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.

Many pilgrims are visiting the Tirumala temple today and there are two ways to do that: either visit the temple without booking tickets or book a ticket in advance. Booking Tirumala Darshan tickets online and in advance is one of the finest ways to have a perfect darshan. All that is required is a visit to the temple’s official website where visitors can make online ticket reservations. All devotees have the option of reserving seats in a variety of darshans.

As a result, special darshan dates have been set aside for July and August. The cost of a pilgrim ticket is Rs 300, and a single laddu is provided free of cost. The concept of special entry darshan, also known as seeghra darshanam, was launched on September 21, 2009 to allow travellers to enjoy a quick darshan. On their website, TTD has said bookings should be made only through their official website https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in/. According to the website, devotees can book their tickets through the TTD official mobile app TT Devasthanams as well.

How to make an online reservation for special entry darshan?

• Log on to the temple’s official website.
• Enter your mobile number, then enter your OTP which you get on the mobile.
• Your calendar will now be displayed, allowing you to chose the dates you desire.
• The calendar displays colour coded availability. Green denotes availability, red denotes quota full, blue denotes quota not released, and white denotes slot not available. Yellow denotes fast filling.
• The spaces will then be chosen, and you will get to select the date.
•  Select the number of individuals from the drop down menu.
• Make a list of how many laddus you need.
• You can also make hundi offerings if you want. Please keep in mind that the offerings are accepted in INR.
•  After filing out all the necessary paperwork, click the continue button.
• Enter every detail such as age, name, gender, photo ID proof, and ID card.
• Pilgrims can reserve special entry darshan tickets for the next day, three hours before the darshan slot.

Things to be kept in mind during darshan

1. To gain access to the terminal, you should have some sort of identity proof.
2. Devotees are not allowed to enter the temple premises without tickets
3. All reservations are final, with no postponement, cancellation, advancement or refund permitted.
4. Children under the age of 12 must provide evidence of age to gain free admission.

December 22 marks the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa. He is also known for introducing the Five Ks- Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kaccha – also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear), Kirpan (steel sword).

Even though he was born on 22nd December, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is observed in January by Sikhs across the world.

Why Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on January 20 and not on December 22?

The day is dedicated to the great warrior, poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader. According to the Georgian calendar, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on December 22, 1666, but his birth anniversary is based on the lunar calendar. That’s why Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated in January. This year marks the 355th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Who was Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. When Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was merely nine years of age, his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam, becoming the tenth and final human Sikh Guru. Following his father’s death, Guru Gobind Ji emerged as the leader and protection of the Sikhs and continued to struggle against the Mughals’ atrocities against his community. His four sons died during his lifetime – two in battle, two executed by the Mughal army.

Read Also: Guru Gobind Singh birth anniversary: Wishes, quotes, and messages to share with your friends and families

Notable contributions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Sikhism

• He is the founder of the Sikh warrior community Khalsa
• He introduced Five Ks, the five articles that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.
• He is credited with creating the Dasam Granth, a collection of hymns that are used in Sikh prayers and Khalsa rituals.
• He is also recognised for finalising and enshrining the Guru Granth Sahib as the primary scripture and immortal Guru of Sikhism.