Maha Kumbh vs Kumbh Mela: How are the two religious events different? Know details
Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to draw millions to Prayagraj, showcasing the largest religious gathering on Earth. Learn how Maha Kumbh differs from Kumbh Mela, its significance, key dates, and why this rare event is a pilgrimage of a lifetime.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Devotees from across the world will come to Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj to witness the largest congregation of pilgrims on earth this year. Set to be celebrated after a decade, Maha Kumbh, will begin on January 3 and conclude on February 26.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Timeline of key events in Prayagraj
Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to begin on January 13. The event will conclude on February 26. Shahi Snan, the main bathing rituals, is set to occur on January 14, ie Makar Sanjranti. Other dates for Shahi Snan are January 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and February 3 (Basant Panchmi).
The Shahi Snan, or Royal bath, is the event's highlight. Taking a dip in river Ganga on this day is considered highly auspicious.
About Kumbh Mela
The festival is celebrated in every three years. However, the location of the festival keeps rotating every time between four cities, ie Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj. As per the rotation, the grand religious gathering is held in every location after twelve years.
Maha Kumbh Mela
Unlike Kumbh Mela, which is held every three years, Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years. The festival is the rarest and most sacred incarnation and is a reminder of twelve cycles of the twelve year of Kumbh Mela.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: How is it different from Kumbh Mela?
-The key difference is location. While Kumbh Mela takes place in four cities, Maha Kumbh Mela always occurs in Prayagraj.
-Another difference is the frequency of the religious gathering. Pilgrims can get the chance to attend Kumbh Mela once in every three years, (in different location). But, they can get only one chance to attend Maha Kumbh in twelve years.
Due to its rare occurrence, Maha Kumbh Mela attracts much larger number of devotees compared to Kumbh Mela. According to a Hindustan Times report, over 45 crore people are likely to visit Prayagraj to attend Maha Kumbh in 2025. The religious gathering will likely witness maximum numbers of visitors during Shahi Snan, which carries immense spiritual significance.
- Maha Kumbh occurs every 12 years in Prayagraj, while Kumbh Mela rotates among four cities every 3 years.
- Maha Kumbh is the most sacred and rare event, drawing significantly larger crowds than Kumbh Mela.
- Key ritual dates, such as Shahi Snan, hold immense spiritual significance for attendees.
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