Monday, February 24, 2025
15.1 C
Delhi

6 Interesting Facts of Maha Kumbh Mela

The government estimates that over 45 crore devotees, including about 15 lakh foreign tourists, will attend Mahakumbh 2025. Here is Maha Kumbh Mela's history and facts.

The Mahakumbh Mela is a famous Hindu festival and pilgrimage, which happens every 12 years at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Do you know that the Triveni Sangam is where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet? Yeah, and this gathering is one of the largest peaceful celebrations in the globe, thus attracting millions of devotees. Here are some interesting facts about Mahakumbh Mela that you need to know.

1) The Mahakumbh Mela is attended by people from all walks of life who come to take a holy dip in the sacred waters. It is a belief that taking a holy dip cleanses people of sins and brings them spiritual benefits. Saints, monks, and spiritual leaders talk about religious teachings and organize prayer meetings. There are also fairs, cultural events, and markets for pilgrims in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

2) Wanna know what does the word ‘Kumbh’ mean? Kumb means ‘pitcher’ in Sanskrit, which means a container of holy nectar. The word comes from ancient stories where Gods and demons churned the ocean to create Amrit. For the unaware, Amrit means the nectar of immortality. As per stories, drops of this nectar fell at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

3) Although the Kumbh Mela has ancient roots, historical records of large gatherings started appearing during British rule in the 19th century. Some people believe that the Mela evolved from the traditional Magh Mela, which was celebrated in Prayagraj for centuries.

4) Mahakumbh is now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The event symbolizes faith, unity, and India’s rich cultural traditions.

5) In 2019, more than 200 million people attended the Maha Kumbh Mela, with 50 million people gathering on a single day. In 2025, the gathering has been attended by more than 45 crore devotees.

6) So, the Maha Kumbh Mela is attended by devotees for Spiritual Cleansing where it is believed that bathing in the rivers washes away sins. The event is used by religious and spiritual leaders to share their teachings while people gather to connect, share stories and celebrate Hinduism as a way of life.

Related Articles