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The ecstasy of Kumbh Mela 2025: an experience that changes you from within
The latest edition of this event, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, is being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 14 to February 26. This festival, held every 12 years in a rotation of four sacred sites, is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an unparalleled spiritual and cultural experience.
When landing at Allahabad Airport, you are greeted by a city in effervescence. Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, is transformed into a veritable epicenter of faith and devotion. The city, which during the rest of the year maintains a relatively quiet pace, fills with pilgrims, sadhus, tourists, and onlookers, all drawn by the promise of spiritual purification.
The arrival at the festival is a spectacle in itself. Crowds of devotees descend in trains, buses, and automobiles, each carrying with them a story and a need for change. Tents line the riverbanks, creating an ephemeral city of cloth and bamboo, a temporary manifestation of faith that seems to have sprung up overnight. And from morning to night, it will disappear just as quickly as it has been created.
This peculiar pilgrimage takes place every 12 years. Photo: Jeannes Jacobs.
The experience is beyond mystical. Photo:Amit Gaur.
The Ritual of the Sacred Baths
The heart of the Kumbh Mela is the sacred baths, known as Shahi Snans. These rituals are performed on specific days considered auspicious according to the Hindu calendar. In 2025, bathing days include Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14, and Mauni Amavasya on January 29, among others.
The sunrise on a Shahi Snan day is a time of expectation and reverence. As the morning mist dissipates over the river, thousands of sadhus and pilgrims prepare for immersion. The naga babas, ash-covered naked ascetics, lead the procession with an almost martial energy. The sacred waters of the Sangam become the stage for an ancient ceremony, where each immersion symbolizes the purification of the soul and the removal of sins.
The Akharas, monastic orders of sadhus, play a central role in the Kumbh Mela. These spiritual fraternities, some of which date back centuries, present their disciplines in yoga, meditation, and scriptural recitation. Sadhus of the Akharas participate in processions called Peshwai, riding elephants, horses, and decorated chariots. The air is filled with chanting of mantras and devotional songs, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality and energy.
The Sadhu are groups of holy warriors present in Kumbh Mela.
It has its roots in Hindu mythology, specifically in the legend of the "Samudra Manthan" or the churning of the ocean of milk. The gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, and during the process, four drops fell in four different places on Earth, where the four fairs are celebrated: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
Unforgettable encounters
One of the biggest attractions of the Kumbh Mela is the opportunity to meet people from all corners of India and the world. From religious scholars to ordinary devotees, each individual brings a unique perspective. Spontaneous conversations at the camps can reveal stories of spiritual journeys, personal miracles, and deep shared faith.
The Kalpvasis, a special group of devotees, spend the entire duration of the festival living a life of simplicity and devotion. Interacting with them can provide deep insight into the significance of the Kumbh Mela in their lives and offer an opportunity to reflect on one's own beliefs and aspirations.
At Kumbh Mela, devotees immerse themselves in sacred rivers for purification.
Exploring the surroundings
Prayagraj is surrounded by equally sacred and fascinating destinations.Varanasi, with its ghats and temples, is one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, and Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, are nearby destinations that offer additional immersion in Hindu mythology and history. Vrindavan, associated with Krishna's childhood, and Chitrakoot, the place of exile of Rama and Sita, are also must-sees for pilgrims.
This festival, with its unique combination of spirituality and colorful exuberance, is a reminder of the deep connection between the divine and the human. By participating in the Kumbh Mela, one not only bathes in the sacred waters of the Sangam, but also in the very essence of Hindu culture and faith. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary experience in 2025 because it won't happen again for many years to come.
On the Kumbh Mela, millions of people congregate to purify themselves spiritually in the sacred rivers of India.
Comfort and deep spiritual devotion are found.
The Curzon Bridge becomes a vital passage during the Kumbh Mela, facilitating the spiritual pilgrimage.
At the Kumbh Mela, a pilgrim finds peace in the holy river Ganges....
Coming from all corners of India, all are united in spirituality and devotion.
The Ganga Aarti is an evening ceremony on the banks of the Ganges that is a visual and spiritual spectacle not to be missed.
The Kumbh Mela is not only a spiritual event, but also a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage. Thousands of lamps illuminate the river, and the air is filled with hymns praising the goddess Ganga.
In addition to the ceremonies, the temporary markets or Haat Bazaars are a hive of activity. Here, visitors can buy traditional handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics, and enjoy the varied street food. These markets offer a glimpse into the culture of India, where every object has a story to tell.
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