which 47 projects are completed by 15 November and rest are expected to be completed soon.[23] Artificial intelligence tools and chatbots are being used to assist tourists and pilgrims.[24]
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Application
[edit]Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 App which is available on Google Play Store, has important locations of ghats, temples, and other major religious sites for the support of tourists and pilgrims.[25]
Environmental Sustainability
[edit]Green Maha Kumbh: A National-Level Environmental Discussion
[edit]Green Maha Kumbh will be held on January 31, 2025, bringing together over 1,000 environmental and water conservation experts. Organized as part of the Gyan Maha Kumbh - 2081 series organized by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.[26]
Infrastructure
[edit]The authorities have set up a temporary city covering 4,000 hectares to accommodate the massive number of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. This city includes 150,000 tents, improved sanitation facilities, and better transportation services. To ensure security, 40,000 police officers and AI-powered surveillance systems have been deployed.
To expand the available land, four dredging machines were used to reclaim 26 additional hectares, significantly increasing the Sangam’s capacity—three times more than in 2019 Prayag Ardh Kumbh Mela.
The area has been divided into 25 sectors. The total length of the ghats is 12 km. Parking facilities now cover 1,850 hectares. The total road length within the Mela area has increased over 450 km to improve accessibility.[27]
Railway Infrastructure
[edit]Indian Railways has announced an increase in the number of coaches in key trains, such as the Prayagraj Express and Lucknow Mail, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025.[28]
Indian Railways operated their all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Junction Railway Station including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains and 60 MEMU trains to manage the pilgrims who came to take a holy dip on the day of Mauni Amavasya, on 29 January, 2025.[29][30]
Sanitation Facilities
[edit]The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have established cleaning standards with one sweeper for every 10 toilets and one supervisor monitoring a batch of 10 sweepers.[31] The Prayagraj Mela Authority has engaged nearly 10,000 sanitation workers to ensure a clean Maha Kumbh.
Under the Swachh Kumbh initiative, the Prayagraj Mela Committee has set up around 150,000 toilets and urinals in the Maha Kumbh area. Apart from the installation of 150,000 toilets and urinals, a QR code-based monitoring system is being launched to track sanitation levels in toilets. [32]
Safety Measures
[edit]The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department[33] has introduced four advanced Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) to enhance fire safety at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. These high-tech towers are specifically designed to handle fire incidents in multi-storey structures and large tents, ensuring quick and effective response.
Each AWT is equipped with video and thermal imaging cameras, allowing real-time monitoring and precise firefighting. These towers can operate up to 35 meters in height and extend 30 meters horizontally, providing a protective shield for firefighters during high-risk operations.
To further strengthen fire safety, the government has allocated ₹131.48 crore for:[34]
- 351 firefighting vehicles
- 50+ fire stations
- 20 fire posts
- 2,000+ trained personnel
- Fire safety equipment for every tent
Lost and Found Centers
[edit]The Prayagraj Mela Committee has set up 10 'Khoya-Paya Kendra' across different sectors to help reunite missing individuals with their families. These high-tech centers will use digital registration to keep track of lost persons, making the process faster and more efficient.
Key details about missing individuals will be displayed at all centers, and regular announcements will be made to assist in reunions. Additionally, social media platforms will be leveraged to spread information and help reconnect lost individuals with their loved ones.[35]
Security Personnel
[edit]To ensure safety throughout the event, over 45,000 police personnel will be deployed, supported by 55+ police stations. Additionally, forces from the [[Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary] (UP-PAC)], National Disaster Response Force, and Central Armed Police Forces will assist in maintaining security.
Surveillance Technology
[edit]A network of over 3,000 cameras will provide round-the-clock monitoring, enhancing surveillance across the Mela area.
Underwater Drones
[edit]For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters will be used to monitor the Sangam area 24/7, adding an extra layer of security.
Incidents
[edit]On 19 January, a fire caused by an exploding gas cylinder destroyed at least 18 temporary tents at the festival grounds. No injuries were reported.[36]
On 29 January, a crowd crush at the festival grounds left between 15 to 50 people dead and at least 200 others injured.[37]
Notable People who visited the Maha Kumbh Mela
[edit]Indian tourists and Pilgrims
[edit]Akharas of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad
[edit]- Digambar Akhara
- Juna Akhara
- Agni Akhara, attached to Juna Akhara
- Avahan Akhara, attached to Juna Akhara
- Kalpwasis akhara
- Khalsa Akhara
- Mahanirvani Akhara
- Atal Akhara, attached to Mahanirvani Akhara
- Niranjani Akhara
- Ananda Akhara, attached to Niranjani Akhara
- Nirmohi Akhara
- Udasi Akhara
- Vairagi Akhara
Actors, Directors and Producers
[edit]- Anupam Kher, Bollywood actor and producer[38][39]
- Bhagyashree, Bollywood actress[40]
- Kabir Khan, director, screenwriter and cinematographer of Bollywood[41]
- Mamta Kulkarni, former Bollywood actress[38][39]
- Remo D'Souza, choreographer, film director, and producer[38][39]
- Sapna Choudhary, haryanvi actor and dancer[42]
- Siddharth Nigam, Indian actor from Prayagraj[43]
- Sunil Grover, actor and comedian, part of The Kapil Sharma Show[38]
- Tina Ambani, former actress and wife of Anil Ambani[44]
- Hema Malini [45]
Businessman and Philanthropist
[edit]- Anil Ambani, businessman, chairman and managing director of Reliance Group[46]
- Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the Adani Group[47]
- Sudha Murty, founder and chairperson of Infosys Foundation[48]
Politician
[edit]- Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh[49]
- Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India[50]
- Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence, Government of India [51]
- Ravi Kishan, member of parliament, Lok Sabha [52]
- Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh[citation needed] along with all his cabinet ministers[53]
- Kiran Rijiju [45]
Singer and Music Composer
[edit]- Guru Randhawa, singer, songwriter and music composer[38]
- Shankar Mahadevan, singer and composer, part of the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy[38][39]
Sports Personalities
[edit]- Mary Kom, Indian Olympic boxer[54]
- Suresh Raina, former international cricketer[55]
Other Personalities
[edit]- Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council[56]
- Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Peethadhish of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar[57]
- Baba Ramdev, yoga guru and brand ambassador for Patanjali Ayurved[58]
- Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara[59]
- Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara[60]
- Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, 145th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Govardhan Math[61]
- Swami Ramabhadracharya [62]
International tourists and Pilgrims
[edit]- Chris Martin, British singer and co-founder of the rock band Coldplay[38]
- Dakota Johnson, american actress and daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith[38]
- Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Steve Jobs[38][39]
See also
[edit]- Yogi Adityanath
- Uttar Pradesh
- Prayagraj
- Triveni Sangam
- Prayag Kumbh Mela
- 2019 Prayag Ardh Kumbh Mela
References
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