The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 began on 13 January in Prayagraj, a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. On the first day alone, 1.5 crore devotees gathered to bathe in the Triveni Sangam.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Highlights
- Sacred Beginnings:
- The Kumbh Mela began on January 13, 2025, with January 14 marking the first Amrit Snan (Shahi Snan).
- This day, a symbolic ritual, saw Sadhu Akhadas leading a grand procession to the river for their sacred dip.
- Significance of Kumbh Mela:
- Held cyclically every 12 years at Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Haridwar (Ganga), Nashik-Trimbakeshwar (Godavari river), and Ujjain (Kshipra river).
- The Maha Kumbh, a grander form, occurs every 144 years, marked by rare celestial alignments, such as the 2025 conjunction of the Moon, Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter.
- Mythological Connection:
- The event commemorates the spots where amrit (nectar of immortality) spilled during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
- Bathing in these rivers during Kumbh is believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual liberation.
Makar Sankranti and Celestial Significance
- Astrological Milestone:
- Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Makar Raashi (Capricorn), transitioning from its southward (Dakshinayan) to northward (Uttarayan) journey.
- This shift signifies the end of harsh winters and the arrival of warmer, brighter days.
- Cultural Symbolism:
- The day is a harbinger of prosperity and is considered especially auspicious for religious rituals and new beginnings.
