Maha Kumbh Mela

The 2025 Prayagraj Maha Kumbh ended on Maha Shivaratri (26 Feb 2025). The next major Melas: Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar in 2027, Simhastha Kumbh at Nashik in 2027 and Ujjain in 2028. The next Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is in 2037.

Shahi Snans are the auspicious "royal bathing" days when the akhadas process to the Sangam in formation. Prayagraj 2025 had 6 main snan days including Mauni Amavasya, Vasant Panchami and Maha Shivaratri. Future Melas publish dates 6–12 months in advance.

The confluence at Prayagraj where the Ganga (visible green), Yamuna (visible brown) and Saraswati (mythical, underground) meet. Bathing here during the Mela is considered the most spiritually potent act of the Hindu calendar.

Renunciate monks of the Shaiva akhadas who live in austerity, often unclothed and covered in sacred ash (vibhuti). They emerge from their forest ashrams primarily during Kumbh Melas and lead the Shahi Snan processions.

Yes — the Mela is open to all. Sectors of the tent city have dedicated international-pilgrim camps. Many ISKCON, Arsha Vidya, and Chinmaya Mission centres organise group pilgrimages with translation, accommodation and akhada introductions for foreign devotees.