Kumbh Mela
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The world's largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims, held in turn at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
Where: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and NashikWhen: At each of the four sites roughly every 12 years, on dates set by the positions of Jupiter, the Sun and the MoonUNESCO heritage 2017
How it is performed
- Pilgrims take a holy dip (snan) at the sacred river on auspicious dates. The Amrit Snan (royal bath) of the akharas (orders of sadhus) leads the way.
- Sites: the Triveni Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati at Prayagraj; the Ganga at Haridwar; the Shipra at Ujjain; the Godavari at Nashik–Trimbakeshwar.
- Pilgrims also listen to discourses, sing bhajans, give charity and take part in community kitchens.
Significance
The Puranas tell how drops of amrit (nectar) fell at these four places during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). UNESCO inscribed Kumbh Mela in 2017. The Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj (13 January – 26 February 2025) drew over 66 crore pilgrims, as reported by the Uttar Pradesh government.