Kumbh Mela: When, why, and how it is organised

At the Kumbhs, devotees belonging to different Hindu sects, or Akharas, take part in grand processions and the 'Shahi Snaan'

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, drawing millions of Hindu pilgrims who immerse themselves in the holy rivers to wash away their sins and seek liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This series of grand festivals rotates among four sacred sites in India: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Each location hosts the Kumbh Mela once every 12 years, with a smaller version, the Ardh Kumbh, occurring every six years, and a larger Maha Kumbh taking place every 144 years.

Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, hosts the largest and most iconic Kumbh Mela. It will attract over 40-45 crore pilgrims, it far surpasses the gatherings at the other three sites.

The astrological and mythological Connection

The Kumbh Mela’s timing is determined by astrology, with the dates aligning to moments when celestial bodies like Jupiter, Saturn, and the moon are in auspicious alignments. According to Hindu mythology, the festival is rooted in the story of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the primordial ocean, where the gods and demons fought over Amrit, the nectar of immortality.

A celestial battle over this elixir took place over 12 divine days, equivalent to 12 human years - therefore Mahakumbh is held after 12 year. The celestial bird Garuda, while carrying the kumbh or  pot of nectar, spilled drops at the four locations - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain - which became the venues of the Kumbh.

This mythological narrative imbues the festival with profound significance. Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during the Kumbh cleanses the soul, washes away sins, and ensures eternal salvation. The ritual is so sacred that it is believed a single dip during the Kumbh is equivalent to ten million baths at other times.

Historical roots and global fascination

The Kumbh Mela’s origins are thought to date back to the second millennium BC, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously-held festivals. Historical records, such as accounts by the 7th-century Chinese traveler Xuanzang, describe the gatherings as monumental congregations of sadhus, gurus, and spiritual seekers. In the modern era, the festival continues to captivate global audiences. Renowned American author Mark Twain, who witnessed the Kumbh in 1896, described it as “a marvel to our kind of people,” remarking on the profound faith that drives millions to undertake arduous journeys for spiritual fulfillment.

Rituals and their impact

The Kumbh Mela spans approximately 40 to 60 days, with the largest crowds gathering on Shahi Snan (royal bathing) days, considered the most auspicious for spiritual cleansing. Pilgrims enter the icy waters at the Sangam or other river confluences, reciting prayers and performing rituals attributed to Adi Shankara, the revered philosopher who propagated Hindu unity.

At the Kumbhs, devotees belonging to different Hindu sects, or Akharas, take part in grand processions and the 'Shahi Snaan' or royal bath when they take a dip in the sacred river.

The grand spectacle attracts millions of visitors who come not just to partake in the ritual, but also to see thousands of saints and hermits, often clad in their traditional saffron attire, take a dip in near-freezing temperatures.

Thirteen akharas (group/ school/institution of sadhus) — including Juna, Nimrohi, Digambar, and Nirvani — participated at the month-long Maha Kumbh Mela

The festival impacts more than just the spiritual realm. Economically, the Kumbh Mela generates massive revenue for the host cities, boosting tourism, hospitality, and small businesses. Socially, it serves as a platform for cultural exchange and showcases India’s spiritual and cultural heritage to the world.

Organising Maha Kumbh Mela: A Herculean task

The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated as the world’s largest religious gathering, presents an unparalleled logistical challenge for the authorities, with preparations growing more ambitious each time. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, estimated to be nearly three times the population of Russia, authorities have set up 150,000 tents across the mela grounds in Mahakumbh 2025.

In addition to accommodation, there is a major focus on ensuring adequate electricity supply. A target of 450,000 new electricity connections has been set, with more than half already implemented. The mela is expected to consume power worth nearly ₹30 crore (approximately $3.5 million), which exceeds the monthly power usage of 100,000 urban apartments in the region.

Sanitation and hygiene are also priorities, with additional toilets installed and upgraded facilities to manage waste generated by millions of visitors.

Ensuring the safety of the attendees is paramount, particularly given the history of stampedes at the event. In 2013, 36 pilgrims tragically lost their lives in a stampede. This time, authorities are deploying drones and surveillance cameras across the grounds to monitor the crowd and enhance security measures.

With a massive workforce of 50,000 workers engaged in managing the mela, the Maha Kumbh reflects a monumental effort to balance spiritual devotion with logistical excellence, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for millions of devotees.

As millions gather to immerse themselves in the sacred rivers, the Kumbh Mela becomes a testament to the enduring power of faith, unity, and tradition. It not only reaffirms the spiritual bond among Hindus but also highlights the global appeal of India’s rich cultural legacy.