Kumbh Mela: History, Significance, and Lore of the Festival

The Kumbh Mela 2025 is a massive religious gathering in India, expected to draw a crowd of over 50 crore pilgrims by February 26. It occurs every 12 years in Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. Additionally, Prayag hosts an Ardh Kumbh Mela every six years. The Kumbh Mela began on Paush Poornima, January 13th. By February 13th, 2025, over 49 crore devotees had already taken a holy dip at the Sangam.Eye protection is important for pilgrims. Pilgrims may consider these tips:Select a cleaner ghat for bathing to avoid pollutants and grime.Wear protective sunglasses or swimming goggles. Contact lens wearers should remove them before the trip.Avoid rubbing your eyes, and instead, rinse them gently with clean, bottled water. Consult an eye doctor if irritation persists.Use lubricating eye drops without preservatives, ideally prescribed by an eye doctor.Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizers.Stay hydrated and eat vitamin A-rich foods.Several prominent figures, including Bollywood stars, political leaders, and spiritual leaders, have visited the Kumbh Mela. These include:Actors Vicky Kaushal, Vivek Oberoi, and Punit IssarUnion Minister Jyotiraditya ScindiaSachin Pilot, a former Union MinisterNavneet Rana, a BJP leaderবিষ্ণু দেব (Vishnu Dev) Say, Chief Minister of ChhattisgarhTraffic and transportation arrangements are being managed to accommodate the large number of visitors. The Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation will operate 2250 additional buses during the final phase of the Mela. Indian Railways has run special trains for the Kumbh Mela. Traffic is being regulated to minimize inconvenience to pilgrims, with e-rickshaws and autos allowed up to the entry gates.The Kumbh Mela hashistorical and mythological significance. The dropping of अमृत (elixir) at four locations—Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik—while देव (Gods) and दानव (demons) fought over it is one of the key lores associated with the festival. The astrological positions of the sun, moon, and Jupiter are also considered important in determining the timing of the Kumbh Mela.