Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Bathing Dates and Special Occasions Revealed, Guide from Pune to Prayagraj
Reported by Amit Singh
Pune, 10th January 2025: The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is set to begin in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025. This grand spiritual event, celebrated every 12 years, brings together millions of devotees and ascetics from around the globe to the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
The bathing ritual, considered the heart of the Maha Kumbh Mela, holds immense significance in Hinduism. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the sacred days washes away sins, liberates ancestors, and brings spiritual liberation or Moksha. Along with bathing, devotees participate in worship, enlightening discourses, and grand processions led by sadhus and saints.
Here are the important bathing dates and special occasions for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Bathing Dates:
– Paush Purnima: January 13, 2025
– Marks the unofficial beginning of the Maha Kumbh Mela and Kalpvasa, a period of intense spiritual practice.
– Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan): January 14, 2025
– The first royal bath (Shahi Snan), symbolising the sun’s transition to its next position. A day of donations and rituals.
– Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan): January 29, 2025
– The most significant bathing day, attracting the largest number of pilgrims. Believed to be the most auspicious for a holy dip.
– Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan): *February 3, 2025
– Celebrated with vibrant yellow attire, marking the arrival of spring and Saraswati Puja.
– Maghi Purnima: February 12, 2025
– A full-moon day with spiritual importance, marking the end of Kalpvasa for many devotees.
– Maha Shivratri: February 26, 2025
– The last bathing day, dedicated to Lord Shiva, concluding the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
How to Travel from Pune to Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
Travelling to the Maha Kumbh Mela from Pune is made easier with multiple transportation options available:
1. By Train:
Pune is well-connected to Prayagraj by several trains. Pilgrims can book seats on direct or connecting trains such as the Pune-Danapur Express, Pune-Gorakhpur Express, Gyan Ganga Express and Pune-Lucknow Express. It is advisable to book tickets well in advance due to high demand during the Kumbh season.
2. By Air:
The nearest airport to Prayagraj is Prayagraj Airport (IXD). Direct flights from Pune to Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport) or Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport) are available, followed by a road journey of approximately 2-3 hours to Prayagraj.
3. By Road:
For those travelling by road, Prayagraj is approximately 1,400 km from Pune. Pilgrims can drive or hire private buses/taxis. State transport may also arrange special buses for the event.
4. Special Arrangements:
Indian Railways and government authorities typically arrange special trains and buses during the Kumbh Mela to accommodate the surge in pilgrims.
Tips for Pilgrims:
– Book accommodation and transport well in advance.
– Follow the guidelines issued by authorities for safety and crowd management.
– Carry essentials such as identity proof, a first-aid kit, and warm clothing, as temperatures can drop in January and February.
– Stay updated about the event through official websites and announcements.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to be a spiritually enriching experience, offering devotees an opportunity to immerse themselves in the divine energy of the sacred Triveni Sangam.
