Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

This week — beginning last Monday January 13, 2025​ and running through​ Wednesday February 26 marks the bathing rite pilgrimage in India of the Hindu and Jain Maha Kumbh Mela or Grand Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. ​

The most auspicious day for is the Mauni Amavasya (or silent new moon day) on January 29, 2025. The BBC's Geeta Pandey estimates that on the single day between 50 and 60 million people will bathe at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges. Over the course of the entire 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, officials estimate that 400 million people will take part over the full 45 days. The AP estimated that 15 million people entered the waters on the first day alone.  in a 4000 hectare (15.5 sq. mi/49 sq. ki) area. 

Devotees at the juncture of the Yamuna and Ganges river
Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The last Maha Kumbh Mela took place 12 years ago in 2013. The 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela marked the 12th occurrence of the12-year pilgrimage. Thus the 2013 event marked the end of a 144 year-cycle. However, due to disagreements of astronomical events affecting the dating, many believe that the 2025 event is the true Maha Kumbh Mela. 

Thus the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is either the actual end of the 144-year cycle or is the first Maha Kumbh Mela in the new 144 year cycle, and represents the transition to a new era. Please note that I personally take no stance on this controversy and do not wish to offend others in sharing this debated date.  ​ 

In all Kumbh Mela pilgrimages, Hindu pilgrims take a ritual bath (shahi snan) in the river, which earns merit and/or washes away sin for the worshiper​.​ Many different traditions involve prayers, group singing, religious discussions and feeding the thousands of monks and Naga Sadhu holy people who gather there. 

Naga Sadhus are digambara ("sky-clad") who neither own nor regularly wear clothes as they have renounced all possessions. Naga Sadhus cover themselves in ashes and let their hair grow untouched (so usually ending up as very long dreadlocks). They are at once the most pacifist worshippers in Jainism and Hinduism and yet warriors who protect sacred sites and temples by their presence alone but also with their tridents (trishul). Because their blessings carry good karma, the Maha Kumbh Mela is characterized by millions seeking such blessings.

Naga Sadhus with trishul at 2013 Maha Kumb Mela
Photo by Adnan Abidi, Reuters

There are four sacred Kumbh Mela pilgrimages. They occur four times over a twelve-year cycle. Each takes place at a holy river site where Hindus believe that drops of amrita (divine nectar) fell at the four spots. These are Prayag, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar. All involve a ritual dip in the River Ganges to wash away bad karma.

The Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage 

In all Kumbh Mela pilgrimages, Hindu and Jain pilgrims take a ritual bath in the river, which earns merit and/or washes away sin for the worshiper​.​Many different traditions involve prayers, group singing, religious discussions and feeding the thousands of monks and Naga sadhu holy people who gather there. 

There are four sacred Kumbh Mela pilgrimages.  They occur four times over a twelve-year cycle.  Each takes place at a holy river site where Hindus believe that drops of amrita (divine nectar) fell at the four spots. These are Prayag, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar. All involve a ritual dip in the River Ganges to wash away bad karma. 

Largest Gathering of People in History

The event is expected to break the record for the largest gathering of people in one spot in history.  The Indian government estimates that 400 million people will take part over the full 45 days. By way of comparison, the population of the world's third most populous nation -- United States --is only 328 million people. 

Maja Kumbh Mela devotees

The AP estimated that 15 million people entered the waters on the first day alone.  To put this in perspective, the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca (the largest annual gathering of people anywhere) numbered 1.83 million in 2024. In 2023, the hajj broke its all-time record with 2.5 million people. Six times that record number entered the waters of this year's Maha Kumbh Mela on its first day. 

Special Needs of the Gathering

Safety and Crowd Control

Safety and public calm has been another priority for over 70 years ago with the Kumbh Mela stampede of February 3, 1954, the first Kumbh Mela following India’s independence. Estimates on the stampede vary greatly, ranging between Memish et al.'s estimate of 500 dead to  PM Narendra Modi claimed that "thousands of people were killed in the Kumbh stampede in Allahabad." Both of these estimates were made in 2019, with Memish et al.'s published in the academic journal The Lancet and PM Modi's in a 2019 campaign speech.

 

Regardless of the actual death toll, the stampede was the worst in India's post-independence history. The 1954 stampede was blamed on the absence of adequate crowd control forces coupled with the excitement from the visit of politicians such as PM Jawaharlal Nehru. 

As a result, politicians have been banned from giving speeches at the gatherings ever since.  

Despite precautions, a stampede leaving 42 dead broke out at the train station on Sunday, February 10, 2013.  This was the first instance of stampede since the 1954 tragedy. 

Crowd control extends beyond stampede precautions. Issues such as getting lost, jostling others, and tracking troublemakers. To address this concerns, the organizers have provided, as Outlook's Anjali Rawat notes, "QR codes for vehicles and RFID wristbands for pilgrims will streamline entry and exit, reducing congestion and improving safety" and "Pilgrims who consent to GPS tracking through a mobile app can receive location-based alerts, ensuring they stay informed about nearby facilities."

Terrorist Precautions

Since the Mumbai attacks from Islamist terrorists in 2008, special terrorist task forces have regularly been a part of all subsequent Melas and large crowd events in India. Adding even more to these concerns, the Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the outlawed Sikhs for Justice Movement has publicly threatened -- twice (with the last on January 6) -- to disrupt the Maha Kumb Mela, As India Today's Shivani Sharma records, the "Khalistani terrorist" has threatened to "kill Hindutva ideology" and “Mahakumbh Prayagraj 2025 will become a battlefield”.    

Security forces have implemented a seven-tier security plan to monitor those entering the area, and eliminating a vehicles from the central zones. Additional Director General (Prayagraj Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar explained this to The Economic Times: "We have implemented a robust seven-tier security plan... This includes multiple cordons—outer, inner, and isolation—along with district and inter-state checkpoints. Prominent public places, including religious spots across the city, have been brought under strict security measures."

 

Senior superintendent of police (Mahakumbh Nagar), Rajesh Dwivedi, told the Hindustan Times: “A robust and hi-tech security system is in place. With the global spotlight on the Mahakumbh, the Mahakumbh Nagar police have gone into full alert mode ahead of the New Year celebrations.” Dwivedi explained that to ensure a safe and secure experience for devotees, 37,611 policemen are being deployed. Among these, 22,953 policemen are for the fair area, 6,887 for the Prayagraj Commissionerate, 7,771 for the GRP, and 1,378 women police officers.

Drone shot of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025   

 

  

 

Kapil Dixit in the Times of India explains that the Mela will be protected by a "network of 2,751 CCTV cameras, including 328 AI-enabled cameras" and stationery and underwater drones. 

Water Supply

Drinking water is a continuous concern at all Kumbh Mela gatherings. It is in this area that the government has expressed some concern.  To prepare in advance for the crowds, the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (urban) authorities installed a network of 1249 km (776 miles) of pipeline with 56,000 water connections, 85 tube wells and 30 generators. 

Ganges Clean-Up

In an effort to ensure that the Ganges water quality is safe, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board undertook a massive two-month clean-up effort. As Gaurav Saigal reported in the Hindustan Times, "is now flowing swift, in one of its cleanest forms seen in many years." 

This accomplishment is all the more notable considering that on November 6, 2024, the National Green Tribunal Justice Prakash Shrivastava ruled that a study of 42 locations at the site (as reported in The Economic Times): "clearly discloses the fact that the water quality is deteriorating on account of the discharge of sewage or sullage into the river Ganga," and the GTJ ruled that the Uttar Pradesh state government had to make the water suitable for bathing at the time of the Kumbh Mela. In a remarkable effort, as Saigal reported: "change in water quality came after industries in 23 districts were asked to close operations and 34 untapped drains were diverted for filtration at the temporary sewage treatment plants (STPs)." Additionally, officials have gradually released fresh water from the Narora Dam and elsewhere have gradually on an as-needed basis to maintain safe water quality for bathing devotees.

 

Devotees take a dip in the Ganga at Prayagraj
(HT File Photo)

Sanitation and Disease Control 

 

The special needs for preparing for the pilgrimage are handled through India’s Mela Administration. Particular care is given to prevent the spread of disease. There have been no major outbreaks of disease since care to public health became a priority following an outbreak of cholera at the 1892 Kumbh Mela. 

To this end, in 2025, according to Kapil Dixit in The Times of India, 10,000 sanitation workers clean up the 150,000 toilets and urinals set up for the crowds. Sanitation official, in turn, monitor each facility for safety and cleanliness with QR codes.   Because the Indian government has committed to green activities, the sanitation equipment is eco-friendly, operating, as Dixit explains, "without fuel, or electricity, thereby helping in the reduction of environmental impact." Workers also operate specially-designed battery-operated vacuums to clear the area of litter and other waste.

Five district malaria officers, 45 malaria inspectors and 28 assistant malaria inspectors not only monitor the pilgrims but actively operate specially-designed equipment to keep the area free of mosquitos, flies and other insects. They employ 110 automatic blower mist machines and 107 mini-fogging machines throughout the Mela area.

Health Care Initiatives

The Indian Army and the Mela Administration of Uttar Pradesh state have joint established joint health care operations for the event. Uttar Pradesh state has staffed the entire Mela area with 291 MBBS (western-medical training) physicians and 90 experts in Ayurvedic and Unani (both traditional Indian medical practices) supported by 182 nurses. The Uttar Pradesh government has set up on site a 100-bed hospital, two 20-bed hospitals, and several 8-bed facilities. These state facilities include, as Rawat explains: "separate wards for men, women, and children, as well as dedicated delivery rooms"  as well as special attention to holistic traditional health care: "Special attention is being given to sadhus, saints, and Kalpwasis, who will be observing extended periods of spiritual retreat during the Kumbh."

Additionally, the Indian Army has set up as 50-bed military hospital in the city of Prayagraj, a 45-bed crisis response facility on the grounds and a Class-1 Medical Assistance Post designed to provide with minimal disruption on-the-spot care for minor injuries or illnesses. Finally, the Indian Army has set up a 24/7 mobile evacuation team for critical care and emergency transport based at the Army's Ordnance Depot Fort.  

Further high-tech enhancement introduced for the 2025 Mela is a "dedicated app and AI-powered chatbot in 11 languages will guide pilgrims with information on healthcare facilities, routes, and emergency contacts." Rawat 

Eye Care Initiative

In a particularly noteworthy initiative, all people at the even will receive free eye, the largest such event in history. In a remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility action, Sharp Site Hospitals working with Netra Kumbh will provide eye care for 50 days. 

Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals at Kumbh Mela

As reported in the CSR Journal, the initiative will

• Conduct 5,00,000 free eye tests to screen for vision problems and eye diseases.
• Deploy an expert team of 500 ophthalmologists to offer specialized diagnostics and consultations.
• Distribute 3,00,000 spectacles to individuals needing refractive corrections.
• Engage 1,000 optometrists to ensure smooth execution of the initiative.
• Perform 50,000 eye surgeries for individuals suffering from severe vision impairments, including cataracts and other critical eye conditions.

Conclusion

Hinduism has multiple traditions within it. Many of these traditions vary in their interpretation of the rites and significance of the Kumbh Mela. This post is meant only as a brief introductory overview. It is not intended to indicate any particular practice. 

As always, I welcome your corrections (or praise) and any other input.  

Happy Maha Kumbh Mela! 

Works Cited

“CSR News: World’s Largest Free Eye Check-Up Camp in Mahakumbh 2025 (January 17, 2025), CSR Journal, https://thecsrjournal.in/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-news-worlds-largest-free-eye-check-up-camp-in-mahakumbh-2025/

 

Dash, Nivedita (November 20, 2024), India TV, https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/mahakumbh-2025-1-249-km-long-network-of-pipes-to-provide-water-supply-updates-2024-11-20-962557

 

Dixit, Kapil (January 11, 2025), “10,000 sanitation workers to make Kumbh clean & green,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/10000-sanitation-workers-to-make-kumbh-clean-green/articleshow/117134518.cms

 

Dixit, Kapil (January 13, 2025), “From AI cams to drones, Kumbh Mela site a fortress with 7-ring security,”  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-seven-ring-security-sangam-turns-into-fortress/articleshow/117181725.cms

 

“Maha Kumbh 2025: Seven-ring security plan turns Prayagraj’s Sangam into a fortress” (January 13, 2025), The Economic Times, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/maha-kumbh-2025-seven-ring-security-plan-turns-prayagrajs-sangam-into-a-fortress/articleshow/117198758.cms

 

“Mahakumbh-2025: Three-tier security for entry to mela area ahead of New Year” (December 26, 2024), Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/mahakumbh2025-three-tier-security-for-entry-to-mela-area-ahead-of-new-year-101735224176483.html 

 

Memish ZA, Steffen R, White P, Dar O, Azhar EI, Sharma A, Zumla A. (May 18, 2019),  “Mass gatherings medicine: public health issues arising from mass gathering religious and sporting events.”  The Lancet.  (10185):2073-2084. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30501-X. PMID: 31106753; PMCID: PMC7159069.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7159069/#tbl1

Pandey, Geeta, (January 12, 2025), "Millions start bathing in holy rivers at India's biggest Hindu festival, BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg7gzzx3gno

 

“PM Modi recalls 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede at election rally in UP (May 1, 2019), The Economic Times, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/pm-modi-recalls-1954-kumbh-mela-stampede-at-election-rally-in-up/articleshow/69129977.cms?from=mdr

 

Rawat, Anjali (January 7, 2025), “State-Of-The-Art Healthcare For Maha Kumbh 2025: Ensuring Pilgrim Safety, Outlook, https://www.outlookindia.com/brand-studio/state-of-the-art-healthcare-for-maha-kumbh-2025-ensuring-pilgrim-safety

 

Sheikh Saaliq (January 14, 2024), “Millions of pilgrims and naked, ash-smeared ascetics take holy dips in India’s mega Hindu festival, AP, https://apnews.com/article/india-maha-kumbh-hinduism-527170e00730b5e2a61a70b7423493ad

 

Saigal, Gaurav (January 11, 2025), “Mahakumbh-2025: Two months of action later, Ganga water fit for holy dip,” Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/mahakumbh2025-two-months-of-action-later-ganga-water-fit-for-holy-dip-101736612105117.html

 

Sharma, Shivani (January 6, 2025), “Prayagraj chalo: Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens to disrupt Mahakumbh,” India Today, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prayagraj-chalo-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-threatens-to-disrupt-mahakumbh-2025-magh-mela-2660303-2025-01-06

 

Sukheja, Bhavya (Dec. 21, 2024), NDTV, Maha Kumbh 2025: Know History, Location, Significance And More, NDTV, https://www.ndtv.com/feature/maha-kumbh-2025-know-history-location-significance-and-more-7302358b

 

“Water quality of Ganga in UP deteriorating due to discharge of sewage: NGT” (November 9. 2024), The Economic Times, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/water-quality-of-ganga-in-up-deteriorating-due-to-discharge-of-sewage-ngt/articleshow/115112215.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Clip Art Sources

Kumbh welcome opening image, Maha Kumbh 2025: Know History, Location, Significance And More, NDTV,Kumbh.gov.in  https://www.ndtv.com/feature/maha-kumbh-2025-know-history-location-significance-and-more-7302358b

Devotees at the juncture of the Yamuna and Ganges riverAdnan Abidi/Reuters 

Devotees take a dip in the Ganga at Prayagraj, Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/mahakumbh2025-two-months-of-action-later-ganga-water-fit-for-holy-dip-101736612105117.html

Naga Sadhus with trishul at 2013 Maha Kumb Mela Photo by Adnan Abidi, Reuters  https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/naga-sadhus-idINRTR3D6PA/ 

Maja Kumbh Mela devotees: Rawat, Anjali (January 7, 2025), “State-Of-The-Art Healthcare For Maha Kumbh 2025: Ensuring Pilgrim Safety, Outlook, https://www.outlookindia.com/brand-studio/state-of-the-art-healthcare-for-maha-kumbh-2025-ensuring-pilgrim-safety

A drone shot of the Sangam area ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025, Dixit, Kapil (January 13, 2025), “From AI cams to drones, Kumbh Mela site a fortress with 7-ring security,”  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-seven-ring-security-sangam-turns-into-fortress/articleshow/117181725.cms

 

Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals at Kumbh Mela, “CSR News: World’s Largest Free Eye Check-Up Camp in Mahakumbh 2025 (January 17, 2025), CSR Journal,  https://thecsrjournal.in/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-news-worlds-largest-free-eye-check-up-camp-in-mahakumbh-2025/