Mahakumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival, is held in four different locations every twelve years: Prayagraj (India), Haridwar (India), Nashik and Ujjain.
Millions of people gather during this period to bathe and purify their souls in holy rivers. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj will take place from January 13 to February 26.
During this time, pilgrims perform rituals and bathe in holy water at Triveni Sangam (the confluence between the rivers Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati). Around 400 million people are expected to attend the festival.
Various service providers offer tent bookings for accommodations. The tents are available in a range of styles, from basic to luxurious. They offer amenities for different tastes.
It’s best to make reservations in advance due to the high demand. To help visitors navigate and find information on important sites, such as ghats and temples, the Uttar Pradesh government launched the “Mahakumbh Mela 2020” app.
Mahakumbh Mela: What makes this Kumbh Mela the Most Auspicious Among all Kumbh Melas in 2025?
Maha Kumbh Mela is the auspicious Kumbh Mela due to its celestial alignments, historical importance and uniqueness.
Unlike regular Kumbh Melas, which occur every 12 years at four sacred locations–Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik–the Maha Kumbh Mela is a rare event that happens once every 144 years.
This gathering is of great significance to devotees as it will be the last Maha Kumbh until 2169.
Maha Kumbh Mela is estimated to attract 40 crores (400 million) of pilgrims. This number is significantly higher than the regular Kumbh Melas, which are usually smaller due to being more frequent.
The Triveni Sangam is the focal point of the event, which is where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, as well as the mythological Saraswati, meet. This adds to its spiritual significance.
The positions of celestial objects, such as Jupiter and the Sun, determine the time of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The regular Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years in each of the four places, has a similar spiritual significance to the Maha Kumbh but is not as powerful.
The alignment of these two stars in 2025 is considered particularly auspicious and will enhance the spiritual benefit of rituals that are performed at this time. This event includes several important bathing days, known as Shahi Snans. These are thought to cleanse sins and bring divine blessings.
Mahakumbh 2025 Start Date
Maha Kumbh Mela will begin on January 13, 2025 and end on February 26, 2025. The Paush Purnima Snan begins on January 13 and ends with Maha Shivratri in February.
Key Dates for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
- Start date: January 13 2025 (Paush Purnima).
- End date: February 26 2025 (Maha Shivratri).
Mahakumbh 2025 Important dates for bathing:
- Makar Sankranti, January 14 2025 (First Shahi Snan).
- January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
- Basant Panchami, the Third Shahi Snan (February 3, 2025)
- February 12 2025 is Maghi Purnima
Mahakumbh 2025 Locations
Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), India, in 2025. The Hindu Triveni Sangam is the site of this important Hindu festival, which takes place where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, as well as the mythical Saraswati, converge.
What is Shahi Snan (Royal Bath)?
The sacred ritual of Shahi Snan or Royal Bath is performed during the Kumbh Mela. During this ritual, millions of worshippers bathe in the confluence created by the Ganga and Yamuna . An elaborate procession is held to mark the event, which is led by spiritual guides and Naga Sadhus.
Shahi Snan takes place on dates of importance that are determined by the astrological alignments. This enhances bathing’s benefits. Participants believe that this ritual cleanses sins, and helps achieve freedom from birth cycles.
The vibrant atmosphere created by chanting and traditional music transforms the Kumbh into a cultural and spiritual celebration. The Kumbh Mela brings people of different faiths together.
What is Mahakumbh Mela? What is the significance of the Mahakumbh Mela?
Maha Kumbh Mela has a deep and spiritual meaning in Hinduism. The Maha Kumbh Mela is based on the Hindu myth of Samudra Manthan where demons and gods battled to get the nectar for immortality.
Four locations were made sacred for pilgrimage after a few nectar drops fell during this process: Prayagraj (India), Haridwar (India), Nashik and Ujjain.
This festival is held every 12 years in these places, and the Maha Kumbh takes place every 144. The devotees of this festival believe bathing in holy rivers at the event will cleanse sins and grant liberation.
This gathering creates a feeling of unity and devotion. It brings together millions for a spiritual experience which transcends differences between individuals and honours India’s rich culture.
Kumbh Mela Types: Understand the different types
Kumbh Mela can be celebrated in different ways, with each having its significance and frequency. The four major types are:
Maha Kumbh Mela: This sacred event occurs only once in 144 years and is held at Prayagraj. The event is said to improve spirituality and attract thousands of people.
Purna Mela: This type is held every 12 years in four different locations, including Prayagraj (Haridwar), Ujjain (Nashik), and Ujjain. Large crowds mark the holy bathing in rivers.
Ardh Kumbh: This festival is held every six years in Prayagraj and Haridwar. It serves as the midpoint of Purna Kumbh.
Magh Mela: Also known as “Chhota Kumbh,” the smaller annual event takes place in Prayagraj, India, during the months of Magha and February. It attracts pilgrims to take holy baths.
Mahakumbh 2025: Online Booking
You can use these steps to reserve accommodations for Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025:
Book your tent on the IRCTC site, www.irctctourism.com, or at the Kumbh Mela official website, kumbh.gov.in. The platforms offer detailed information about the types of accommodations and their prices.
- Select the type of tent you want: You can choose from inexpensive tents starting at Rs 1,500 per night to luxurious accommodations up to Rs 35,000 per night. Choose the tent type which suits your budget and needs.
- Choose Dates: Select the dates of your visit, taking into account the most popular bathing holidays, like the 14th and 29th of January. Also, consider February 3, when the demand for the beach is at its highest.
- Pay Online: Make a payment to complete the reservation. Confirmation of reservation is important.
- Book Early: Due to the high number of pilgrims arriving, you should book your accommodation as soon as possible.
- To ensure your tent booking for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is confirmed, start by booking through official platforms like the IRCTC website at www.irctourism.com/mahakumbhgram.
- You can be sure that the source is legitimate. Fill in the required information accurately when making a reservation. This includes check-in/check-out dates and number of guests.
- Double-check the amount of the final payment after selecting your choices.
- After the payment has been processed, an email confirmation or SMS will be sent to you with all your booking information. Keep this confirmation for when it comes time to check-in.
To avoid scams, make sure that the booking platform is government-approved. You may also ask for proof of allotment.
Mahakumbh Special Trains 2025
Indian Railways has made extensive preparations for the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 to cope with the massive number of pilgrims who will be travelling to Prayagraj.
Approximately 13,000 trains, consisting of 10,000 regular and 3,000 Special trains, will be operating over 50 days. Around 700 Kumbh Mela Special Trains will run long distances, and around 1,800 trains for short distances.
A special service will be a Kumbh Express that departs Bengaluru on January 8 2025, and arrives in Prayagraj no later than January 10.
Special trains will also begin operating from Himachal Pradesh on January 17 2025. A “Ring Rail”, a unique service, will be offered to pilgrims who wish to travel to nearby holy sites such as Chitrakoot or Ayodhya.
The booking of these special trains has already begun so that the devotees will be able to travel easily and conveniently to this important spiritual event.
2025 Mahakumbh List of Special Trains
1. South Western Railway will run a one-way Kumbh Mela Express from Bengaluru. The train is scheduled to depart Bengaluru at 8am on Monday, January 8, and arrive in Prayagraj no later than 10am that day. The train will make stops at important stations like Whitefield, Bangarapet Katpadi Vijayawada and more. The train has 20 coaches including sleeper and general second-class, as well as luggage cum brake vans.
2. Himachal Pradesh – Prayagraj Special Trains will start operating on 17th January 2025. The first (04528), which will leave at 10:00 PM, arrives in Prayagraj by 6:00 PM on the following day. This service includes sleeper coaches as well as general and AC 3-tier coaches with special fares.
3. North Eastern Railway will run special trains from Jaynagar (Jhusi) to Prayagraj for pilgrims. Train (05285/05286) to make four trips out of Jaynagar, on the following dates: January 10, 24, 31 and February 1. The train will stop at several important stations, including Madhubani and Darbhanga.
4. A number of special trains are scheduled to depart from Guntur, Azamgarh, Moula Ali and Gaya on specific dates. The trains are designed to ensure that pilgrims from the south and east of India have a comfortable journey.
Kumbh Mela Train Timetable of South Central Railway
South Central Railway has announced the launch of 16 special trains that will connect different destinations with Maha Kumbh. The services will be available throughout the festival’s 45 days. IRCTC is a convenient way for pilgrims to check the availability of trains and their schedules. These are the key timings and routes for special trains.
- Train 7700: Leaves Guntur at 23:00 and arrives in Azamgarh by 17:15 on the 24th of January.
- Train 77002: From Azamgarh, leaving at 19.45 and arriving in Guntur at 09.00 the next day.
- Train 707: Leaves Moula Ali at 23:55 on the 18th of January and arrives at Azamgarh at 17:15. The train 7708 will return from Azamgarh back to Moula Ali between January 20th and 23rd, departing Azamgarh at 19:45 am and arriving in Moula Ali at 07:30 the next day.
- Train 771: Leaves Moula Ali at 17:50, arriving at Gaya at 09:00 on the 19th of January. The train 7712 will return from Gaya back to Moula Ali with the same timings on 21 January.
- Train 7729 Leaves Moula Ali for Gaya at the end of January, and returns to Moula Ali from Gaya by January 24.
- Train 7720: Leaves Guntur at 14:20, arriving at Gaya at 9:00 the following day. Train 7720 will return from Gaya back to Guntur, departing at 14.15 on the 27th of January and arriving at 4:00 am.
- Train 7720: Leaves Nanded at 23:00 on the 22nd of January and arrives at Patna at 10:00. The train 7722 will return from Patna back to Nanded, leaving at 15:30 on the 24th of January and arriving at 4:30.
- Train 7225: Runs from Kacheguda, departing 16:45 on the 25th of January and arriving at Patna at 10:00 am. The train 7726 will return from Patna back to Kacheguda, leaving at 11:15 and arriving in Kacheguda at 7 am the next day.
Check PNR status and Book Your Tickets
The IRCTC app or website makes it easy to book tickets for special Kumbh trains. How to Book Your Tickets:
- Visit “Trains”, on the IRCTC app/website.
- Enter your preferred departure and destination dates (Prayagraj) as well as city of origin.
- Select the train best suited to your schedule and check the availability before paying.
You will be sent an electronic ticket and a PNR for quick reference.
Track your Booking
Check the IRCTC “PNR status” to stay informed about your tickets. Enter your PNR 10-digit number to check the status of your reservation or your waitlist.
Indian Railways will provide extensive train services for the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025, which is a spiritually significant event. Millions of pilgrims are expected to attend. Travelers can look forward to a comfortable journey from key cities with special trains. Book your tickets early and get ready for a spiritual journey that will last a lifetime.
What is the best way to book tickets for special Kumbh Mela trains?
Follow these steps to book special Kumbh Mela train tickets for Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025.
Download the IRCTC Rail Connect App or Website: You can download IRCTC Rail Connect from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Fill in the details of your journey: Enter all relevant information, including departure and destination cities (Prayagraj), as well as preferred dates.
Choose Your Train: Select a train that best suits your schedule from the available list, which includes special Kumbh Mela-themed trains.
Select your class and train (Sleeper or 3AC), then proceed to payment. Proceed with the payment to complete your booking.
You can also scan the QR code on the green jackets of railway staff at stations in order to book tickets via the UTS app (Unreserved Tickets System). You can avoid the long lines and book your tickets from your phone.
Keep your booking number and e-ticket for future reference. PNR status is available on IRCTC’s platform. You can use it to check the booking status.
Kumbh Mela 2025 Travel Guide
Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Prayagraj, India, from January 13 to February 26 2025. Millions of pilgrims are expected at this event, seeking spiritual cleansing near the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
The event will be attended by over 400 million people, which makes it the largest religious gathering in the world.
Travel Guide Highlights
Indian Railways is offering special train services to pilgrims. These include 700 Kumbh Mela Express long-distance trains and 1,800 shorter-distance trains. Ring Rail service is also available to those who are visiting sacred sites nearby.
The tent city is a dedicated place for participants to stay. Booking accommodations well in advance will help you avoid any last-minute hassles.
The key bathing dates are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), February 3 (Basant Panchami), and January 29 (Mauni Amavasya). Plan your pilgrimage around these dates to get a more spiritual experience.
Mela Cultural Experiences Mela features processions, Sangam Rituals, Folk Dances and Philosophical Debates, providing a rich immersion in culture alongside spiritual activities.