The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 happening in India is the biggest spiritual event in the world. This is a festival of devotion, culture and faith that knows no boundaries. This once in 144 years event is held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh which was started from January 13 to February 26, 2025 and is expected to attract over 400 million pilgrims from across the world.
The spiritual heart of the festival is at Triveni Sangam where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers meet, where devotees can purify their souls and seek salvation by taking the holy dip. With its grand scale and rich traditions Maha Kumbh Mela is a wonderful mix of religious rituals, cultural celebrations and spiritual awakening that will be an experience like no other for all.
Shahi Snan Dates and Other Auspicious Bathing Days
Bathing at Triveni Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela is considered a sin absolving and moksha giving act. Shahi Snans are the main attraction of the festival where ceremonial processions are led by akharas (Hindu monastic orders). Here are the bathing dates:
- January 13 (Paush Purnima): First bathing day of Kumbh.
- January 14 (Makar Sankranti): First Shahi Snan.
- January 29 (Mauni Amavasya): Second Shahi Snan and the most auspicious day for holy dip.
- February 3 (Basant Panchami): Third Shahi Snan and day of knowledge and renewal.
- February 12 (Maghi Purnima): Another day for pilgrims to take a dip and pray.
- February 26 (Mahashivratri): Last day of the festival, for Lord Shiva and spiritual awakening.
These dates will have the maximum crowd so plan in advance for a smooth experience.
Travelling to Prayagraj Maha Kumbh from Delhi
You have multiple options to travel from Delhi to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
By Air
Direct flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Prayagraj Airport take 1.5 hours. Airlines have added more flights for the festival, but tickets are selling fast so book in advance. From the airport you can hire taxi service or other vehicle as per your group size and preference to reach the Kumbh Mela.
By Train
Indian Railways has introduced 900 special trains for Kumbh, connecting Prayagraj to major cities like Delhi. Popular trains are (22436) Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, Prayagraj Express (12418), (12302) Howrah Rajdhani Express and other Kumbh Special trains. It will take around 7-8 hours. IRCTC platforms allow you to book tickets smoothly.
By Road
Take the fastest and most popular route NH 19 which is 676 km from Delhi to Prayagraj. This is a beautiful journey that takes around 10-12 hours. Multiple state and private buses ply on this route, with deluxe options having air-conditioned coaches. Apart from these options, you can also hire a luxury tempo traveller on rent from Delhi to Prayagraj for added luxury, comfort and convenience for your groups.
If you are also planning a trip to Prayagraj with your family or group and looking for a reliable transport solution to visit, it is easy to book our services from any location in Delhi NCR such as Tempo Traveller in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
What Accommodation Options are Available in Maha Kumbh Mela?
Finding the right accommodation during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will make your spiritual journey even more special. Prayagraj has options galore from luxurious tents to budget hotels to suit every taste and budget:
- Sangam Nivas by TUTC: Super luxury tents with views of the Triveni Sangam. ₹1,00,000 per night for two people. En suite bathrooms, heating, butler service, yoga and guided spiritual tours.
- Kumbh Village: Air-conditioned tents from ₹20,000 per night. Close to bathing ghats, yoga sessions and private bathrooms. Good mid-range option.
- Other Luxury Camps: Options like Rishikul Kumbh Cottages and Divya Kumbh Retreat have packages ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per night including gourmet dining and cultural programs.
- Mahakumbh Gram by IRCTC: This tent city is 3.5 km from Triveni Sangam. Super deluxe tents ₹18,000 per night and villa tents ₹20,000 per night. Each stay includes Wi-Fi, three meals and emergency assistance.
- UPSTDC Tent City: This tent city set up by Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has over 2,000 cottage style tents. ₹1,500 per night for budget and ₹35,000 per night for premium cottages with modern amenities.
Bathing Ghats to Visit During Maha Kumbh
The bathing ghats of Prayagraj are the heart of Maha Kumbh Mela. Here are the 7 must-visit ghats:
- Sangam Nose: At Triveni Sangam, this is the most sacred and crowded ghat. Pilgrims come here to take a holy dip at the confluence of the three rivers.
- Ram Ghat: A quiet ghat for meditation and introspection. Families and senior citizens love this ghat.
- Hanuman Ghat: Famous for Lord Hanuman, this ghat has mythological importance. Good for performing various Hindu rituals.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: This ancient ghat is famous for its spiritual importance. Pilgrims come to offer prayers and take a dip in its holy waters.
- Arail Ghat: On the banks of Yamuna, this ghat is less crowded. More personal bathing experience.
- Kila Ghat: Near Akbar Fort, this ghat is a mix of culture and spirituality. A must visit for its peaceful atmosphere.
- Nagvasuki Ghat: Dedicated to Nagvasuki, the snake deity, this ghat is good for specific rituals. Devotees come for blessings.
Recent Developments for Maha Kumbh 2025
UP govt along with the central government has undertaken extensive preparation to accommodate and organise this massive influx of pilgrims in Kumbh Mela 2025.
- Advanced Infrastructure: Roads and highways in Prayagraj have been expanded and upgraded. Temporary bridges are being set up to facilitate movement of millions of devotees. Public transport is being improved for better connectivity.
- Special Tent Cities: Over 1,50,000 tents including luxury and economy options are being built. These tent cities will be comfortable for devotees. They are located near major ghats for easy access.
- Security: Over 50,000 personnel including police, paramilitary forces, and volunteers will be there to ensure the safety of devotees. Drone surveillance will be done to monitor the crowd effectively. AI driven crowd management system will prevent stampede and maintain order.
- Medical: Over 20 emergency hospitals and health camps are set up at all the major sites and emergency services are available 24/7. Ambulances and mobile medical teams will be there on site.
Cultural Highlights and Attractions
While the Maha Kumbh Mela is all about spiritual practices, it’s also a cultural extravaganza with a rich fabric of traditions, art and heritage. You can get lost in:
- Akharas and Their Processions: The akharas are monastic orders that are the backbone of the Kumbh Mela. Their colourful processions with sadhus (saints) showcasing different sectarian identities are a visual treat. You can see that each akharas brings its own flavour to the festival whether it is Naga sadhus (ascetics smeared in ash) or Udasin and Vaishnav akharas.
- Cultural Events: Traditional music, dance performances and kavi sammelans (poetry gatherings) are held throughout the Mela. This is your chance to see folk art forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam and music from Uttar Pradesh.
- Yajnas and Discourses: Religious leaders and gurus hold yajnas (sacrificial rituals) and discourses that attract devotees from all over the world.
- Local Crafts and Food: A walk through the mela market introduces you to local handicrafts, handwoven textiles and delicious food like kachoris, jalebis and samosas.
Explore Prayagraj Beyond the Kumbh
Of course Maha Kumbh is the centrepiece of your trip to Prayagraj but this place has other several attractions that you should not miss.
- Allahabad Fort: Built by Akbar in 1583 this massive fort is an architectural wonder overlooking the Triveni Sangam. Inside the mysterious Akshayavat tree is said to grant immortality. The fort has ancient temples and underground rooms full of history.
- Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan: These iconic homes of Nehru-Gandhi family are a part of India’s freedom struggle. The museums here have rare photographs and personal belongings.
- Khusro Bagh: A beautiful Mughal garden with intricately carved tombs of Emperor Jahangir’s family. You will love it if you are a history lover and photography enthusiast.
- Triveni Sangam Boat Ride: A peaceful boat ride at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers is a treat to the eyes. Morning rides are especially spiritual and scenic.
- Hanuman Mandir: Famous for its unique reclining idol of Lord Hanuman this temple is a must visit for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims visit daily for its mythological significance.
If you have some leisure time then you can extend your trip to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot. Kumbh Mela takes place on every 3 years at four different places- Nashik, Haridwar, Ujjain and Prayagraj. This Maha Kumbh Mela is taking place at 144 years after completing 12 Purna Kumbha.
Suggested Read: Things to do and places to visit in Haridwar
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is more than a spiritual fair – it’s a life changing experience that combines devotion, culture and history on a massive scale. With careful planning, world class facilities and cultural diversity it will be an experience of a lifetime for visitors from around the world. Whether it’s the sacred dips, the cultural shows or exploring Prayagraj’s hidden treasures every aspect of the Kumbh Mela has something to offer. As you soak in this cosmic celebration you’ll take back memories of divine connection and cultural wealth that will last a lifetime.
