Spiritually, taking dips in the holy water of the sacred rivers is believed to provide liberation, which is the ultimate purpose of the followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Followers of Sanatan Dharma consider the Maha Kumbh (Great Kumbh) to be one of the most auspicious festivals, drawing the largest gathering worldwide. This religious festival, Kumbh Mela, is celebrated four times in 12 years every 4 years, with the largest one, Maha Kumbh, celebrated once in 144 years. The sites of these events are Haridwar on the River Ganga, Ujjain on the River Shipra, Nashik on the River Godavari, and the confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj. In 2025, the Maha Kumbh is slated to begin in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025, with the Pausha Purnima Snan, and conclude on February 26, 2025, with the Shahi Snan, corresponding with Maha Shivaratri.
The scientific and astrological
Records of this bathing pilgrimage can be traced back to the Rig Veda. In the Mahabharat also this pilgrimage is mentioned to atone for past mistakes (prayaschita). Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Hiuan Tsang (Yuan Chwang), who came to India in 630 A.D. also mentions the Kumbh Mela. Likewise, accounts of organizing this during the Mughal Empire and British rule have been documented by historians. During British rule, the British imposed a “pilgrim tax” as a source of revenue and missionaries saw it as an opportunity to propagate Christianity. After independence, the Kumbh Mela has been systematically organized.
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest gatherings on the planet and according to the Medical Journal, Armed Forces India, in 2013 when it was held, 120 million pilgrims visited it. It poses numerous challenges to the healthcare system. For the 2025 Maha Kumbh, a lot of preparations have gone in, and infrastructure has been boosted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and provide a safe, comfortable environment for the pilgrims.
Spiritually, participation and taking dips in the holy water of the sacred rivers is believed to provide liberation which is the ultimate purpose of followers of Sanatan Dharma. A multitude of saints, mystics, and ascetics from various parts of India gather and offer their prayers to the Almighty while delivering discourses on religion and spirituality. There are 13 camps or akharas that are organized during Kumbh Mela. Ten belong to Sanatan Dharma followers (7 Shaiva and 3 Vaishnava) and 3 to Sikhism followers. The vibrations of so many devoted pilgrims at the same time generate an aura of bliss that is easily palpable.
* Dr Manoj Sharma is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is an avid practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.