Maha Kumbh commenced in Prayagraj from 13 January and would end on 26 February 2025. Millions of devotees travel to the city for this occasion, making it one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu event that has its roots in the history of the samudra manthan - when gods and demons work together to churn the ocean to gather amrit.

Kumbh Mela is categorized into four different types, Purna Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Maha Kumbh, and Kumbh Mela. All of these differ in cycles and astrological importance. Let’s study them in more detail.

Purna Kumbh

Purna Kumbh is celebrated every after twelve years. This is hosted in a rotational manner to all the four holy places. Of these the purna Kumbh hosted in Allahabad is of paramount significance. The belief is that taking bath in Sangam would erase all the sins of someone and in his life he nears salvation.

Ardh Kumbh

Ardh Kumbh takes place every 6 years, and is only hosted in Prayagraj and Haridwar. The term ‘Ardh’ translates to ‘half’ and this event can be understood as a kind of a fair which is held in between two Purna Kumbh events. The fair serves as a platform for devotees to take a step further in their spiritual and religious journeys.

Maha Kumbh

This event is important fro more reasons than one, it also provides an opportunity to highlight the cultural heritage and integrity of India. There are expected to be a total of six royal bathing ceremonies in this Maha Kumbh. Over 40 crore followers and devotees are predicted to attend this Mega Kumbh; this is likely to be the strongest of all kumh celebrtions.

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela happens once every three years. It is observed at four sites; Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj. These major events are relatively smaller in magnitude as compared to Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh. That said, it is essential to recognize that all types of Kumbh Mela play an integral part in one’s spiritual cleansing and development.