Mahakumbh 2025 started on 13 January 2025 on the auspicious day of Sankrat and will go up until 26 Feb 2025. It is said to be the biggest religious gathering which has become the talk of the world as it is no longer confined exclusively to Hindus. Still, people from various countries are keen to be part of this celebration of spirituality.
As per Unesco, MahaKumbh is in India’s intangible cultural heritage category. MahaKumbh arrives with a gap of 12 years which is been celebrated at Prayagraj Sangham this time. There are certain stories behind this festival.
Puranic Significance
According to the Puranic story, During this time the place contains the Amrit potion(an elixir which makes you immortal). Term Kumbh stands for a nectar pot carried by Dhanvantri which was retrieved in Samudra Manthan. So the Nectar while doing Manthan fell off at 4 places in those twelve days(1 Day =!human year) of Manthan.
Astrological Realm
Based on astrological belief, There are certain astrological combinations based on which it happens for example position of the Sun Moon, and Jupiter aligns which plays a major influence due to which at certain places there is an upsurge of positive energy in water bodies. At these places, there lies a river and during baths on certain tithes the gathering of esoteric sages from various akharas makes the place more holy.
Another explanation is the Spiritual point of view, The 12 years represent the 12 senses of the individuals(5 karam indrias, 5 gyan indria, mind and intellect), and 4 spots represent 4 goals of life- dharma, arth kaam, and moksha.
Benefits to the Economy
As outlined by the Economic Survey, It is a boost of 2 trillion Rs which is 0.8% of India’s GDP as 40 crore gatherings are projected. In-depth for each sector projected revenue can be as follows – Accommodation 40000 crore, helicopter tours 117 crores, meals snacks, and food 20000 crore, Religious items 20000 crore in revenue, local travel be 10000 crores, Medical kits and services 3000 crore.
Facilities
The Mela which was earlier known for its stampede, and loss of relatives and loved ones has grown technically smarter this year by introducing Crowd management waste management Drone deployment, and Tent facilities to all pilgrims due to which renowned institutes such as Harvard and Stanford added this topic in their research this year.
The Major Attractions of the Kumbh involve various Spiritual monks who have degrees in science and tech and have opted for the path of spirituality leaving everything behind. Not Just that, but various VIPs, including Steve Jobs’ wife, attended the first Shahi Snana. The third of the six Shahi Snanas is set to take place on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, a day believed to grant Moksha to those who take a holy dip in the Ganga. So, the question is: when are you planning to go?