What is Kumbh Mela?

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By editor - 3.2 2025

Table of contents

Historical Evolution
Types of Kumbh Mela
Rituals and Practices
Cultural and Historical Significance

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, hosted in Prayagraj, marked the first Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti, coinciding with the Sun’s transition into Capricorn, heralding Uttarayan and enhancing spiritual merit.

What is Kumbh Mela?

Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on Earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.
It is held at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik every 12 years, based on the Hindu Lunisolar calendar.
Astrological Basis: The position of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon in specific zodiac signs determines the Kumbh site.
Sacred Rivers: Haridwar – Ganga; Prayagraj – Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati); Ujjain – Kshipra; Nashik – Godavari.

 

Historical Evolution

Ancient References: Mentioned in texts like Skanda Purana and possibly the Rig Veda (debated); Huan Tsang’s 7th-century account of a fair in Prayag may refer to an earlier form of the Kumbh.
Growth with Hinduism: Gupta rulers (4th-6th century CE) elevated its significance.
Medieval Patronage: Believed to have crystallised during the Bhakti movement (12th century CE); Promoted by Adi Shankaracharya, Chola, Vijayanagar dynasties and Mughals.
Colonial Impact: British recorded its socio-religious importance; post-independence, it became a symbol of national unity.
Declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Types of Kumbh Mela

Normal Kumbh: Takes place every three years.
Ardha (half) Kumbh: Takes place every six years in Haridwar and Allahabad.
Purna (full) Kumbh: Takes place every 12 years in all four cities.
Maha Kumbh: Takes place in Prayagraj every 144 years or after 12 Purna Kumbh Mela.
Magh Kumbh: Held annually and only at Prayagraj. Organised in the month of Magh according to the Hindu Calendar.

Rituals and Practices

Holy Dip (Snan): Conducted on astrologically significant days to cleanse sins & gain spiritual purification.
Pilgrims’ Activities: Includes prayers, processions, and spiritual discourses.
Akhadas: Religious camps of monastic sects, including Naga sadhus, who conduct Amrit Snan (royal bath) in elaborate processions and participate in rituals and teachings.
Kalpwasis: Devotees camp near the river for an extended spiritual retreat.
Donations (Daan): Offering items like ghee-filled pots is considered auspicious.

Amrit Snan, formerly known as Shahi Snan, refers to the ceremonial royal bath undertaken by sadhus and devotees during the Kumbh Mela, symbolising spiritual cleansing and linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and the spilling of Amrit (nectar of immortality).

Cultural and Historical Significance

Mobilisation: A platform for religious & nationalist activities during India’s freedom struggle.
Commerce: A historic marketplace for goods and ideas.
Global Recognition: One of the largest peaceful gatherings globally, showcasing India’s heritage.