Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest religious events that take place in the entire world. Yes, it is a time when the largest human gathering of Hindu devotees flocks at a single spot. Attended by people from all over the world, this event holds a very important place in the hearts of devotees, who come here in the hope of purifying themselves and cleansing their sins by bathing in the holy waters of Ganges. There are in total four Kumbh Mela’s held in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik and happen periodically in any one of these places.
Next Kumbh Mela Date 2024
The full Kumbh Mela is held after a 12-year gap. Interestingly, in 2013, this event set a new record when 120 million people flocked to witness and experience this religious gathering. The next Kumbh Mela is scheduled for the year 2025, with dates ranging from April 9 to May 8, 2025.
History of Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
As per Hindu Mythology, once upon a time, Lord Vishnu had dropped four drops of divine nectar - the amrita at four particular places while transporting it in a pot. These particular places were Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
It is also believed that the priests in Allahabad borrowed the concepts for rituals from one of the Kumbh Melas and had implemented them in one of the local fairs known as the Magh Mela. This Magh Mela itself dates back to an ancient times and has also been mentioned in many of the Puranas.
The Legend of Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
It is a lesser-known fact that the Kumbh Mela derives its name from the divine pot of nectar. Yes, this was the very pot upon which the Asuras and the Devtas had a major battle. It is believed that Lord Brahma had advised the Devas to churn out the nectar. However, the catch in this was that they had to do this with the help of Asuras. And when the Asuras found out this particular plan, they devised their own counter plan to get all the nectar for themselves. As a result, there was a chase that continued for a period of 12 days between the Devas and the Asuras.
It was during this chase, that the nectar fell on four particular locations. It is in these locations that this fair is held after a span of 12 years in a rotational time cycle.
Major Attractions of Next Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2025
1. Hanuman Mandir. The Hanuman Mandir is a very famous Hindu temple situated in Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj. The major feature of this temple is that the idol of Hanuman placed here has been lying on the floor. During the festive time, a great number of devotees flock here for the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
2. Mankameshwar, Ashoka Pillar. The Ashoka Pillar is placed outside the Allahabad Fort. The exterior side of the pillar has inscriptions belonging to the Brahmi script to that time. It is another interesting place to visit during the mela.
How to Reach Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
Praygraj is a historical city situated in Uttar Pradesh. This place is quite a nice blend of various cultural hues. Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is situated at a total distance of around 692, 1,391, 792, 1,735 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru respectively. To reach Prayraj you can consider the following routes.
By Air. The state of Uttar Pradesh has four major domestic airports situated in Lucknow i.e. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Kanpur Airport, Varanasi Airport i.e. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Agra Airport i.e. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport.
However, the best option for you to reach Prayagraj would be Allahabad Airport (IXD). This is majorly a military airbase that also acts as a public airport which operates domestic flights as well.
This airport is located at Bamrauli and at an overall distance of 12 km from Allahabad city. There are many airlines such as IndiGo and Air India that operate to and fro this city. As you deboard at the airport, you will need to travel further by some means of public transportation like a cab or a bus to reach your desired destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Allahabad
By Train. Travelling to Prayagraj, Allahabad via train can be a good option. You will need to board a train to Allahabad Junction after which, you can easily take some means of public transportation to reach your destination. Here is the train route to follow from various cities.
Delhi - Take Vande Bharat Express or DBRT Rajdhani from New Delhi Junction to Allahabad Junction
Kanpur - Board JYG Garib Rath from Kanpur Central and deboard at Allahabad Junction
Patna - Board RJPB Rajdhani from Patna Junction and deboard at Allahabad Junction
Jaipur - Board All SDAH Express from Jaipur Junction and deboard at Allahabad Junction
By Road. By road, you can easily travel to Prayagraj via the following routes. It needs to be noted here that Prayagraj is situated in the very heart of the great Indian plains thus making driving quite fun.
Delhi - 692 km via NH19
Kanpur - 203 km via NH19 or SH 38
Lucknow - 201 km via NH731
Agra - 473 km via NH19
Indore - 810 km via NH30
You can also consider traveling to Prayagraj via interstate buses. This city has three major bus stands which cater to different routes around India.
Conclusion
Kumbh Mela is a spectacular celebration of faith, spirituality, and tradition, where millions come together to cleanse their souls in the sacred rivers. With its rich rituals, cultural vibrancy, and spiritual significance, the event showcases the unity of diverse communities. The administration's meticulous planning ensures a safe and memorable experience for all, making Kumbh Mela an extraordinary testament to India's cultural tapestry and the enduring power of collective devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Next Prayagraj Kumbh Mela
Ques1. Where is next Maha Kumbh Mela 2024?
Ans. The next Kumbh Mela will be organized in 2025. That will be Maha Kumbh or Purna Kumbh Mela, which takes place after every 12 years. Ques2. When is next Maha Kumbh Mela?
Ans. The next Kumbh Mela will be organized in 2024. That will be Maha Kumbh or Purna Kumbh Mela, which take place after every 12 years.
Ques 3. What are the key rituals during Kumbh Mela?
Ans. The main rituals involve auspicious bathing days called "Shahi Snan" or royal baths, where millions of pilgrims take a holy dip. Other activities include religious discourses, cultural performances, and processions of sadhus and saints.
Ques 4. Why is Kumbh Mela considered significant in Hinduism?
Ans. Kumbh Mela holds immense spiritual importance as it is believed to be based on the mythical event where gods and demons fought over a pot (kumbh) containing the nectar of immortality. The festival symbolizes the search for spiritual enlightenment and cleansing of one's soul.
Ques 5. Are there any specific rules or guidelines for participants during Kumbh Mela?
Ans. Yes, participants are advised to follow guidelines related to safety, cleanliness, and respecting the religious sentiments of others. Authorities often issue specific instructions for traffic management, designated routes, and prohibited activities to ensure a smooth and secure event.
