Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan dates, history, significance, rituals, and all you need to know

Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan dates, history, significance, rituals, and all you need to know

Edited By Garima Sihag | Updated on Jan 17, 2025 05:49 PM IST

The Kumbh Mela, the world's largest human gathering, is a Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 6, 12, and 144 years. This Mahakumbh Mela takes place at four sacred riverside sites: Prayagraj (where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers converge), Haridwar (on the Ganges River), Nashik (on the Godavari River), and Ujjain (on the Shipra River).

This Story also Contains
  1. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates
  2. Mahakumbh Shahi Snan Dates
  3. Difference between 6 years, 12 Years, and 144 Years Kumbh Mela
  4. History of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
  5. Why Kumbh Mela 2025 celebrated?
  6. Kumbh Mela Rituals 2025
  7. Next Kumbh Mela
  8. How does MahaKumbh Mela 2025 affect the study?
Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan dates, history, significance, rituals, and all you need to know
Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan dates, history, significance, rituals, and all you need to know

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a monumental Hindu festival is held every 12 years in Prayagraj, India. This year, it is taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This extraordinary event drew an estimated 40 crore visitors, solidifying its position as the world's largest religious gathering. Below check the Kumbh Mela dates of Shahi Snan and other events

Mahakumbh Shahi Snan Dates

Shahi Snan

Dates

Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan)

January 14, 2025

Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)

January 29, 2025

Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)

February 3, 2025

Maghi Purnima

February 12, 2025

Maha Shivratri (Final Snan)

February 26, 2025

Difference between 6 years, 12 Years, and 144 Years Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela occurs at varying intervals:

  • The Ardh Kumbh (Half Kumbh) takes place every six years at Prayagraj and Haridwar,

  • while the Purna Kumbh (Full Kumbh) occurs every twelve years at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

  • The most significant is the Maha Kumbh, which occurs only at Prayagraj every 144 years.

History of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Kumbh Mela has ancient origins, connecting it to the Samudra Manthana (churning of the ocean) found in the Puranas.

Once, Indra and other gods became weak and poor due to the curse of Maharishi Durvasa. The gods went to Bhagwan Vishnu to find a solution and Vishnu God asked them to do Samudra Manthana with the help of demons.

Gods and demons started churning the ocean and after their hard work, they got Amrit Kalash. Thereafter, a war between gods and demons started for the possession of Amrit Kalash. During the war, some drops fell from the Amrit Pot. Out of them, four drops fell at four locations on earth, leading to the four Kumbh Mela sites:

  • Prayag

  • Haridwar

  • Ujjain

  • Nashik

Although there is no mention of the "Kumbha Mela" in ancient or medieval texts, there are chapters and verses that describe bathing festivals at Prayag, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. These accounts, often presented in the form of Snana (bathing) rituals and Prayag Mahatmya (greatness of Prayag), emphasise the significance of pilgrimage to this holy site.

This year at Prayagraj from January 14 to February 16, we are celebrating the Mahakumbh Mela.

Why Kumbh Mela 2025 celebrated?

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated primarily for spiritual and religious reasons:

  • Mythological Beliefs: Hindu mythology connects the Kumbh Mela to ‘Samundra Manthan’, the churning of the ocean by gods and demons to obtain Amrita

It is believed that drops of Amrita fell to four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain making these sites sacred.

  • Purification and Salvation: Hindus believe that bathing in the holy rivers(Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati) at these locations washes away sins and brings spiritual purification, leading to moksha (liberation of the cycle of birth and death)

  • Spiritual Awakening: The Kumbh Mela provides an opportunity for spiritual seekers to connect with sadhus, saints, and other spiritual leaders, engage in meditation, and deepen their faith.

While Kumbh Mela plays an important role in strengthening the religious roots, it has also evolved into a significant cultural and social event showcasing India’s traditions, art, and culture. Not only people from all over India but a large number of foreigners also participate in the Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela Rituals 2025

The Kumbh Mela 2025 is celebrated on a large scale with different events. These different rituals followed at Kumbh Mela are given below:

  • Shahi Snans (Royal Baths): These are the most important rituals, occurring on specific auspicious dates. Millions of pilgrims take a dip in the holy river (Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari, depending on the location) at dawn, believing it to cleanse their sins and bring spiritual purification.

  • Sadhu Gatherings: The Kumbh Mela is a significant event for sadhus (ascetics) from various orders. They gather in large numbers, showcasing their unique attire, body art, and practices. They engage in meditation, perform rituals, and participate in spiritual discourses.

  • Aarti and Prayers: Throughout the festival, various religious ceremonies, prayers, and aartis (ceremonial offerings of light) are performed at designated ghats (riverbanks).

  • Deep Daan (Offering of Lights): Devotees float thousands of lighted earthen lamps (diyas) on the river, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light. This is believed to offer gratitude and blessings.

  • Satsangs and Discourses: Renowned spiritual leaders and scholars deliver discourses on various aspects of Hinduism, attracting large crowds of devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Next Kumbh Mela

The next major Kumbh Mela will be the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, which is expected to occur around 2027. Ardh Kumbh Melas takes place every six years, with the last one held in Haridwar in 2021.

How does MahaKumbh Mela 2025 affect the study?

The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on Monday in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Over 60 lakh people have already taken the holy dip, leading to severe traffic congestion and heavy rush on the streets. Students are understandably confused about whether schools are open today. While there has been no official announcement regarding school closures in Allahabad, students are advised to stay in touch with their respective schools as authorities may opt for online classes due to the heavy traffic.

A comprehensive traffic plan, encompassing diversions, parking facilities, and pedestrian routes, has been implemented to manage the smooth flow of devotees during the Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti celebrations at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

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