Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Tips to know if you are planning to visit the mega event

Prayagraj: ‘Sadhus’ of ‘Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara’, ‘Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara’, and ‘Shri Panch Nirvani Ani Akhara’ take part in the ‘Chavni Pravesh’, the royal entry procession for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, towards Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

With millions of devotees set to participate in what is the world’s largest religious congregation, the Maha Kumbh will kick off on January 13 with a visual display of 2,000 illuminated drones over Sangam Nose, depicting iconic events such as the mythical Samudra Manthan and emergence of the Amrit Kalash. A similar drone show will also mark the close of the event on February 26.

Kumbh Melas are held every three years with a 12-year cycle for the Maha Kumbh – commencing along the riverbanks in Haridwar, then Ujjain, Nashik and culminating with the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Ardh Kumbh at the six-year mark is celebrated in Haridwar and Prayagraj. The dates of the event are decided based on the movements of the moon, sun and Jupiter as recorded in the Hindu calendar.

As the Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, here are a few key points to remember for those going to attend the massive festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Plan your trip in advance

To ensure that everything runs smoothly and minimize last-minute tension, devotees and visitors should plan ahead of time. One must plan accommodations ahead of time, travel early in the day, and pack needed items.

Auspicious bathing days

There are six auspicious bathing days during the Maha Kumbh, which include three major royal baths (Shahi Snan) and three additional bathing days:

January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima,

January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan),

January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan),

February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan),

February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima, and

February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan).

Carry winter clothes

The area around the Sangam can be very cold, so pack warm clothing such as inner layers, socks, scarves, gloves, hats, and heavy coats. Furthermore, the weather during the Maha Kumbh can change abruptly, so bringing an umbrella is advisable.

Travelling in trains

To handle the massive influx of pilgrims, Indian Railways has launched a large-scale operation, scheduling over 13,000 trains for the occasion. This includes 10,000 regular services, 3,000 special trains, and 560 ring rail trains that will improve connectivity between Prayagraj and nearby cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Chitrakoot.

Enhanced security

The installation of around 2,300 CCTV cameras throughout the Maha Kumbh site and Prayagraj is notable because it will help with crowd control, population density analysis, incident reporting, and cleanliness monitoring through control centers. In the Mela region, authorities also plan to construct 1.45 lakh restrooms and 99 temporary parking spaces covering 1,850 hectares.

Carry identity card

Keep an identity card on hand, such as an Aadhaar card, voter card, or PAN card, in case you get lost in a large crowd. Also, include a photo and contact information for family members.