The much-anticipated Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, drawing millions of devotees to the confluence of the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers meet. With an expected crowd of 40 to 45 crore pilgrims from across India and around the world, this sacred event promises to be the largest gathering of the Sanatan faith.

A sacred gathering rooted in mythology

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a monumental religious pilgrimage celebrated every 12 years, rotating across four revered locations in India: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. This grand festival is steeped in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the quest for salvation through a holy dip in the sacred waters, believed to be imbued with drops of nectar from the cosmic churning of the ocean.

At Prayagraj, the Kumbh Mela holds particular significance as it is centered at the Triveni Sangam, a location where devotees believe their sins are washed away through ritual bathing. This year’s Kumbh Mela will officially begin on January 13, with the Paush Purnima Snan (bath), and conclude on February 26, with Maha Shivratri.

The Akharas: centers of spiritual power

A defining feature of the Kumbh Mela are the Akharas—monastic orders that form a crucial part of the event. In total, 13 recognized Akharas participate, each following distinct spiritual practices rooted in Hindu traditions. These Akharas include:

1. Juna Akhara
2. Niranjani Akhara
3. Mahanirvani Akhara
4. Atal Akhara
5. Ahwan Akhara
6. Nirmohi Akhara
7. Anand Akhara
8. Panchagni Akhara
9. Nagpanthi Gorakhnath Akhara
10. Vaishnav Akhara
11. Udasin Panchayati Bada Akhara
12. Udasin Naya Akhara
13. Nirmal Panchayati Akhara

The Akharas are divided into several categories based on the deities they revere, including Shaiva (followers of Lord Shiva), Vaishnav (devotees of Lord Vishnu), and Udasin (followers of Guru Nanak). The Akharas are led by spiritual authorities such as the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, the highest-ranking position in an Akhara, and other prominent figures including Mahamandaleshwar and Shrimahant, responsible for administrative duties.

The role of Naga Sadhus

Among the most striking figures at the Kumbh Mela are the Naga Sadhus—ascetics who renounce all worldly possessions, including clothing, in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. These ascetics dedicate their lives to self-realization and are often seen leading processions and performing rituals during the Mela.

Key bathing dates: A spiritual journey

The Maha Kumbh Mela includes six major bathing days, each carrying deep spiritual significance. Pilgrims gather on these days to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings for a better life:

• January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima
• January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (Royal Bath)
• January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Royal Bath)
• February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Royal Bath)
• February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima
• February 26, 2025: Mahashivratri

Each of these dates marks a unique occasion for spiritual renewal, drawing millions of people to the banks of the Triveni Sangam.

The spiritual significance of Peshwai and Nagar Pravesh

The Kumbh Mela is also marked by the grand processions of the Akharas, known as Peshwai and Nagar Pravesh. The Peshwai sees Akharas move from their permanent ashrams to their temporary camps at the Kumbh Mela site, a display of tradition and power, featuring elephants, camels, horses, and other symbolic elements. The Nagar Pravesh marks the arrival of saints and ascetics in the city, an event that adds to the grandeur and spiritual atmosphere of the festival.

Hatha Yoga: The path of devotion

During the Kumbh Mela, some ascetics practice Hatha Yoga, an intense form of spiritual discipline. This involves extreme physical postures such as standing on one leg for hours or keeping an arm raised for years, as acts of devotion and penance.

Kalpavas: A spiritual commitment

Another unique practice at the Kumbh Mela is Kalpavas, a spiritual observance where devotees spend the sacred months of Paush and Magh on the banks of the Triveni Sangam. Living in temporary shelters, the practitioners renounce worldly pleasures and engage in meditation, prayer, and rituals, seeking to purify their souls and achieve spiritual liberation.

As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 approaches, Prayagraj will become a global epicenter for spiritual devotion, drawing people from all walks of life to partake in its rituals and blessings. The event will not only be a celebration of faith but also a profound reminder of the collective power of devotion, self-realization, and spiritual unity.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday unveiled a scholarship initiative for Dalit students amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments about Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha.

The scheme, titled ‘Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship,’ is seen by Kejriwal as a direct response to what he perceives as the BJP’s “disrespect” towards Ambedkar.

This initiative will allow all Dalit students from Delhi to receive free education at foreign universities. Kejriwal stated, “Government employees from the Dalit community will benefit from the ‘Ambedkar Samman Scholarship’ scheme. They will be able to send their children to study abroad at no cost, with the Delhi government covering all expenses related to education, travel, and accommodation.”

However, details regarding the application process and timeline for the scholarships have not been specified. Kejriwal expressed his outrage over Amit Shah’s remarks, stating, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah insulted and mocked Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar in Parliament, causing pain to millions who revere him. Ambedkar believed that education was the key to progress and secured a PhD from the US against all odds.”

Kejriwal further criticised the BJP, proclaiming, “You may insult Baba Saheb, but I will always honor him. This is my tribute to Baba Saheb.” The announcement of this scholarship scheme comes in light of the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi scheduled for next year.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when Amit Shah, during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, remarked that mentioning Ambedkar had become a “fashion.”

He stated, “It has become the fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… If they (the Opposition) invoked God’s name as often, they might find a place in heaven.” This comment drew immediate backlash from the Opposition, including demands for Shah’s resignation. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress have since filed privilege motions against him in Parliament.

In response to the criticism, Shah accused the Congress of distorting facts and using edited videos to evade accountability regarding their alleged attacks on the Constitution and democracy in India. He dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting that it would not resolve the Congress’s issues.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Prajna Bhavan in Agartala on Saturday.

During his address, Shah emphasised the need for a shift in the police force’s approach now that insurgency has come to an end in the northeast, stressing the importance of providing speedy justice to citizens.

He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has witnessed significant peace efforts, marked by 20 peace accords over the past decade, leading to the surrender of around 9,000 armed militants.

“The police have been engaged in combating insurgency in the northeast for the last 40 years. With the conclusion of insurgency, it’s imperative that we adjust our approach to ensure that justice is delivered within three years of filing an FIR,” he stated.

Shah also noted the central government’s investment of Rs 81,000 crore in rail connectivity and Rs 41,000 crore in road infrastructure in the northeastern region. Additionally, he mentioned a focus on promoting organic farming in the area, announcing the establishment of the National Organic Corporation Ltd to enhance this sector.

He encouraged all Chief Ministers in the northeast to collaborate with NOCL for the packaging, marketing, and export of organic products.

Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with the Governors and Chief Ministers from all eight northeastern states, and senior officials, were in attendance.

Scindia mentioned that there would be in-depth discussions about the future development plans for the region, in addition to reviewing the council’s progress over the past year.

A delegation from the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is also expected to participate in the discussions, according to reports.

Shah arrived in Tripura on December 20, 2024, to chair the NEC’s 72nd plenary session. The NEC serves as the central agency for economic and social development in the northeastern states, which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.