Mahakumbh
'Snan dip at Ayodhya'
'Rudrashk mala jyotirlinga at Kumbh'
'Govt cultural park at Kumbh'
The Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 holds special significance as it marks the alignment of celestial bodies that occurs once every 144 years. According to ancient beliefs, the guardians of the sacred pot of Amrit (holy nectar) – Chandra Dev (Moon God), Surya Dev (Sun God), Brihaspati (Jupiter), and Shani Dev (Saturn) – align in a rare cosmic event, infusing the waters with divine energy.
This grand spiritual gathering will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. More than 420 million estimated have already visited, with tens of millions participating on special bathing days.
To accommodate this massive influx of devotees, the government has made extensive preparations, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Over 150,000 tents have been set up, along with numerous hotels and sanitation facilities, to provide comfort and convenience to attendees.
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Its origins trace back to ancient Indian scriptures, including the Puranas and Mahabharata, where it is mentioned that the event is linked to the mythological story of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to legend, when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain Amrit (the nectar of immortality), a celestial battle ensued over its possession. During this battle, a few drops of the nectar fell at four sacred locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—where the Kumbh Mela is now celebrated.
The tradition of ritual bathing in sacred rivers during the Kumbh Mela is believed to cleanse one’s sins and lead to liberation (Moksha). The earliest historical references date back to the 7th century CE, when the Chinese traveler Xuanzang documented a grand religious festival at Prayagraj. Later, in the 8th century CE, Adi Shankaracharya formalized the event, attracting saints, scholars, and devotees from across India. Over time, the Kumbh Mela became an essential spiritual congregation, drawing millions of people, including sadhus, ascetics, and pilgrims.
Kumbh Mela follows a 12-year cycle, alternating between the four cities based on planetary positions. The Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, occurring every 144 years, is the most significant, while the Ardh Kumbh (every 6 years) also holds great importance. Today, it remains a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural unity, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO . The event continues to grow, with modern infrastructure facilitating the gathering while preserving its ancient spiritual essence.
In Vedic tradition, the path to Moksha (liberation) is deeply rooted in Snan (sacred bathing), Dhyan (meditation), and Daan (charitable giving). These three practices, described in the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, and Upanishads, purify the body, mind, and soul, aligning an individual with Dharma (righteousness) and leading towards ultimate liberation.
1. Snan (Sacred Bathing) – Physical and Spiritual Purification
The Vedas and Puranas emphasize the importance of bathing in sacred rivers, particularly during Kumbh Mela and other auspicious periods. The Rig Veda (10.9.1) describes water as a purifier, stating:
"Apaḥ punantu prithivīm, apaḥ punantu mām", meaning “ May the sacred waters cleanse the Earth, may they also purify me.”
The act of Snan (holy dip) in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is believed to wash away sins (Papa Nashana) and remove negative karma, allowing one to progress spiritually. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad further explains that water carries divine energy and helps in the removal of impurities that hinder the journey towards Moksha.
2. Dhyan (Meditation) – Mastery Over the Mind
Meditation, or Dhyan, is described in the Yajur Veda (40.1) as the path to realizing the Brahman (Supreme Consciousness):
"Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya", meaning “ Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light.”
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras, rooted in Vedic wisdom, describe Dhyan as the seventh limb of Ashtanga Yoga, leading to Samadhi (absorption in the Divine). By practicing stillness, the seeker transcends worldly distractions and gains self-realization. Kumbh Mela is not only a time for Snan but also for Dhyan, as sages and seekers gather to meditate, reinforcing the belief that internal purification is as essential as external cleansing.
3. Daan (Charity) – Detachment and Selflessness
The Taittiriya Upanishad (1.11.1) declares:
" Dattam iti dhanam ", meaning “ True wealth is that which is given away. ”
Daan (selfless giving) is emphasized in all Vedic scriptures as a means to transcend material attachments and cultivate compassion. Giving to Brahmins, feeding the needy, offering knowledge, and supporting religious rituals are all considered forms of Daan. The Bhagavad Gita (17.20) states that the highest form of charity is given without expectation, with devotion and a pure heart. During Kumbh Mela, acts of Daan—such as Annadaan (food donation), Vastra Daan (clothing donation), and Gau Daan (cow donation)—are performed as they are believed to multiply spiritual merit and remove karmic debts.
Path to Liberation (Moksha) Through These Practices
The Vedantic philosophy teaches that liberation is attained through self-purification, detachment, and realization of the Divine. Snan purifies the body and karma, Dhyan purifies the mind, and Daan purifies the ego, leading the seeker toward Atma Jnana (self-realization). The culmination of these practices, as seen in sacred events like Kumbh Mela, facilitates the journey from the material realm (Maya) to the eternal truth (Brahman).
Thus, Snan, Dhyan, and Daan, as prescribed in the Vedas, are not mere rituals but profound spiritual disciplines that lead to inner transformation and ultimate liberation.
There are astrologically
significant dates for
bathing at the meeting point of river Yamuna, Ganga, and mythical Saraswati.
Arrive 2 days before these dates – Jan 29, Feb 3, Feb 12, Feb 26. Feb 4 is also considered a
good date.
As traffic may be paused the day before and after, due to large amounts of foot traffic. The tent operators and travel agencies hence offer 3 Night, 4 Day stay packages such as Jan 27-30, Feb 1-4 or Feb 2-5.
Go whenever you and your group is able to, before Feb 26. There are many people bathing in river on regular days also.
– Significance: Known as the most auspicious day for bathing during the Kumbh Mela, Mauni Amavasya is associated with the practice of silence (‘Maun’) and deep meditation. It is believed that taking a holy dip on this day purifies the soul and leads to spiritual enlightenment.
– Significance: This day marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom. Bathing on Basant Panchami is thought to bestow devotees with wisdom and prosperity.
– Significance: The full moon day in the month of Magh is considered highly auspicious. A holy dip on Maghi Purnima is believed to cleanse sins and is often associated with performing charitable acts.
– Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is a night of devotion and fasting. Bathing on this day is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation).
Fly to any major international airport such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Book a connection to Prayagraj or nearby airport. Keep a 3-5 hour gap for immigration, changing terminals and checkin on the next domestic flight. Sometimes the airline will check you all the way. But you may have to collect the bag and re-check in.
New Delhi airport there is a bus to take to the next terminal, this can take a while hence keep more. Check with the airlines.
Flights to Prayagraj may be expensive within India around the Holy Dip (Snaan) days. You can use nearby airports such as Chikrakoot, Varanasi, Lucknow, Ayodhya.
Due to road closures (due to traffic and block access) you ask the police how to move ahead from the airport car. You may have to transfer to an internal auto (3 wheeled car) and continue to your tent. Depending on the situation and time of day, you request if this auto can go all the way to the tent or need 2 wheeled or some walk. If there are senior or limited mobility people in a group, request to allow your auto to your accommodation.
Bamrauli Airport at Prayagraj, Prayagraj is also linked through the Airports at Varanasi (127 Km), Lucknow (210 km), Ayodhya (160 km) & Kanpur (205 km).
Prayagraj is well connected by trains with all major cities four main station are: - Prayagraj Junction, - Cheoki Railway Station (Naini), - Prayag Ghat Railway Station, - Subedarganj Railway Station.
Prayagraj is on National Highway NH-2 & NH-27 is connected to other parts of the country with excellent roads.
if you have 1-2 days
If you cannot arrive 2 days before Snan dates, try checkin to hotel near the Prayagraj
airport. Take a cab
or auto (3 wheeler) to Kidganj Boat Club. The boat will take you to the meeting of rivers
for the dip.
if you have 1 day
There are helicopter tours from airport to Sangam, they may be expensive. Try arranging a
bike or auto to
pick up take you to snan and back to airport
This is the main reason people go. The meeting of rivers is of high spiritual significance as listed above. You can walk to the banks or take a boat.
Wade in standing water and bend knees and go in fully 1 to 5 times. Stay for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the temperature of the water and what you can tolerate.
The water may be cool, cold depending on the time of day or night. You may see people may start taking a dip very early in the morning such as around 4am. The temperature of river water may be different (warmer or cooler) vs the river banks, as listed on your mobile phone weather app.
Return to the boat. Will help to have a change of clothes and a light blanket or jacket to keep warm, a bottle of water and some fruit or snacks in a backpack. There will be places to change for women near sector 3. The women police is also listed near there.
You can walk from near sector 3,4 or the Ghaat (bank of the river) and the crowds are expected to be high. Or you can cross to sector 19 and walk to sector 21, 22 (few kms).
It may be autos, 3 wheelers are allowed to run before sunrise as 1.5hrs before sunrise is consider auspicious time to dip in river.
If there is foot traffic, walks from sector 7, 8 can take hours to reach the river. Consider staying on the other side, ie sector 23, 24, 25 which are for VIPs, foreigners and may have less people.
Whenever you can in the day, do the dip. Some do it multiple times a day, multiple days
Here is map of the area Area Map
Note
If you stay at a hotel away from the festival, on the Snan days, traffic may be paused. This may require a long walk from where the cab or auto is allowed to drop you, then to walk to the river bank to dip or find a boat to take to the meeting of rivers to take the holy dip.
1 or 2 days away from the main Snan Holy Dip dates, traffic (we hear) should be open, allowing the cab or auto to drop you near the river bank directly.
General Advice
If your group has seniors, limited mobility people, kids, consider staying near sector
23-25. This will
avoid the crowds going to Triveni Sangam near sector 3.
Akshardham Palace 6km from sector 3
Contact For Booking : +91 70071 72481
Alternatively near Someshwar Mahadev ramp to its ghat, is Vallabhai Ghat. The merged water from 2 rivers comes here, and it has a lot less people (few hundred) vs 100s of thousands near sector 3.
If very limited time. We hear from Prayagraj airport, helicopter tours to take to boats. Cost 35K Rs (Ola).
The tent city has different cottage styles based on comfort, luxury Deluxe, Maharaja and should have included washroom, toilet. Some packages provide meals and boat rides for the dip. Else walk to the banks and ask around where the boats are to take to the meeting of the rivers.
Note some people may bathe in the Yamuna or Ganga based on practicality, transportation means, crowds at the time, faith, etc.
India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. You can put the dates and choose the cottage style. Site Address: ITDC Camp, Tent City, Sector 25, Kumbh Mela, Near Delhi Public School, Arail Road, Naini, Prayagraj – 211009
The state where this event is Uttar Pradesh, India – Their event website is here Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
They have information about tours – walking, boat, helicopter in and around the event.
MahaKumbh accommodation booking is on home page
May need an India mobile number for login.
Art of Living Sumeru has premium luxury tent packages (sector 8)
makemytrip.com
Train, Flight bookings.
Yasho Holidays
+91.97575066888, +91.7710005255
See their brochure in the drive. Their tents seem to be near sector 24, 25.
You can try the known sites at this location such as Kayak.com, booking.com.
Airbnb, vrbo – please do due diligence on their location (ask to send pin location and see surrounding on online maps such maps.google.com)
Search online ‘kumbh mela accommodation’ may results show up
Sector 24
This is fine. Near Vallabhai Ghat
Natures Nest (sector 24, 25)
Natures Nest (sector 24, 25)
+91.7705845109
Take a dip on the Amrut snan days and maybe other days if possible.
There are temples around Arail Ghat and opposite sides to visit.
TripAdvisor and many travel sites have listed tourist attractions.
The tent site operators can also suggest places. Expect more people visiting local sights and nearby cities.
There are Boat clubs on the Arail Ghat side for the public and further up from sector 3 towards the Naini Bridge. Sometimes due to wind, the Sangam side is paused. ANd also when VIPs visit. Arail ghat boats more reliable
They can reduce time for the Snan experience. 15 min from Kumbh to airport, www.Flyola.in Pawans Hans https://booking.pawanhans.co.in/
Dip at Sangam Ghat . If it's crowded you can go towards the VIP boat club and dip there.
Old Fort - This has walking about 30-45 mins inside. There is a tree Askhayavat that people go to see. Then further along is Sarawasti temple. After you come out, take a left to go to Shankar Viman Mandapam.
Shankar Viman Mandapam
This is a South Indian style multi storied Shiva temple. Different floors hold statues of Adi Shankaracharya, Shaktipeeth, Vishu Peeths and Shiv Lings. It's worth a visit and you get good views, photo ops, of the Sangam from its balconies.
Digital Kumbh Experience
This is a new addition. It uses LED displays to showcase the history of Kumbh. Rs 50 fee. Worth a visit. Opposite after coming out of from Hanuman Temple
Read more at Times Of India
Dasha Ashwamedh Ghat and Shiv Temple
Near sector 5 there is Dasha Ashwamedh ghat. You can take a dip here, locals consider this a good ghat. Next to this is a Shiv Mandir. Priests can conduct pujas here for you.
Contact +91.79857.61633
Historical and sites in Prayagraj search online ‘what to do in prayagraj’ TripAdvisor and many travel sites have listed tourist attractions.
The tent site operators can also suggest places. Expect more people visiting local sights and nearby cities.
Digital Kumbh Experience
This is a new addition. It uses LED displays to showcase the history of Kumbh. Rs 50 fee. Worth a visit. Opposite after coming out of from Hanuman Temple
Read more at Times Of India
Akharas —traditional Hindu monastic orders—are mostly in Sector 20 of the Mela area. This sector serves as the main campsite for these spiritual congregations. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Visit the Akharas spiritual organizations that come to Kumbh. They have yoga, meditations, spiritual discussions at their sections. You can ask a local or security person on navigating the festival area you are in. They are near sector 20, 12. Now we hear many Sadhu bawas may have left.
Visiting Kashi (Varanasi) and Ayodhya together offers a spiritually enriching journey through two of India’s most revered cities.
Known as the spiritual capital of India, it is believed to be one of the oldest living cities in the world. A visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the sacred ghats along the Ganga River provides an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and reflection, as Kashi is said to grant liberation (moksha).
https://shrikashivishwanath.org/frontend/home/poojaList
To reduce waiting in lines, a suggestion was given to go before temple closing (1 hr before) or come early around 5am. There are priests who can help you get VIP tickets that you may see walking around. The UP government has made a new corridor from the temple to Ganga river. There are washroom facilities and food after the visit.
Contacts
Kashi Temple Priests Contact
Munna +91.6387 822 207
Suresh, Hema +91.88172.89584
There is a Kaal Bhairav temple nearby you can do post Kaashi temple visit.
The Hanuman Gher is crowded now with an influx of tourists coming from Kumbh. Advise not to take kids or seniors or limited mobility people, unless you can secure VIP access (ask the police there). In the crowd that goes up to the temple from the street on the ramp, the police may suggest the foreign to use the side row to lessen the impact of the crowd.
Accommodations. Those near the Kaashi temple are guest houses that may or not have elevator access.
Consider Hotel Aviral Ganga that is a few kms away along the river.
Kayak.com and booking.com can show the choices.
They have tours for Ayodhya and other places including special trips for senior citizens!
Tours for Ayodhya' You can dip in the Surya river. Ask a guide or bikes moving around (Rs 500 to 1100) for a few hours of sightseeing. GO to the clean section where others are dipping, skip the other ghats. There is a place where Ramji did aarti on the way back to AYodhya the river is funneled into an internal pond where people are bathing and it goes back into the river. The guide may mention to dip before going to the temple, it’s optional based on the travel schedule.
You can also shower in your hotel.
The Ram Janmabhoomi temple, under reconstruction, stands as a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage. You can try the VIP gate if there is limited mobility in the group, need wheelchair access or have foreign passport, NRI or OCI. This should be free. It’s easy to get darshan from there. There are lockers to keep mobile and electronics.
There is Rang Mahal near the VIP gate. Sita came here in her marriage. There is a cow in the back who was making rounds of the temple until the court decided to resolve the land issue.
The Dasshrat Mahal is now privately owned and closes in the afternoon. Plan accordingly.
Accommodations. Hotel Krinoscco is high end. Here auto will come and take you near the Ram mandir directly.
There may be road blocks and closures. You may keep 1.5 to 2x the normal time seen on online maps.
The police will guide you alternate routes that may go through villages, follow their guidelines. Near intersections, keep on the left side that lane may open earlier.
Kaashi to Prayagraj there is Vindyachal temple, you can see it before going into the city (eg Arail side).
How to arrive from the airport?
Take a cab or auto (3 wheeler) to where the police allows you to go. It may be your hotel or tent directly all the way. It depends on the day, if there are road access issues due to VIP visiting, etc
They may ask you to transfer to a local auto. These vary in sizes and can hold 3-4 people along with luggage. See how far they go.
The last part may involve some walking. Talk with the police if you have limited mobility, international traveler, seniors in group, medical conditions. We have seen them make exceptions.
How to walk towards the ghat or Triveni Sangam in crowds?
This is general information you take necessary precautions while navigating in these huge crowds.
If you are coming from sector 24, 25 towards Arail ghat, the main road may be crowded but you can try the road along the river.
Same is coming from sector 6+ after Nagvasuki Temple. You can walk along the Sangam ghat vs the main road that can take cars and autos. If crowded, local police may ask to cross river on bridges and then take another bridge to come near sector 4, then walk to sector 3.
Road Access?
Depending on the crowds, the police may restrict cars, then autos also. Exceptions are made as mentioned earlier.
Going from sector 6+ to 3 (Sangam) when crowded See above.
How to visit attractions on sector 3 when staying on the other side?
Take an auto or bike very early around 5 am so you can take snan and visit the attractions listed above. Try to leave the area around 10am, as crowds can build up then.
Any tips for international travelers, foreigners, NRIs
Many temples have VIP access for these groups. You request by showing document or a photo of it, and same for road access exceptions you can request. It is upto discretion of the police there.
Where to stay?
If young healthy people, you can try staying near sector 6 as there is less walking to sector 3.
If with seniors, medical issues, stay near sector 23-25 as in the last few weeks, we saw much less people.
How to ask for help?
Many stations are there, lost or found centers, announcements on speakers for people. For navigating to places, ask local police for suggestions. They are there to help. Sometimes a longer detour for reaching Sangam on foot, or driving around can save time.
Transport for return to the airport?
Can take uber or local auto. The auto can charge higher but knows roads with less traffic and reach the airport quicker.
Ask for help with road access, VIP entry and wheel chair at attractions, temples. If your group has seniors, limited mobility people, kids, consider staying near sector 23-25. This will avoid the crowds going to Triveni Sangam near sector 3.
The boats from Arail ghat go to the same place where rivers Yamuna and Ganga meet.
Alternatively near Someshwar Mahadev ramp to its ghat, is Vallabhai Ghat. The merged water from 2 rivers comes here, we have seen a lot less people (few hundred) vs 100s of thousands near sector 3.
Many temples have VIP access for these groups. You request by showing document or a photo of it (also has worked), and same for road access exceptions you can request. It is up to the discretion of the police there.
Guide Contacts
Shiva : +91 77058 45109
Manish : +91 63930 82202
Ankit : +91 9618 44757
These are very reliable guides from prayagraj. They can help with multiple things - boat ride,accommodation, bike rides etc Tried and tested
2 wheeler
Raj +91.95658 38235
Shiva +91.77058.45109
Prabhat +91.9389379955
Sunny Patel +91 96952 33951
Thakur +91.80811.18943
Gaurav +91.912978.8848
Auto
Pavan +91.70541.04363
Auto +91.82998.29870
RanjanKumar +91.97940.29571
Taxi Drivers [some are inter city]
Satyendra +91.94517.66690
Dabalu +91.8127994360
Hemant +91.81158.33384
Manish +91.63930.82202
Ramakant +91.9450042451, +91.79858.38781
The information provided in this FAQ about the Maha Kumbh Mela is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, we cannot guarantee that all details are complete or up-to-date. Attending the Maha Kumbh Mela involves personal responsibility, and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and judgment while planning their trip. For international travelers, particularly from the United States, it is essential to review the official travel guidelines and advisories provided by the U.S. Department of State. These guidelines cover important safety, health, and travel recommendations specific to India. You can access the latest updates and requirements https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html. Additionally, for any medical advice, vaccinations, or health-related concerns, please consult your healthcare provider before traveling. Always follow local laws, customs, and event-specific guidelines for a safe and enriching experience. The information collected below is on a voluntary basis from friends, online sources. This is to aid people in their planning and decision to visit this biggest humanity event.