The Maha Kumbh has concluded, marking the end of the ‘Maha Yagya of Unity’; In Prayagraj, for the entire 45 days of this grand congregation of unity, the faith of 140 crore citizens came together at this one festival at the same time, which is truly overwhelming.
Hailing the Maha Kumbh as a ‘Maha Yagya of Unity’, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that India was proud of its heritage and was treading forward with a new energy. He said that this is the dawn of an era of transformation that is set to write the country’s new future. This mammoth celebration has now turned out to be a subject of great research for the management professionals and experts in the fields of planning and policy of the world.
He added that the huge number of devotees participating in the Maha Kumbh is not just a record but also has laid a strong foundation for many centuries to keep our culture and heritage strong and rich. Expressing satisfaction over the successful completion of Maha Kumbh of Unity and thanking the citizens for their hard work, efforts and determination, Shri Modi penned down his thoughts in a blog and shared it on X.
In a world of utter modernity, the Maha Kumbh Mela, held from 13 January 2025 to 26 February 2025, proved to be a sacred pilgrimage. It is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. World’s largest peaceful gathering drew millions of pilgrims, 66+ crores, who purified themselves from sins and attained spiritual liberation.
Maha Kumbh Represents Faith
The Maha Kumbh Mela is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and represents one of the most significant gatherings of faith in the world. This sacred event rotates between four locations in India-Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj- each situated by a holy river, from the Ganges to the Shipra, the Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Prayagraj. The expected turnout of 45 crore devotees in 45 days was exceeded within a month, reaching 66 crores+ by the concluding day.
The origins of the Kumbh Mela are rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) story in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) fought over the Amrit (nectar of immortality). During this celestial battle, drops of the nectar fell at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—where the Kumbh Mela is now held, with the Maha Kumbh occurring once every 144 years at Prayagraj.
Historically, the Maha Kumbh Mela has been referenced since ancient times, with records dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods. It received royal patronage from various dynasties, including the Mughals, and was documented by colonial administrators like James Prinsep. Over centuries, it evolved into a global spiritual and cultural phenomenon. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the Kumbh Mela symbolizes India’s enduring traditions, fostering unity, spirituality, and cultural exchange among millions worldwide.
The timing of each Kumbh Mela is determined by the astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, believed to signal an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and self-enlightenment. The festival embodied a confluence of faith, culture, and tradition, attracting ascetics, seekers, and devotees alike. The event’s grandeur is marked by Shahi Snans (bathing rituals), spiritual discourses, and vibrant cultural processions that reflect India’s deep spiritual heritage.
Major bathing dates as per bathing occasion, significance, number of devotees taking a dip approximately were:
January 13, 2025; Paush Purnima; served as an unofficial inauguration of the Maha Kumbh Mela, signifying the commencement of the grand event. Additionally, Paush Purnima marks the initiation of Kalpvasa, a period of intense spiritual practice and devotion observed by pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh Mela. 1.5 crore devotees took bath.
January 14, 2025; Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan); Makar Sankranti signifies the sun’s transition to its next astronomical position in accordance with the Hindu calendar. This auspicious day marks the initiation of charitable donations at the Maha Kumbh Mela. 3.5 crore Pilgrims traditionally made contributions based on their own volition and generosity.
January 29, 2025; Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan); Mauni Amavasya is a day steeped in significance, as it is believed that the celestial alignments are most propitious for the sacred act of bathing in the holy river. It commemorates a profound event when Rishabh Dev, revered as one of the first sages, broke his protracted vow of silence and immersed himself in the purifying waters of the Sangam. As a result, Mauni Amavasya drew the largest congregation of 5 crore pilgrims to the Kumbh Mela, making it a momentous day of spiritual devotion and purification.
February 3, 2025; Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan): Basant Panchami symbolizes the transition of seasons and celebrates the arrival of the Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati, in Hindu mythology. On this eve 2.33 crore people took dip.
February 12, 2025; Maghi Purnima: This Purnima is renowned for its connection with the veneration and the belief that the Hindu deity Gandharva descends from the heavens to the sacred Sangam Around 2 crore pilgrims availed this opportunity.
February 26, 2025; Maha Shivratri;Maha Shivaratri holds deep symbolism as it marks the final holy bath of the Kalpvasis, and it is intrinsically connected to Lord Shankar. Around 1.3 crore pilgrims alone took bath on this day. In between on all other days devotees kept pouring in to make the colossal reach at Maha Kumbh to massive 66+ crores.
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