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144-Year Celebration: A Guide to the Maha Kumbh 2025
The 2025 Kumbh is anticipated to attract unprecedented crowds as it commemorates the conclusion of 12 Jovian years. An occurrence that happens only every 144 years. Here is what frequent attendees advise for an optimal Kumbh experience.
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Devotees at the Kumbh Mela / Shyam Prasad
Spiritual gurus, pilgrims, and seekers of experiences are visiting India’s Prayagraj for the Kumbh, the world's largest peaceful gathering of people being held from January 12 to February 26, 2025.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, visited Prayagraj to oversee the preparations. His visit expedited the work and authorized more funds. “Many additional trains and flights are expected to be added in the next ten days to ferry seekers to the Kumbh,” said Aditi Chadha, co-founder and Partner of Anecdotes, global leisure designers.
For an optimal Kumbh experience some things must be kept in mind, say frequent attendees.
The 2025 Kumbh is proving to be a bigger draw as it marks the completion of twelve Maha Kumbhs. The government expects 40 crore (400 million) people to come for the 45 day festival. Plan ahead.
The Kumbh of 12 Kumbhs. What are the dates when the crowds will intensify
The Maha Kumbh falls on planet Jupiter's new year. (The Jovian year equals 12 Earth years.) The 2025 Kumbh will celebrate the completion of 12 Jovian years. An occurrence that happens only every 144 years. For this holiest of holy months travelers may want to avoid peak travel days.
Peak travel is expected around the auspicious days of Shahi Snans or royal bathing days: January 13 Paush Purnima, January 14 Makar Sankranti, January 29 Mauni Amavasya, February 3 Basant Panchami, Feb 12 Maghi Purnima and February 26 Maha Shivratri.
“Avoiding travel a day before and after these dates would be wise, " says Anita Aneja, who has traveled to 4 Ardh Kumbhs.
Preparing for the crowds or avoiding travel on those days can be ensured by booking appropriate travel arrangements ahead of time, advised Chadha.
Plan for the unexpected
Visitors must be prepared for sudden closures during VIP movements. They may have to walk long distances and manage without easy access to restrooms. Wear a good pair of shoes and the right attitude, said Anupam Singh of Roobaroo Walks who organizes guided tours and experiences for travelers in many cities including Prayag and Varanasi.
“It will be extremely cold for me,” said Aneja. “I plan to take a dip in Mother Ganges. I am looking at buying a lightweight wetsuit to wear under my salwar kameez.”
“Carrying polybags is a smart idea,” Aneja said. “They come in handy to carry a change of clothes.” Many people prefer to leave behind the clothes they have taken a dip in. “In that case plan on wearing clothes you don’t mind leaving behind after the ritual dip,” said Aneja.
“You must take a dip,” said Dr Amiya Chandra. “The vibrations here are incomparable. You will regret it if you don’t.”
“Plan to dress for winter. Scarfs and hats along with a bomber jacket to stay warm in the early mornings and late evenings is a good idea,” said Singh.
Must have experiences
Singh’s advice is to definitely plan on, and reserve at least two experiences in Prayag, a walk and a boat ride. During the premium walk led by an expert, travelers will get an immersive experience by visiting the mela ground and Akhadas. It will allow for interaction and conversations with sadhus and food tasting.
During the boat ride they will witness the grandeur of people bathing in the water, see the Triveni Sangam or confluence of rivers, hear the story behind the Kumbh, and understand the scientific reasons behind it.
Varanasi is only an hour and half bus ride away and so many plan a day trip to Varanasi at the end of their Prayag visit to complete the experience, Singh said. “A quick visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and partaking of the famous tamatar chaat makes for a nice finish to the visit.”
The UP government is running free buses at 2-3 minute intervals between the two cities. For the first time traveler he recommends getting a private car with a driver.
Stay healthy during your visit
“Eating in the bazaar and street should be avoided,” Singh suggests. Eat and drink at your hotel or luxury tent accommodation.
“Get travel insurance”, said Dr. Purnima Marwah who never travels without comprehensive travel insurance that covers health issues, including medical evacuations. “Having a plan is a good thing. Get routine vaccines like MMR, tetanus, and influenza before you travel.” The World Health Organization recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and possibly cholera.
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A California Temple offering Kumbh Tour packages. / Ritu MarwahWhere to stay and how to book
Luxury tents, budget camps, hotels, dharamshalas, and homestays are booked by travelers through travel organizations like Anecdotes, global leisure designers. Aditi Chadha of Anecdotes has experience of taking her clients to mega festivals like Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali, Nagaland’s Hornbill festival and Kolkata’s Durga Puja in the lap of luxury.
For travelers from America to the Kumbh she has booked the luxurious TUTC and the Shivadya camps. The rooms are beautifully appointed with attached bathrooms.
Roobaroo Walks can help travelers in booking accommodation by connecting them to the right vendors like Niranjani Akhada, Mahanirvani Akhada and the tents of UP Tourism.
“Embibe the spirit,” advises Dr. Chandra. “Observe and learn.”
“You never know which sentence, which line or which talk may transform you. You will not be the same person who came here.”
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