Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 | 16 Nov 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a sacred pilgrimage, will be held in Prayagraj from 13^th January to  26^th February 2025, drawing millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification, cultural celebration, and unity. 

• The word ‘Kumbh’ comes from the root ‘kumbhak’ (the sacred pitcher of elixir of immortality). 

What are the Key Facts About Kumbh Mela? 

• About:  
  • It is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. This gathering takes place at 4 different places, namely: 
    • In Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges. 
    • In Ujjain, on the banks of Shipra. 
    • In Nashik, on the banks of Godavari (Dakshin Ganga). 
    • In Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati. 
• Different Types of Kumbh: 
  • The Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over a course of 12 years. 
  • At Haridwar and Prayagraj, Ardh-Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year. 
  • The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’). 
  • Maagh Kumbh is celebrated every year in the month of Maagh (Jan-Feb) in Prayagraj. 
• Historical Evolution:  
  • Background: The Maha Kumbh Mela, transcribed by Adi Shankaracharya, originates from the Puranas, describing gods and demons battling for the sacred pitcher of Amrit, with Lord Vishnu (as Mohini) securing it from demons. 
  • Ancient Origins: During the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE), the Kumbh Mela began as smaller gatherings of pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent.  
    • Its significance increased with the rise of Hinduism, particularly under rulers like the Guptas who elevated its status.
    • Harshavardhana king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty started the organisation of the Kumbh fair at Prayagraj.
  • Medieval Patronage: Supported by royal dynasties like the Chola and Vijayanagar empires, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals.  
    • Akbar promoted religious tolerance and granted Naga Sadhus the honour of leading the royal entry to the Mela in 1565.
  • Colonial Period: British administrators, fascinated by the Kumbh Mela's scale and diversity, observed and documented the festival.  
    • In the 19th century, James Prinsep chronicled its ritualistic practices and socio-religious dynamics. 
  • Post-Independence Significance: The Kumbh Mela symbolises national unity and India's cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity for its enduring ancient traditions. 
• Kumbh 2019 Created 3 Guinness World Records: 
  • Largest traffic and crowd management plan.  
  • The biggest painting exercise of public sites under the Paint My City Scheme.  
  • Biggest sanitation and waste disposal mechanism. 
• Significance of Kumbh: 
  • Spiritual Relevance: Bathing at the Triveni Sangam (Ganges, Yamuna, Sarasvati confluence) is believed to purify sins and lead to spiritual liberation (Moksha). 
  • Cultural Showcase: At the Kumbh Mela, devotional kirtans, bhajans, and traditional dances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi, highlight themes of spiritual unity and divine love.  
  • Astrological Timing: Determined by the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, making the event highly auspicious for spiritual activities. 
    • At Nashik and Ujjain, if the mela is held when a planet is in Leo (Zodiac), it is called Simhastha Kumbh. 
• Rituals and Activities: 
  • Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): Procession of saints and Akharas (spiritual orders) performing ceremonial baths. Also known as 'Rajyogi Snan,' it signifies the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela. 
    • The word 'akhara' originates from 'akhand,' meaning indivisible. Adi Guru Shankaracharya sought to unify ascetic organisations to safeguard the 'Sanatan' way of life. 
    • Akharas symbolise social order, unity, culture, and ethics, focusing on spiritual and ethical values. They emphasise virtue, morality, self-restraint, compassion, and religiosity, and are symbols of unity in diversity. 
    • Akharas can be categorised based on their favoured deity. 
      • Shaiva Akharas: Worship Lord Shiva in various forms. 
      • Vaishnava Akharas: Worship Lord Vishnu in various forms. 
      • Udaseen Akharas: Founded by Chandra Dev (son of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru). 
  • Peshwai Processions: A grand spectacle featuring the traditional procession of Akharas, known as ‘Peshwai,’ which includes participants on elephants, horses, and chariots. 
  • Spiritual Discourses: The event features spiritual discourses led by revered saints and spiritual leaders, alongside a vibrant convergence of Indian music, dance, and crafts.