Today, January 13, 2025, millions of Hindu devotees gather in the Indian city of Prayagraj to celebrate the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world.. This millennial event, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCOis a sample of the deep spirituality and culture of India. Over the next few weeks, pilgrims of all ages and social classes will immerse themselves in a sacred bath in the Ganges River, seeking purification and liberation from the cycle of reincarnations.
What is the origin of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025?
The Maha Kumbh Mela has its origins in Hindu mythology, where the story of the gods who battled for the nectar of immortality is told.. During this fight, four drops of this elixir fell on four holy places in India: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nasik and Ujjain. These places are believed to be infused with spiritual energy. and that bathing in its sacred waters at astrologically auspicious times can lead to spiritual liberation.
The tradition of the Kumbh Mela dates back thousands of years, and has been celebrated continuously throughout history. Over the centuries, this festival has evolved and become one of the most important cultural expressions of India. Millions of pilgrims (an estimated 70 million arrive during the duration) come to this event to participate in religious rituals.listen to speeches by spiritual leaders, attend cultural performances and establish spiritual connections with other devotees.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is much more than just a dip in a sacred river. It is a transformative experience that allows pilgrims to connect with their inner selves and find a deeper meaning in life. During the festival, You can see a great variety of sadhus (Hindu ascetics) with their striking clothing and unique customsas well as pilgrims of all ages and social classes who share the same objective: achieving spiritual enlightenment. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity of India. During the festival, you can find food stalls from all regions of the country, as well as crafts and local products.
How often is this pilgrimage carried out?
It is a pilgrimage that takes place four times every twelve years. Every twelve-year cycle, when according to Vedic astrology (jyotish), Jupiter enters the constellation Aquarius (kumbha), includes a mahā kumbhamela (or great gathering of Aquarius) at Praiag, on the banks of the Ganges, in which several million people, making it probably the largest pilgrimage celebrated in the world.
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