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India’s riches have drawn travellers towards her for centuries. The country’s diversity, spirituality, rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring sights are all the reasons to book your tickets and explore the wonders for yourself!
The advancements in internet accessibility, travel connectivity and widespread adoption of English as a second and third language allows foreign tourists to have a smooth travel experience.
If India is on your travel bucket list, then don’t miss next year’s Maha Kumbh Mela! The festival is bound to be perfect for those who are looking to immerse themselves in India’s spirituality and vibrant culture.
At Era Camps, we pride ourselves in having served the devotees and visitors of Kumbh Melas for years. To help you make the most of the auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, we have made this guide to introduce you to the significance of Kumbh Mela, what you can expect at the festival and to answer all your questions.
Read on to find out everything that you need to know about the Maha Kumbh Mela, and how to plan your visit to the festival!
What is the Kumbh Mela?
Kumbh Mela is a grand and deeply religious festival celebrated by Hindus in India and across the world.
The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years, with the Maha Kumbh Mela occurring every 12 years. The venue for the festival rotates between four pilgrimage places on the banks of four sacred rivers. These venues are Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) on the banks of river Ganga, Shipra, Godavari, and at the confluence of Ganga, and Yamuna, respectively.
8th-Century Vedantic scholar Shankaracharya is believed to have formalised the tradition of Kumbh Mela, to facilitate a routine congregation for scholars and religious practitioners to exchange ideas, and foster a sense of perseverance, and unity.
If we go further back, one can trace the Kumbh Mela back to the tale of Amrit Manthan in the Vedic Puranas. The story of Amrit Manthan recounts how the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) fought over the Kumbha (pot) of amrit (elixir of immortality). The devas and asuras churned the ocean to get the Kumbha, and during this tug-of-war, four drops of amrit fell on the Earth.
The places where these drops of elixir fell are now the sites for Kumbh Mela. It is believed that taking a dip during the Kumbh Mela connects your spirit with the essence of purity, auspiciousness, and immortality.
Kumbh Mela 2025
The Kumbh Mela of 2025 is a special one - it is a Maha Kumbh Mela - and will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025.
Millions of attendees from across the world take part in every iteration of the Kumbh Mela.
It is natural to feel overwhelmed about participating in such a grand occasion, but to ease your apprehensions, we have made this step-by-step guide for European Travelers.
What to Expect At The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Years Of Traditions, A Uniquely Indian Culture
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, so expect huge crowds, especially on auspicious bathing days.
The event is deeply rooted in Hindu spirituality, with various rituals, prayers, and religious discourses taking place. Travelers will encounter a wide range of Indian cultures, languages, and traditions, as people from all over the country participate in the festival.
To fully immerse oneself and truly enjoy the Mela, keep an open mind, extend understanding and respect to local customs - such as dressing modestly and being mindful of religious practices.
Sadhus And Akharas - Hindu Monks And Their Monasteries
At the Maha Kumbh Mela, one can easily spot sadhus and religious groups engaging in some unique practices like covering themselves in ash or extreme forms of devotion. Naga Sadhus are religious men who do not believe in clothing and religiously attend the Kumbh Mela. Colorful processions featuring sadhus (holy men), religious leaders, and devotees are a common sight, often accompanied by traditional music and chanting.
The most vibrant of these processions happens on the days of the Shahi Snan (Royal Baths). On these days, the mahants, - leaders of the thirteen akharas (Hindu monasteries) take a ceremonial dip. And are accompanied by music of horns and trumpets; and elephants and horses. The akharas march under their flags and banners and follow their mahants. Many of the mahants also carry symbolic items associated with their sects.
A Variety Of Accommodation Options
The Kumbh Mela site transforms into a temporary city with tents, camps, and makeshift facilities to accommodate the millions of pilgrims and visitors. Lodging ranges from basic tents to more comfortable accommodations, but luxury options are limited. Booking early is recommended.
The world’s largest 4,000-hectare ‘tent city’ is under construction in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to host the estimated 400 million pilgrims expected to attend the Mahakumbh Mela. According to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, this tent city, will comprise of 2,000 tents and 25,000 public accommodations to serve the attendees.
The Era Camps team will be setting up our Shivadaya Camps at Prayagraj. The Shivadaya Camps will be a compound of premium tents with deluxe, premium, and luxury tents and suites.
With basics down pat, let’s dive into the specific details that can help you plan your travel to the Maha Kumbh Mela!
How To Reach Prayagraj?
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (IXD), which offers connections to important Indian cities, is the airport closest to Prayagraj. After arriving in New Delhi, visitors from other countries can take a domestic flight or rail to Prayagraj.
Prayagraj has excellent rail and transport connections. Choose AC sleeper trains for extra comfort, especially during the hectic festival season.
Where To Stay In Prayagraj During The Kumbh Mela?
Plan Ahead! Because of the high volume of tourists, it is recommended that you reserve your lodging well in advance. One can choose from luxurious hotels, affordable hostels, and makeshift camps.
While making reservations, consider the facilities being offered. One can find accommodations that offer food service, spotless restrooms, and security with a little searching. Meals and guided tours are included in many packages as well.
At Era Camps we offer curated Kumbh Mela packages ranging 2 Nights 3 Days, 3 Nights 4 Days and 4 Nights 5 Days. Our packages are inclusive of accommodation, meals and also offer attached washrooms, WiFi, meditation, yoga, 24 hours running water, fully-equipped medical tent and a personal attendant who will help you navigate your way to the ghats for a holy bath.
What Health & Safety Precautions To Follow?
Safety and public order are key concerns during Kumbh Melas. For 2025’s Mahakumbh Mela, 23,000 closed-circuit television cameras and an artificial intelligence-based chatbot system will installed for the security of the tent city. Additionally, the city and the Mela site will be manned by senior police and administration officials.
Travellers should take precautions regarding food, water, and hygiene, as well as be aware of the availability of medical facilities in the area.
With such large crowds, security is a priority, so expect checkpoints, surveillance, and a visible police presence.
While English is spoken in many areas, especially in urban centres, it may be less common at the Kumbh Mela, so a phrasebook or translation app could be helpful.
When opting for clothing, select clothes which keep your shoulders and knees covered. Carry sweaters, jackets and other warm clothing as winters are chilly in North India.
Carry baggage that can hold all your luggage at one place, and can be carried easily. Keep copies of your documents and keep important numbers handy. Make note of your embassy’s contact information; a little internet search can give you the information regarding local hospitals in the places you plan to visit, and the country’s emergency numbers.
What To Do At Prayagraj During The Kumbh mela?
The Mela grounds are expansive, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the layout and key locations, including bathing ghats, food stalls, and spiritual camps. Download mobile apps or maps related to the Kumbh Mela for real-time updates, crowd management, and navigation support.
The Kumbh Mela is a profoundly spiritual event. Dress modestly, show respect during rituals, and observe local customs. Engaging in ceremonies, even as an observer, is a wonderful way to connect with the local culture. Attend various cultural programs, spiritual discourses, and workshops throughout the Mela. These events offer valuable insights into Hindu philosophy and traditions.
Along with the festivities of the Maha Kumbh Mela, don’t forget to explore Prayagraj and all that it offers! Expect a variety of vegetarian Indian foods, with many stalls and community kitchens offering free meals (langar) to pilgrims and visitors.
Take the time to explore Prayagraj beyond the Mela. Visit landmarks like the Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan, and the picturesque confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Indulge in local delicacies such as chaat, kachori, and sweets like jalebi and rabri. Many stalls at the Mela serve traditional food, allowing you to sample the region's culinary delights..
The grandiosity of the Kumbh Mela doesn’t lie in the number of attendees, it lies in the rich & vibrant culture of spirituality and devotion exhibited by the pilgrims. By respecting local customs, maintaining an open mind, and thoughtfully planning your itinerary, you can create lasting memories while visiting the sacred waters of Prayagraj.
