The largest religious gathering in India and one of the largest peaceful congregations of people on Earth, Maha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage and festival held every 12 years at four sacred riverside locations: Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
In 2025, the Maha Kumbh Mela begins January 13 in Prayagraj and continues for 45 days.
The most important activity during the festival is bathing in the sacred rivers. According to Hindu mythology, the churning of the ocean and the spilling of the elixir of immortality at the sacred locations allows bathers to wash away sins and attain spiritual merit.
The festival's dates are determined by the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, encompassing many traditions, rituals, and practices.