The Kumbh Mela, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, is one of the greatest spiritual events on Earth. Over thousands of years, millions of pilgrims, saints, yogis and curious tourists have visited it.
The event is a unique combination of devotion, rituals and culture, conducted in rotation at four holy sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. This detailed guide will help you navigate the Kumbh Mela and maximise your experience.
What is Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela is rooted in ancient Indian mythology. It celebrates the story of the Samudra Manthan, where the gods and demons fought for the Amrit. Mythology says that drops of this Amrit fell at four locations – Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. These places now host the Kumbh Mela at specific intervals based on astronomical positioning.
There are four types of Kumbh Melas:
| Maha Kumbh Mela | Held every 144 years in Prayagraj. |
| Purna Kumbh Mela | Occurs every 12 years at each site |
| Ardh Kumbh Mela | Held every 6 years in Prayagraj and Haridwar |
| Magh Mela | An annual fair celebrated in Prayagraj |
Things to Do at Kumbh Mela
Here are some of the must-do activities at the Kumbh Mela.
Take the Shahi Snan
At the Kumbh Mela, people take a holy dip in the sacred rivers. The best days for this are called Shahi Snan days. The Shahi Snan is the highlight of the Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims bathe in holy waters on this day to purify themselves.
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, people participate in the tradition of bathing in these holy waters.
- Prayagraj: At the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet.
- Haridwar: At the Har Ki Pauri ghat on the Ganga River.
- Ujjain: In the Shipra River near the Ram Ghat.
- Nashik: At the Godavari River.
Visit an Akhada
The different Hindu sects are spiritual groups known as Akharas, including the large Juna Akhada with 13 main Akharas at the Kumbh Mela. At these Akharas, people practice spirituality through bhajan, yoga, prayer, chanting, and help for the poor.
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, you can visit and experience this spiritual aura, listen to the great talks and learn from the Sadhus. Grand parades of the Naga Sadhus’ are famous, visiting smaller Ashrams and talking to simpler Sadhus is suggested for peaceful and insightful conversations.
Meet the Naga Sadhus
Naga Sadhus are only seen at the Kumbh Mela. They are devoted followers of Lord Shiva who live a simple life, sacrificing all the life enjoyments.
At Kumbh Mela, they bathe in the holy river, perform rituals and show their skills of weapons. Other holy men like Urdhawavahurs and Kalpwasis are also present in the Kumbh Mela.
Attend Pravachans and Satsangs
At the Kumbh Mela, saints and spiritual leaders discuss the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
Many devotional events like katha, kirtan and storytelling sessions from the Ramayana, and Mahabharata are Organised by Many Sadhus. These sessions also include singing and music, creating a holy spiritual atmosphere.
You can take part in these activities by meditating, listening to stories or joining bhajans and Nam Jaaps in the Akhadas.
No permission is needed to participate in the Mela events, experience and enjoy the learnings and preachings. The more you know these stories, the more you’ll enjoy hearing new ideas and perspectives of different people.
Visit Nearby Temples
Visit the Nearby holy temples to improve your Kumbh Mela journey:
| City | Temples & Landmarks |
|---|---|
| Prayagraj | Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, Triveni Sangam, |
| Haridwar | Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple |
| Ujjain | Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kal Bhairav Temple |
| Nashik | Trimbakeshwar Temple, Panchavati |
Eat in a Bhandara
Free meals and prashad given to everyone during festivals is known as Bhandara. During the Kumbh Mela, the Bhandara is organized by Akhadas and is served to all visitors without any discrimination.
People treat this food as Prasad, which is the food offered to God. You can donate to sponsor the meal, but no one is asked here to pay. The cycle of donations keeps the tradition going and ensures that everyone is fed equally.
Participate in the Maha Aarti
The Ganga Aarti is a beautiful ritual performed at the Kumbh Mela. It is held every evening on the banks of the Ganges River. The Aarti is offered to Maa Ganga with prayers, ringing bells and conch sounds. One should witness the Ganga Aarti for an amazing spiritual experience at Kumbh Mela
Enjoy Traditional Food
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a festival which provides tasty street eateries at every turn. The streets are assembled with food stalls, tea shops and sweet shops which offer tasty treats like crispy kachoris, pakoras, samosas, chaats and sweet jalebis. Most of the food is made fresh right in front of you. Also, you can enjoy various authentic North Indian dishes.
Volunteer for Seva
At the Kumbh Mela, You can volunteer and Help elderly pilgrims, serve food at the Bhandaras, or join in cleaning to keep the place and the main areas clean. It’s a great opportunity to contribute positively and participate in the event.
Explore Cultural Exhibitions
Exhibitions are also conducted in the Kumbh Mela event. The highlight of the exhibition is India’s rich art, ancient heritage and spiritual culture. Also, there are many programs such as acts and plays whose scenes are taken from Mahabharat, Ramayan, and Puranas.
During the Kumbh Mela 2025, you can participate in Indian craft workshops such as pottery, cooking, weaving and painting. Explore beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans and attend yoga, Ayurveda and meditation workshops.
Purchase Mementos
At the Kumbh Mela 2025, you’ll find many shops and exhibition centres offering beautiful mementoes and art pieces. These items, crafted by local artists, make perfect gifts or home decor. Here you can shop following items:
- Metal and wooden sculptures
- Rudraksha beads
- Puja items
- Clay sculptures
- Pottery items
- Incense sticks
- Religious books, diaries and calendars
Participate in Cultural Events
The UP Culture department organizes a variety of cultural events during the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj that truly mention India’s rich cultural heritage. There are many cultural events by artists from around the world.
Throughout the Mela, many cultural events and other entertainment programs take place. It’s an opportunity to experience the arts, crafts, and traditions of the local region.
Visit the Famous Places
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, You can visit famous ghats in each city. Here are some of the popular ghats:
- Prayagraj: Triveni Sangam, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ram Ghat, Shankar Ghat, Rasulabad Ghat
- Haridwar: Har ki Pauri, Gau Ghat, Subhash Ghat, Ashti Parvath Ghat, Vishnu Ghat
- Nashik: Ganga Ghat, Ramkund
- Ujjain: Ram Ghat, Triveni Ghat, Gau Ghat, Chintaman Ghat, Datt Akhada Ghat, Mangalnath Ghat
These ghats offer a great way to connect with the spiritual atmosphere of the Mela.
