Maha Kumbh ‘2025

The story of Kumbh Mela is 2000 years old. The first ever written evidence of the Kumbha Mela can be found in the accounts of Chinese travelerHiuen Tsang or Xuanzang who visited India in 629 – 645 CE, during the reign of King Harshavardhana.

A pilgrimage in which Hindus gather at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

In the words of prominent Hindu scriptures, Kumbh Mela is attributed to the struggle between the gods and demons over the pot (Kumbh) of Amrita, the elixir of immortality produced from the joint churning of the milky ocean. In the course of the tussle, drops of the elixir fell on four different locations on the earth and during the festival, it is believed that ritual bathing on these sites cleanses away the karma for many lifetimes giving pilgrims the chance to bathe in the essence of supreme purity, auspiciousness and utmost immortality.

The Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj is one of the biggest human gatherings on the Earth and can also be seen from the satellite. An entire tent city is built for the occasion unlike other international events this city is designed to be erected, inhabited and dismantled just for the period of 2-3 months.

The site Kumbha Nagri (Tent City near Triveni Sangam) has an estimated population that fluctuates between 3 million on normal days and 50 million on the festival’s principal dates. As per reports around 200 million people attended the Kumbh Mela of 2019, including 50 million on the event of Mauni Amavasya dated 4 February 2019.

The epic fair is organized every three years on a rotation basis across four different locations of India which are; Prayag, Nashik, Haridwar, and Ujjain. The celebration of the festival depends upon the position of the planet Jupiter and the Sun.

The Timeline

• Kumbha Mela is held at all the four places in every 3 years.
• The Ardha Kumbha Mela is only held at Haridwar and Prayag in every 6 years.
• The Purna Kumbha Mela is only held at Prayag in every 12 years.
• The Maha Kumbha Mela is only held at Prayag in every 144 years.

Important Bathing Dates for Kumbh ’2025

• Paush Purnima 13 January
• Makar Sankranti14 January
• Mauni Amavasya29 January
• Basant Panchami03 February
• Maghi Purnima12 February
• Mahashivratri26 February

Teerthraj Prayag ‘The King of Pilgrimage Centers’

Dashaswamedh Ghat

The revered Dashaswamedh Ghat in Prayagraj is steeped in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Creator God, performed the first ten Yajnas here, making it a sacred cornerstone of religious rituals. With Brahma’s celestial age spanning 311.04 trillion years, this site holds immense spiritual significance.

Triveni Sangam

This iconic confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers is the heart of Prayagraj’s spiritual landscape. The Sangam is believed to purify the soul and break the cycle of rebirth with a holy dip. The distinct colors of the rivers—Yamuna’s deep green and Ganga’s clear forcefulness—create a mesmerizing sight.

The Holy Rivers

The sacred waters of the Ganga and Yamuna flow through Prayagraj with divine energy. At the Triveni Sangam, their meeting creates a cosmic harmony celebrated by millions. This sacred site hosts the grand Kumbh Mela, a festival of faith held every 6, 12, and 144 years, drawing pilgrims from across the globe.

Historical Significance

Over centuries, the Sangam has served as a site for immersion of ashes of prominent individuals, including Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Its sanctity continues to inspire devotion, making Prayagraj a beacon of spirituality. Join this soul-stirring journey through Prayagraj’s temples and landmarks, immersing yourself in its timeless heritage and divine allure.

Maha Kumbh Packages for an Unforgettable Spiritual Journey

• Full-Day Kumbh Mela Experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Kumbh Mela with a guided exploration of its rituals, cultural nuances, and sacred sites.

• Shahi Snan – The Royal Bath Experience

Witness the majestic procession of Sadhus and take the holy dip at Triveni Sangam, embracing the pinnacle of spiritual devotion.

• Triveni Sangam Experience

Visit the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, where rituals, prayers, and offerings create a divine atmosphere.

• The Akhara Experience

Step into the spiritual heart of Kumbh with a close-up view of life in the Akharas, where Naga Babas and ascetics engage in age-old traditions.

Maha Kumbh Tent Packages: Choose Your Perfect Stay

• Deluxe Tent Package

Enjoy a cozy stay with modern amenities, including a queen-size bed, en-suite bathroom, 24/7 hot & cold water, and complimentary toiletries. Perfect for comfort seekers.

• Akhara Tent Package

Immerse yourself in spirituality with a tented ashram stay near Juna Akhara. Engage in Vedic rituals, meet ascetics, and embrace the sattvic lifestyle.

• Luxury Tent Package

Experience opulence with added features like a lounge area, elegant furnishings, and premium amenities for an unforgettable retreat amidst the Kumbh Mela.

 Expert-Led Immersive Tours

Join us for curated experiences at Kumbh Mela 2025, guided by renowned photographers, influencers, journalists, and scholars. Explore the festival’s vibrant traditions, spiritual rituals, and cultural essence through expert insights into Akharas, Nagas, and Kalpvasis. Experience the soul of Kumbh like never before.

Full-Day Kumbh Mela Experience

Meet & greet with our Tour Guide – Start our full day tour of Kumbh Mela – visit ‘Shankar Viman Mandapam’ (highest observatory inside Kumbh Mela), a four storey Dravidian styled temple built in memory of Adi Shankaracharya – Darshan at Lete Hanuman Ji Temple (only lying down Hanuman temple) – Akshayavata (undecaying Banyan Tree) located within the ancient Patalpuri Temple inside Allahabad Fort – later, embark upon our quest to explore Kumbh Mela – interact with Prayagwal Panda (local Brahmins of Prayag) learning the historical/religious significance of the site/event – rituals at Triveni Sangam- visit local Akharas – Special interaction with the head seers – witness Satsang (spiritual discourses) – Havan rituals – observe the preparation of Langar meal (sacred offerings) – visit, Nagas/Aghoris (seers who do not wear any clothes), Urdhwavahurs (who believe in putting the body through severe austerities), Parivrajakas (who have taken a vow of silence), Shirshasins (who stand 24 hours and meditate for hours standing on their heads) and meeting the Kalpvasis (pilgrim who takes a dip at Sangam on sunrise praying to the rising sun and take meal once a day. After observing 12 Kalpavas, the person has to perform Shayya Daan i.e. donate his/her bed and all his belongings) – Back to Hotel/Tent Colony.

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Shahi Snan ‘The Royal Bath’ Experience

Our ‘Shahi Snan’ experience is a quintessential tour of Kumbh Mela, where we gear up to witness the greatest spectacle in Hindu pilgrimage. On the tour, we walk on the paths of the Sadhus early in the morning and congregate at a vantage point best suitable to gaze the affair.

The ritual Bathing (or holy dip) at Triveni Sangam is the main event, involving a prayer and is the principal practice of the Kumbh Mela for all pilgrims. Traditionally on ‘Mauni Amavasya’, the most cherished day for bathing, the Hindus welcome and wait for the 13 Sadhu Akharas to bathe first. This occasion is referred to as Shahi Snan or RajyogiSnan which is marked by a celebratory procession of the garland clad Sadhus, chieftains travelling in ornate chariots alongside the naked monks smeared with Bhasma (ashes) with raging ‘Astras’ – Hindu divine weapons while making it to the rivers.

Post ‘Royal Bath’ we see the ritual bathing of the pilgrims aided by a Prayagwals (local Brahmins of Prayag) with sometimes involving private rituals on river bank or at the confluence, which may begin with Mundan Sanskar (Tonsuring), prayers with offerings such as Flowers, Sindur (Vermilion), Milk or Coconut, along with the recitation of hymns with Shradha (prayers in the honour of one’s ancestors). More elaborate ceremonies include a Yajna (Homa) led by a Prayagwal. It is considered inappropriate to skip a visit to ancient temples of Prayagraj, including the 12 Madhav temples after taking the dip in the mighty waters of Triveni Sangam.

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Triveni Sangam

A Private rowing boat at your leisure will slowly ferry you along the Ganges on a fascinating ride, giving you a panoramic view of the Kumbh Mela with having mesmerizing sights of people performing ablutions, priests perched atop floating platforms, Ganga aarti or the ritual bathing of the Kalpvasis taking the sacred dip in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam.

On the boat ride you will get to feel both the religious and historic aspects of the Rivers ‘Ganga and Yamuna’ as you sail along. Triveni Sangam is the holy confluence of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical river Saraswati. While Ganga epitomizes Shakti (the energy that sustains the universe), Yamuna is devotion and Saraswati represents knowledge. In parallel culture, the mythical river Saraswati is associated with the exchange of spiritual knowledge among the Sadhus and Devotees who flock to Kumbh Mela every 6, 12 and 144 years…

The said traits of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati also represent the Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and hence, taking a dip at Triveni Sangam, one can seek the blessings of the three Goddess and the trinity.

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The ‘Akhara’ Experience

A curated trail of the 13 Akharas – the Shaivas, Vairagis and Udasins…

An immersive experience of the might and glory of the ‘Akharas’ with witnessing – understanding the unique cultural nuances, traditions and activities of each Akhara – Ascetics who come down from Himalayas to attend Kumbh Melas every 6, 12 and 144 years.

There are 13 Akharas, further sub-divided into 3 major sects – Shaiva, Vairagi (Vaishnava) and UdasinSampraday. The Shaiva and Vaishnava Akharas are known as the Dasanamis, founded by Adi Shankaracharya for the protection of faith (Dharma Raksha), while Udasins are the followers of Guru Nanak’s teachings…

Naga Sadhus: The Sadhus live in Akharas which is a place for their worship and practicing their tradition. The earliest Guru Shankaracharya initiated the practice of Naga Babas. The traces of Naga tradition date back to the Treta Yug. These Sadhus have their bodies covered with ash and have dreadlocks that are in resemblance to Lord Shiva. They stay aloof from typical human habitats and renounce social life to follow their faith. They practice celibacy very strictly and are hence quite respected amongst the Hindus.

Aghoris: A sect of ascetic Shaivite Sadhus who practice a unique and extreme form of Hinduism. They are known for their bizarre and unconventional rituals, such as dwelling in cremation grounds, smearing ashes on their bodies, using human skulls as utensils, and eating flesh from human corpses. They are also devoted to Shiva (the god of destruction and transformation) and seek to attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth by transcending the boundaries of good and evil, purity and impurity, and life and death.

Kalpvasis: Millions of Hindus travel every Kumbh Mela, where pilgrims offer prayers and enter the holy waters where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. In Hinduism, this period is called Kalpvas and the devotees who choose to stay for the entire time are known as Kalpvasis. The devotees camp on the banks of Sangam in tents devoting their time to simple living, performing prayers and rituals and reading religious scriptures.

The Kalpvas last from the 11th day of the Hindu month of Paush till the 12th day of the month of Magh, a period during which the pilgrims (Kalpvasis) who take the pledge, camp on the chilly banks of the Sangam in tents devoting themselves to religious activities strictly and bathing thrice in the cold but sacred waters of the Ganga, following the principles of patience, non-violence and devotion, besides austerity during which even meals are taken only once a day. This tradition must be followed for 12 years non-stop for the pledge to be fulfilled.

The Shaivas, Vairagis and Udasins…

Shaivas

• Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani
• Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara
• Shri Panchayati Akhara Niranjani
• Shri PanchDashnaam Juna Akhara
• Shri Shambhu Panchagni Akhara
• Shri PanchdashnaamAavahan Akhara
• Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhara Panchayati

Vairagi

• Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara
• Shri Panch Digamber Ani Akhara
• Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara

UdasinSampraday

• Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udasin
• Shri Panchayti Akhara Naya Udaseen
• Shri Panchayti Akhara Nirmal

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Deluxe Tent Package (01 Night & 02 Days)

Experience unparalleled hospitality and comfort at UPSTDC Swiss Cottages by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. Designed to offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, the deluxe cottages are accoutered with all modern conveniences and amenities where simplicity meets sophistication. With our ‘Curated Experiential Package’ immerse yourself in the spiritual extravaganza and vibrant energy of the epic Kumbh Mela.

Each Swiss Cottage features a comfortable queen-size bed, modern decor, and contemporary furnishings. Some essential amenities for a better customer experience and comfortable stay comprise a Suite Bathroom with 24/7 Hot and cold Running Water, Complimentary Toiletries, a Mirror, a Locker, a Table Lamp, stationery, etc. In addition to the aforesaid amenities, we have a complimentary guided tour and boat ride in the package. Our campsite is located at parade ground which is 01 km from Triveni Sangam, and is easily accessible from different parts of the city, with having the official Mela parking at the same location.

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Akhara Tent Package

Experience the spiritual tranquility of Juna Akahara, founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. As the largest union of Sadhus, with over 400,000 ascetics from various Hindu traditions, Juna Akahara offers an immersive journey into the Sattvic lifestyle of Indian Vedic culture. Located in Maha Mandaleshwar Nagar during the Kumbh Mela, the campsite is a tented ashram primarily inhabited by disciples of the Akhara. Engage in spiritual practices like Yoga, Meditation, Yajnas, religious lectures, and devotional singing, alongside cultural rituals of the Sadhus.

Each cottage features a comfortable queen-size bed, modern decor, suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, complimentary toiletries, and more. Packages include guided tours and boat rides, ensuring a truly enriching experience.

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Luxury Tent Package

Experience unparalleled hospitality and comfort at UPSTDC Maharaja Cottages by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. Designed to offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, the luxury cottages are accoutered with all modern conveniences and amenities where simplicity meets sophistication. With our ‘Curated Experiential Package’ immerse yourself in the spiritual extravaganza and vibrant energy of the epic Kumbh Mela.

Each Maharaja Cottage features a lounge space with relaxing chairs, a comfortable queen size bed, modern decor, and contemporary furnishings, while some essential amenities for a better customer experience and a comfortable stay comprise a suite Bathroom with 24/7 Hot & Cold Running Water, Complimentary Toiletries, Mirror, Locker, Table Lamp and Stationery etc.

In addition to aforesaid amenities, we have complimentary guided tour and boat ride in the package. Our campsite is located at parade ground which is 01 km from Triveni Sangam, and is easily accessible from different parts of the city, with having the official Mela parking at the same location.

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Expert-Led Kumbh Tours

For Kumbh 2025, we bring you some of the well-known names of the country, where our expert-led curated experiences have been ornately crafted to offer an immersive experience of the mighty Kumbh Mela, an intimate exploration of the festival’s vibrant traditions and culture. Onboard, you get acquainted with the very spirit of the largest human gathering on earth accompanied by real experts.

Our escorted tours – lectures by an illustrious pool of experts, ranging from celebrity photographers to famous influencers, journalists, scholars, and award-winning authors, host you to discover the best of the Kumbh Mela while sharing insights into the religious and spiritual significance of the festival, astrology, rituals and social customs of the Akharas, Nagas, Kalpvasis and more…

Kumbh Mela Photography Trail by Amit Pasricha

Amit Pasricha is one of the world’s celebrated panoramic photographers.

After a stint at the Maine Photographic Workshops in America working with leading National Geographic photographers including Mary Ellen Mark and David Allard, he was back to do serious social landscape photography. Amit specializes in panoramic interior and exterior digital photography of which examples can be found published in “ The Monumental India Book”, “The Sacred India Book” & “ India at Home”, a book on the Rashtrapati Bhavan titled “ Dome over India”, in “India Then and Now” as also in a book on the Tatas titled “Horizons : The Tata India Century”.

His works have appeared in: Travel related Magazines: Design Digest, Outlook Traveller, Go Now, Conde Nast Traveller, Destination Traveller, Incredible India, Inside Outside, Gateway, Oberoi Magazine, Swagat, Discover India and others.

Other Journals: Architecture & Design (New York), Cosmopolitan, Elle Deco, Outlook, First City, Now Magazine(London), The Times (London), South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), The Age (Australia), Time Magazine ( New York).

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Food Stories by Anubhav Sapra

Anubhav Sapra is one among the most famous culinary storytellers of India, Mr. Sapra travels extensively for food and documents them through his YouTube channel. He is the founder of a Delhi based food walk company, where for the past 13 years, he has been acquainting discerning travellers with the popular flavours and the stories behind them.

Today, Anubhav is not just a favourite among the street food fraternity in Delhi, but also among the travellers who come to discover the city. He, with his handpicked team of food explorers, have changed the general perception about India’s street food scenario, especially among western travellers.

His food vlogs on social media platforms have evolved into one of the most reliable and independent sources of information regarding any city’s street foodscape.

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Expert lecture and High Tea with Neelum Saran Gour

Neelum Saran Gour is a well-known writer of Indian fiction in English. Her novel ‘Requiem in Raga Janki’ has been awarded with the second-highest literary honour by the Govt. of India, ‘Sahitya Akademi Award’ in 2023. Prof. Gour has authored 6 novels, four short story collections and 2 books of non-fiction. Her creative work has been published by Penguin, Harper Collins, Rupa and Marg Publications and her critical work has been published by Routledge, Sahitya Akademi, Pencraft and other prestigious publishing houses.

She has been on writers’ fellowships in England, Scotland and Spain and has read her work to audiences there. Her most recent novel, ‘Requiem In Raga Janki’, based on the life of the famous Allahabad singer, Janki Bai, won the coveted Hindu Fiction Prize for 2018. Her debut collection Grey Pigeon and Other Stories was released by Penguin India in 1993. She then won a Writers’ Fellowship in Britain from the Charles Wallace India Trust.

Apart from these exclusively authored works, her work has appeared in numerous fiction and non-fiction anthologies like: Desert in Bloom – Contemporary Indian Women’s Fiction in English, edited by Meenakshi Bharat, (Pencraft International, 2004), Growing Up As A Woman Writer, edited by Jasbir Jain (Sahitya Akademi and Sage Publications 2007), The Fear Factor, edited by Sharon Rundle and Meenakshi Bharat (Picador, 2009), Only Connect, edited by Sharon Rundle and Meenakshi Bharat (Brass Monkey, Australia and Rupa Publications, India, 2014)), Indian English And Vernacular India, edited by Makarand Paranjape and G.J.V. Prasad (Pearson 2010), The Creative Process – Seven Essays, (The Institute for Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013) and Learning Non-violence, edited by Gangeya Mukherji (Oxford University Press, 2016).

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Kumbh Mela Heritage Walk by Veidehi Gite

Veidehi Gite is a leading travel and lifestyle influencer and an independent journalist known for her evocative storytelling and deep cultural insights. With a passion for luxury, art, and nature, she weaves compelling narratives that connect readers to the heart of each destination.

She is also the founder of *Krazy Butterfly*, a platform that celebrates unique travel experiences, wellness, and culinary journeys. Veidehi’s work has taken her from exploring ancient Armenian heritage to documenting the vibrant traditions of India’s tribal communities. Her writing often delves into lesser-known cultures and hidden gems, with a focus on sustainable travel.

A contributor to notable publications like Forbes India, Nikkei Asia, and Travel and Leisure, she continues to share immersive stories that inspire readers to explore the world with curiosity and mindfulness.

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Kumbh Mela Akhara Trail by Arindam Roy

Arindam Roy is a Veteran Journalist and Chairperson of Santiniketan Literature Festival (SLF). Mr. Roy has spent over 40 years in newsrooms, with having his experience as Managing Editor, Correspondent, and Bureau Chief for renowned publications like the Associated Press, Times of India, and Hindustan Times and has honed his keen eye for stories and his ability to communicate them effectively.

Arindam’s expertise extends beyond writing. His involvement in the Content Development of a CTB for the Allahabad High Court, brought out by The Times Group, showcases his ability to curate and develop engaging content. Earlier, he contributed seven chapters to two CTBs of The Times Group.

He has published six international anthologies of poems [Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC)] and is also the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of the online journal, Different Truths.

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Kumbh Mela Experience by Dr. Mrityunjay Rao Parmar

Mr. Parmar is an Assistant Professor of English at the Department of English and Modern European Languages, University of Allahabad. He holds a D.Phil. in English Literature and was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship by ICSSR, New Delhi.

His areas of specialization include Indian English literature, Indian writings in English, translation studies, cultural studies, gender studies, comparative literature, postcolonial literature, and soft skills.

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Kumbh Mela Experience by Shruti Sharma

Ms. Shruti Sharma is the Head of Corporate Relations at United Group of Institutions (Prayagraj) and Secretary of the NHRDN Prayagraj Chapter, a global organization of HR professionals with 17500+ members in 39 Chapters in India and Singapore with establishing chapters in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.

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Policy

• Bookings are non-refundable
• While the notified Kumbh area is over 35 sq km having divided into several sectors, we aim to cover different attractions of the Mela on each of our walks – experiences.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions, local factors, or government restrictions on sightseeing activities – boat rides may be Avoided/Cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
• All actions and services of the company are subject to ‘Force Majeure’ conditions claiming no responsibility.
• Entry of vehicles is restricted – diverted to the city (sometimes within city limits) specifically on the day prior and after the bathing day.
• Advertised amenities in the package (s) are subject to change without notice or compensation.