The Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival held every 12 years at four holy sites in India: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The festival is rooted in ancient traditions and revolves around a blend of faith, mythology and ritual bathing in holy rivers, which is believed to cleanse the sins of the faithful and grant spiritual liberation (moksha). It is the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
The Kumbh Mela alternates between four locations based on the astrological alignments of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter. Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers, is considered the most important location. Millions of pilgrims, saints and spiritual leaders from across India and beyond gather for the event.
Major highlights include the Shahi Snan (royal bath) led by Naga Sadhus and other religious groups, elaborate processions and spiritual talks.