kumbh mela dates
The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj commenced on January 13, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2025.
The festival features several significant bathing dates, known as “Shahi Snan” or “Amrit Snan,” which are considered highly auspicious:
January 13, 2025 (Paush Purnima): Inaugural bathing day marking the official start of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
January 14, 2025 (Makar Sankranti): First Shahi Snan, a major highlight of the festival.
January 29, 2025 (Mauni Amavasya): Second Shahi Snan; believed to be highly auspicious for cleansing sins.
February 3, 2025 (Vasant Panchami): Third Shahi Snan; marks the arrival of spring and is significant for devotees.
February 12, 2025 (Magha Purnima): Important bathing day; an opportunity for spiritual renewal.
February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivaratri): Concluding bathing day of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
These dates are derived from traditional Hindu lunar calendar calculations and are observed with great reverence by millions of pilgrims.
Please note that during the Mauni Amavasya on January 29, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
maha kumbh mela location
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is being held in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Kumbh Mela rotates between four holy cities every 12 years:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad) – at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
- Haridwar – on the banks of the Ganga River.
- Ujjain – on the banks of the Shipra River.
- Nashik – on the banks of the Godavari River.
Since 2025 marks a Maha Kumbh, it is taking place in Prayagraj, the most significant location for the festival.
last maha kumbh mela location
The last Maha Kumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India, in the year 2013.
The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs once every 144 years (after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas) at the same location, Prayagraj, which is considered the most sacred of all the Kumbh Mela sites.
If you were asking about the last regular Kumbh Mela, here’s a quick breakdown:
- 2019 – Prayagraj (Allahabad) (Ardha Kumbh Mela)
- 2015 – Nashik
- 2013 – Prayagraj (Maha Kumbh)
- 2010 – Haridwar
- 2004 – Ujjain
Where is the 2037 Kumbh Mela?
The 2037 Kumbh Mela will be held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
How Kumbh Mela Rotates:
The Kumbh Mela alternates between four locations every 12 years:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
- Haridwar – Banks of the Ganga River.
- Ujjain – Banks of the Shipra River.
- Nashik – Banks of the Godavari River.
Since the last Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was in 2021, the next one will be in 2037 (after 12 years).
Let me know if you need more details! 😊
What is the 12 year Kumbh Mela?
The 12-year Kumbh Mela refers to the Purna Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years at one of four holy locations in India:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad) – at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
- Haridwar – on the banks of the Ganga River.
- Ujjain – on the banks of the Shipra River.
- Nashik – on the banks of the Godavari River.
Kumbh Mela Cycle
The festival follows a 12-year cycle, rotating between these four locations based on planetary positions:
- Purna Kumbh Mela (Every 12 years) – Held at each of the four locations in a cycle.
- Maha Kumbh Mela (Every 144 years) – Only in Prayagraj (last in 2013, next in 2157).
- Ardh Kumbh Mela (Every 6 years) – Only in Prayagraj & Haridwar.
- Magh Mela (Annual) – A smaller version held every year in Prayagraj during January-February.
The next 12-year Purna Kumbh Melas are:
- 2025 – Prayagraj (Maha Kumbh)
- 2033 – Nashik
- 2037 – Haridwar
- 2044 – Ujjain
When is the next Maha Kumbh Mela 144 years
The next Maha Kumbh Mela (which occurs once every 144 years) will be held in Prayagraj (Allahabad) in the year 2157.
The last Maha Kumbh Mela was in 2013, and the current one is happening in 2025.
Maha Kumbh Mela Cycle:
- Held only in Prayagraj.
- Occurs after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas (every 144 years).
- Based on the unique planetary alignment of Jupiter in Aries and the Sun in Capricorn.
If you’re asking about the next 12-year Kumbh Mela, it will be in:
- 2033 – Nashik
- 2037 – Haridwar
- 2044 – Ujjain
- 2049 – Prayagraj (next Purna Kumbh, not Maha Kumbh)
Stampede maha kumbh mela
Stampedes have unfortunately occurred during past Maha Kumbh Melas, given the massive crowds that attend the event. One of the most tragic incidents happened during the 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj (Allahabad).
2013 Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede
- Date: February 10, 2013 (Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious bathing day).
- Location: Allahabad Railway Station.
- Casualties: At least 36 people died, and over 39 were injured.
- Cause: A footbridge at the railway station became overcrowded due to the sudden surge of devotees. A railing reportedly collapsed, triggering panic and a deadly stampede.
Other Kumbh Mela Stampedes
- 1954 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela – One of the deadliest Kumbh-related stampedes, with over 800 deaths due to overcrowding.
- 2003 Nashik Kumbh Mela – A stampede during the Shahi Snan led to 39 deaths.
- 2015 Allahabad Magh Mela – Smaller-scale stampede, but still caused injuries.
Safety Measures in 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela
To prevent such tragedies, the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has introduced:
- Better crowd management with real-time surveillance.
- Expanded ghats to accommodate more pilgrims.
- Advanced traffic control and designated pathways.
- Emergency medical response teams stationed throughout the mela grounds.
When was the next Maha Kumbh Mela 144 years?
The next Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every 144 years, will be held in Prayagraj (Allahabad) in the year 2157.
Maha Kumbh Mela Cycle:
- Happens only in Prayagraj.
- Held every 144 years (after 12 full Kumbh Melas).
- Based on the rare planetary alignment of Jupiter in Aries and the Sun in Capricorn.
Past & Upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela Years:
- 2013 – Last Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
- 2157 – Next Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
If you’re looking for the next regular 12-year Kumbh Mela, it will be in:
- 2025 – Prayagraj (ongoing)
- 2033 – Nashik
- 2037 – Haridwar
- 2044 – Ujjain
- 2049 – Prayagraj (next Purna Kumbh, not Maha Kumbh)
How many died in Maha Kumbh?
Several stampedes and accidents have occurred during past Maha Kumbh Melas, leading to tragic losses of life. Here are some of the most significant incidents:
Major Deaths During Maha Kumbh Mela:
1. 1954 Maha Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj)
- Casualties: 800+ deaths, thousands injured
- Cause: A massive crowd surge led to a deadly stampede.
- Impact: One of the deadliest religious gatherings in Indian history.
2. 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj)
- Casualties: 36 deaths, 39+ injured
- Cause: A stampede at Allahabad Railway Station during Mauni Amavasya (February 10, 2013).
- Reason: Overcrowding on a footbridge, railing collapse, and panic led to the disaster.
Other Notable Kumbh Mela Stampedes:
- 2003 Nashik Kumbh Mela – 39 deaths due to a stampede during the Shahi Snan.
- 2015 Allahabad Magh Mela – Several injured, but no major casualties.
- 2018 Ujjain Kumbh Mela – Stampede-like situation, but minimal loss of life due to better management.
Measures Taken for 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela
- AI-based crowd monitoring & surveillance cameras
- Expanded ghats & designated entry/exit points
- Increased police & emergency response teams
- Better traffic control & pedestrian management
Why is Kumbh Mela every 12 years?
The Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years due to a combination of astronomical alignments, Hindu mythology, and ancient traditions.
Astronomical Reason 🌌
- The Kumbh Mela cycle is based on planetary movements.
- It is held when Jupiter (Brihaspati) enters a specific zodiac sign while the Sun and Moon align in certain positions.
- The festival takes place at four locations, depending on Jupiter’s position:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad) – Jupiter in Aries & Sun in Capricorn.
- Haridwar – Jupiter in Aquarius & Sun in Aries.
- Ujjain – Jupiter in Leo & Sun in Aries.
- Nashik – Jupiter in Leo & Sun in Sagittarius.
Mythological Significance 🏺
- According to Hindu legend, during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), the gods and demons fought over Amrit (the nectar of immortality).
- Lord Vishnu spilled drops of the nectar at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years to mark this event, as Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete one full revolution around the Sun.
Types of Kumbh Mela
- Maha Kumbh Mela – Every 144 years (after 12 Purna Kumbhs) in Prayagraj.
- Purna Kumbh Mela – Every 12 years at each of the four locations.
- Ardh Kumbh Mela – Every 6 years (only in Prayagraj & Haridwar).
- Magh Mela – Held annually in Prayagraj (smaller scale).

महा कुंभ की शुरुआत कब हुई थी?
महा कुंभ मेला की शुरुआत का इतिहास बहुत प्राचीन है और इसे हिन्दू धर्म की सबसे महत्वपूर्ण और विशाल धार्मिक मेला माना जाता है। महा कुंभ मेला का आयोजन प्रयागराज (अब इलाहाबाद) में होता है, और इसका आयोजन हर 144 वर्षों में एक बार होता है। यह मेला समुद्र मंथन की एक कथा से जुड़ा हुआ है, जिसमें अमृत कलश (कुंभ) के चारों ओर देवताओं और असुरों के बीच युद्ध हुआ था। इस घटना के बाद अमृत के कुछ बूँदें चार स्थानों पर गिरी थीं:
- प्रयागराज (इलाहाबाद)
- हरिद्वार
- उज्जैन
- नाशिक
इन स्थानों पर हर 12 साल में कुंभ मेला आयोजित किया जाता है, जबकि महा कुंभ मेला (जो कि हर 144 साल में एक बार होता है) केवल प्रयागराज में होता है।
महा कुंभ मेला की पहली बार शुरुआत:
- प्रारंभिक आयोजन: महा कुंभ मेला का पहली बार आयोजन प्रयागराज में करीब 5000 साल पहले हुआ था।
- इतिहास: यह मेला धार्मिक उद्देश्यों के लिए था, जहाँ लाखों की संख्या में लोग पवित्र स्नान के लिए इकट्ठा होते थे, ताकि वे अपने पापों से मुक्त हो सकें और मोक्ष की प्राप्ति कर सकें।
अंतिम महा कुंभ मेला:
- 2013 में हुआ था।
अगला महा कुंभ मेला:
- 2157 में होगा (प्रयागराज में)।
How many people bath in Kumbh?
The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees, with the number of people bathing (snan) in the holy rivers varying each year depending on the scale of the event and the specific day of the bath. On peak bathing days, the numbers are staggering.
People Bathing in Kumbh Mela:
2013 Maha Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj): Over 120 million people attended, with an estimated 30 million taking the holy dip on the most auspicious day, Mauni Amavasya.
2019 Ardh Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj): Around 50 million people participated, with 10 million bathing on the most auspicious day.
2025 Maha Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj): It is expected that around 120 million to 150 million people will visit, with millions participating in the bathing rituals on key days.
Factors Influencing the Number of Bathers:
- Auspicious Days: The most significant bathing days, like Mauni Amavasya, Makar Sankranti, and Magha Purnima, see the highest crowds.
- Type of Mela: The Maha Kumbh attracts the largest crowd, followed by the Ardh Kumbh, and smaller Kumbhs in between.
- Logistical Infrastructure: The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with special arrangements for crowd control, security, and sanitation to handle such large numbers.
The massive gathering and the ritual of taking a holy dip in the river are deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and the removal of sins.
What is Kumbh vs Maha Kumbh?
The terms Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh Mela refer to two different scales of the same religious festival, but they differ in frequency, significance, and the number of participants.
Kumbh Mela
- Frequency: Held every 12 years at four different locations:
- Prayagraj (Allahabad)
- Haridwar
- Ujjain
- Nashik
- Type: The regular Kumbh Mela is also called the Purna Kumbh Mela.
- Scale: Attracts millions of devotees, with the most auspicious days seeing tens of millions coming to take a holy dip in the river.
- Significance: Held to mark the alignment of the planets, particularly Jupiter’s position, and the mythological story of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) where the nectar of immortality (Amrit) was spilled at these four places.
Maha Kumbh Mela
- Frequency: Held once every 144 years at Prayagraj (Allahabad).
- Type: This is the most auspicious Kumbh Mela, also called the Great Kumbh Mela.
- Scale: The Maha Kumbh is the largest gathering, attracting tens of millions of pilgrims. The number of attendees on the main bathing days can exceed 100 million.
- Significance: It occurs once in 144 years due to the special alignment of the planets, particularly Jupiter and Sun, which only happens once in a very long time.
Key Differences:
- Frequency:
- Kumbh Mela – Every 12 years at one of the four locations.
- Maha Kumbh Mela – Every 144 years at Prayagraj.
- Participants:
- Kumbh Mela – Millions of people attend.
- Maha Kumbh Mela – The largest gathering of people, often exceeding 100 million.
- Location:
- Kumbh Mela – Rotates between Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
- Maha Kumbh Mela – Held only in Prayagraj.
Notable Maha Kumbh Mela Years:
- 2013 – Last Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
- 2157 – Next Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Kumbh Mela 2025 date and place
The Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, India. It will be a Maha Kumbh Mela, making it the largest and most significant gathering of the 12-year Kumbh Mela cycle.
Dates for Kumbh Mela 2025:
- The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj will start on January 14, 2025 (Makar Sankranti).
- The main bathing dates (Snan Days) will include key days like Mauni Amavasya, Magh Purnima, and Basant Panchami.
- The exact dates will depend on the astrological calendar, but the event will span across several weeks in early 2025.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expected to attract more than 100 million devotees, with millions coming to take the holy dip on auspicious days.