Arindam discusses Prayagraj hosting Mahakumbh 2025, a UNESCO-recognised 12-yearly event attracting millions for spiritual purification and cultural heritage exploration in India, exclusively for Different Truths. 

Under the pale glow of a winter morning, the city of Prayagraj (old name Allahabad) awakens to a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur. The Mahakumbh 2025 is here, and with it, the world’s largest spiritual congregation unfolds along the sacred banks of the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This ancient tradition, rooted in the cosmic interplay of faith and mythology, transcends time, attracting millions of pilgrims, sages, scholars, and seekers.

The UNESCO site mentions, “Kumbh is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.” It adds that Allahabad (earlier name of Prayagraj) was inscribed, in 2017, on the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, by UNESCO.

The Cosmic Origins of Mahakumbh

The origins of the Kumbh Mela and its grandest iteration—the Mahakumbh—are deeply embedded in Indian mythology. Legend has it that during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras), the elixir of immortality, or Amrit, emerged. In the ensuing tussle, a few drops of this divine nectar spilt over four earthly locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, sanctifying them as sites for the Kumbh Mela.

Every 12 years, the Kumbh returns to Prayagraj and the 12^th Kumbh (144 years) is Mahakumbh, marked by a celestial alignment of Jupiter, the sun, and the moon. The astrological configuration unlocks the Sangam’s purifying potential, granting liberation (moksha) to those who take the ritual dip in its waters.

A Multitude in Motion

In 2025, the Mahakumbh bears witness to humanity’s profound yearning for connection—both spiritual and communal. From saffron-clad ascetics to wide-eyed foreign tourists, from bustling families to solitary sages, the Sangam becomes a tapestry of diversity.

Early one morning, as the first rays of sunlight kiss the rippling waters, a shahi snan (royal bath) begins. This procession of akharas (monastic orders) is a spectacle to behold. Naga sadhus, their ash-smeared bodies gleaming, stride confidently, exuding an otherworldly presence. Behind them, udasin monks chant hymns, while Jain monks, adorned in pristine white, maintain a contemplative silence. Each group is a microcosm of India’s spiritual pluralism.

The Logistics of Faith

The sheer scale of Mahakumbh 2025 is staggering. By conservative estimates, 45 crores (450 million) people are expected to visit the site throughout the 45-day festival, between Jan 13 and Feb 26, this year. On average, one crore pilgrims’ footfalls are projected each day. The crowd surges hugely on main bathing days. The maximum crowd, projected at 10 crores (100 million), for Mauni Amavasya snan, on Jan 29,is a huge challenge.

The six main bathing days are: Paush Purnima: January 13, Makar Sankranti: January 14, Mauni Amavasya: January 29, Basant Panchami: February 3, Maghi Purnima: February 12, and Maha Shivaratri: February 26.

To manage such an influx, Prayagraj has transformed reminiscent of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Temporary bridges span the Ganga; a sprawling tent city, equipped with modern amenities, accommodates pilgrims; and an army of volunteers and government employees, including the police, ensures seamless operations.

The government, alongside private organisations, have deployed cutting-edge technology for crowd management, waste disposal, and security. Drones patrol the skies, while AI-powered surveillance systems monitor ground activities. Despite these advancements, the essence of the Mahakumbh remains deeply rooted in tradition.

The Spiritual Marketplace

The Mahakumbh is not merely an event; it is an ecosystem. Beyond the spiritual rites, there is a vibrant cultural and intellectual exchange. Stalls selling beads, sacred texts, and artisanal goods line the pathways. Food vendors offer delicacies ranging from piping hot jalebis to the humble yet hearty khichdi. The air is thick with the aroma of incense and the sound of devotional songs.

Central to this ecosystem is the kathas (spiritual discourses) delivered by renowned gurus. These sessions, attended by thousands, delve into the mysteries of existence, the nuances of Vedantic philosophy, and the relevance of ancient scriptures in modern times. For many, these moments of introspection become as transformative as the ritual bath.

Stories from the Sangam

Every pilgrim at the Mahakumbh carries a story—some seeking solace, others penance, and yet others merely curious about this age-old tradition.

Take, for instance, Meera Devi, a widow from a remote village in Ara, Bihar. Clutching a worn photograph of her late husband, she walks barefoot to the Sangam, tears streaming down her face as she offers prayers for his soul’s peace. Or consider Rajani and Srinath, a young couple from Hyderabad, who, despite their urban upbringing, are here to understand the roots of their heritage.

Even the foreign visitors, like Julia from Germany, find themselves captivated. “I came to observe, but I am leaving transformed,” she remarks, having spent hours meditating by the riverside.

The Environmental Challenge

Yet, amid this divine confluence lies a stark reality. The Mahakumbh, for all its spiritual sanctity, poses significant environmental challenges. The sheer volume of waste generated, the strain on water resources, and the disruption to local ecosystems are pressing concerns. However, 2025 has seen significant strides toward sustainability. Biodegradable materials are replacing plastics, and water conservation initiatives are being implemented to mitigate ecological impact.

The festival serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s responsibility to balance reverence with preservation—to honour nature as an extension of the divine.

A Reflection on Faith and Humanity

The Mahakumbh is more than a pilgrimage; it is a mirror reflecting humanity’s deepest aspirations and contradictions. In the rituals and chants, one discerns a timeless quest for meaning. In the bustling crowds, a yearning for connection. And in the environmental efforts, a recognition of the delicate interplay between progress and tradition.

As the sun sets on the Sangam, casting its golden hue over the waters, a profound stillness descends. The pilgrims, now mere silhouettes against the horizon, carry with them an intangible sense of peace. The Mahakumbh, once again, has fulfilled its cosmic role—uniting the earthly with the divine, the individual with the collective.

Glossary

1. Amrit: The nectar of immortality, central to Hindu mythology.
2. Akhara: A monastic order or sect within Hinduism.
3. Kathas: Spiritual discourses or storytelling sessions focused on religious and philosophical themes.
4. Moksha: Liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death in Hindu belief.
5. Samudra Manthan: The mythological churning of the ocean by gods and demons to obtain divine treasures.
6. Shahi Snan: The royal bath, a ceremonial dip taken by monastic leaders during the Kumbh Mela.
7. Sangam: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, considered sacred in Hinduism.
8. Udasin: A sect of ascetics in Hinduism known for their detachment and spiritual focus.
9. Vedantic Philosophy: A school of Hindu philosophy based on the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads.

References

• “The Kumbh Mela: Mapping the Ephemeral Megacity” by the Harvard South Asia Institute.
• Ministry of Culture, Government of India: Reports on Mahakumbh 2025 preparations.
• First-hand accounts from pilgrims and environmental studies conducted by NGOs during previous Kumbh Melas.
• Kumbh Mela – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO

Picture from Pixabay ( photographers sandeeking and balouriarajesh)

Arindam Roy

Arindam Roy has over four decades of experience in various newsrooms of renowned media houses. He is the Founder, Publishing Director, Editor-in-Chief of Different Truths, and Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC). He has co-authored ten chapters in six Coffee Table Books (CTBs) of national and international repute and is the sole author of four forthcoming CTBs (Times Group). He has also published four international poetry anthologies as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, participated in several poetry and literary festivals, and won awards and accolades. Arindam co-authored the novel Rivers Run Back with an American writer. He stays in Bangalore and Prayagraj.

See Full Bio