Maha Kumbh 2025 Guide: Dates, Snan Timings, Importance, And How To Book Tents

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a significant religious event in India, began on Monday in Prayagraj. This grand festival, held every 12 years, is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees. The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive preparations for this massive gathering.

During the Maha Kumbh, pilgrims will converge at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Here, they will partake in a sacred ritual of taking a holy dip. This act is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual benefits.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan Dates

The festival includes six bathing days, with three being royal baths known as Shahi Snan. The first Shahi Snan occurs on January 14 during Makar Sankranti. The second follows on January 29 for Mauni Amavasya, and the third takes place on February 3 for Basant Panchami.

Additional bathing dates are scheduled for January 13 (Paush Purnima), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivratri). These dates hold special significance for devotees participating in the holy baths.

#WATCH | North 24 Parganas, West Bengal | People take a dip and offer prayers to the Sun God on the occasion of Paush Purnima. Visuals from Gangasagar. pic.twitter.com/rycjxCPzCH

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Shahi Snan Timings

The Shahi Snan timings are meticulously planned among the 13 akharas. Each akhara has specific times allocated for leaving their camp, performing the snan at the ghat, and returning.

Mahanirvani and Atal Akhara will commence their Shahi Snan from 5:15 am to 7:55 am with a snan duration of 40 minutes. Following them are Niranajan and Anand Akharas from 6:05 am to 8:45 am.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP: #MahaKumbhMela2025🕉️| SSP Kumbh, Rajesh Dwivedi says "Devotees are continuously coming in large numbers, ghats are full. The number of people taking a holy dip will be analysed by the evening. The first day of Maha Kumbh is going on peacefully. We are… pic.twitter.com/CFGPrt0RrU

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Juna, Dhashnaam, Avahan, and Agni Akharas have their slot between 7:00 am and 9:40 am. Nirmohi Ani Akhara begins at 10:40 am until noon while Digambar Ani Akhara is scheduled from 10:20 am to 1:10 pm with a snan time of 55 minutes.

Nirwani Ani Akhara's timing is from 12:20 pm to 2:20 pm with a snan time of half an hour. Naya Udaseen Akhara follows from 1:15 pm to 3:10 pm with a duration of 55 minutes for their snan.

Bada Udaseen Akhara will perform their snan from 1:20 pm to 4:20 pm with an hour allocated. The final Shahi Snan will be conducted by Nirmal Akhara between 3:40 pm and 5:20 pm with a duration of forty minutes.

Maha Kumbh Mela Significance

The Shahi Snan holds immense importance as saints and spiritual leaders participate in this ceremonial dip in the sacred waters. Pilgrims consider it an honour to bathe after these revered figures as it is believed that their presence enhances the spiritual energy at the 'Sangam'.

#MahaKumbhMela2025 | Uttar Pradesh: A large number of people arrive in Prayagraj to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam - a sacred confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati as today, January 13 - Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the 45-day-long #MahaKumbh2025 pic.twitter.com/pXzeEr4SgF

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

This event not only draws millions of devotees but also highlights India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. As preparations continue, anticipation builds for this monumental gathering that unites people in faith and devotion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the occasion as a special day to those who cherish the Bharatiya values. In a post, he wrote, "Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India's timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony."