Kumbh 2025
The story of Kumbh is both symbolic and literal. In a literal sense: Kumbh means ‘pot’. It represents a pot which contains the divine nectar of immortality.
We celebrate Kumbh as a recognition of the eon-old battle between the Hindu pantheon of Gods (Devās) and demons (Rākshasas).
The story goes that many hundreds of years ago, the Hindu Gods and demons joined forces to churn the ocean of milk — Kshirasagara – to yield a most-prized possession; the nectar of immortality (Amritā). This was done by using Mount Mandar as the churning point, and the Serpent Vasuki as the rope. Lord Vishnu supported the mountain by taking on the form of a turtle.
As they churned the ocean, divinity resulted: from it manifested Goddess Lakshmi (the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, Fertility, Power, Beauty and Prosperity), the Moon, and the divine Amritā cladden in a pot (Kumbh) as expected. But… as soon as the nectar emerged, the demons tried to seize it for themselves. Tricking the demons by taking on the form of the Hindu Goddess of Enchantment, Mohini, Lord Vishnu distributed the Amritā amongst all of the Hindu gods.
Running from the demons, as the Hindu Gods were chased around India and drank this nectar, droplets of the nectar of immortality fell upon different regions of India. These are the four locations in which Kumbh is celebrated, namely: Haridwar, Prayag, Nashik, and Ujjain. Hence goes the story of the Samudra Manthan, underlying ‘Kumbh’.
In a more symbolic sense, Kumbh represents the human body, within which sits the nectar of immortality. Only the ancient Rishis and sages have ever spoken to this.
Paush Purnima
(Jan 13)
A day which commemorates the Moon God, Lord Chandra.
Paush Purnima marks the full moon day in the month of Paush according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It presents a significant association with the Moon and is hence considered auspicious for taking a holy dip for purification, renewal, and overall cleansing of one’s physical and inner self in the Ganges.
It is also the most ideal day for one to seek blessings from the Hindu God of the Moon, Lord Chandra. Devotees observe a specific fast during on this day.
Makar Sankranti
(Jan 14)
One of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. The turning of seasons, and beginning anew.
This is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, when the Sun makes a transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The day is considered especially favourable for offering charity to the needy to capture divine blessings, and for taking a dip in the holy river Ganges.
Makar Sankranti is also seen to be the ideal time to start things anew, and for reinvention of one’s life and self, similar to the turning of seasons.
Mauni Amavasya
(Jan 29)
The primary bathing date of the Kumbh Mela; a day of silence & reflection, amongst millions.
Occurring on the new moon day, this date is considered the most auspicious day for bathing during the Kumbh Mela. Devotees observe Maun Vrat (the vow of silence, wherein one does not speak at all [the Rishis of India have further described it to be complete silence in one’s inner world]) on this day, reflecting in silence upon their spirituality, and performing rituals believed to grant them deep, inner benefits.
The phrase ‘Mauni’ is literally translated as ‘silence’. It is considered an essential part of the journey towards spiritual upliftment, which requires inner peacefulness.
Basant Panchami
(Feb 3)
Celebrated as the arrival of Spring, Basant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, and Arts.
Celebrated as the arrival of Spring, Basant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, and Arts. Devotees wear yellow and offer yellow flowers to Goddess Saraswati accordingly. Educational institutions all around India pay their deepest respects to the Goddess, organizing special prayers.
Taking a holy dip on this auspicious blesses one with knowledge and wisdom.
Achal Saptami
(Feb 4)
A deeply auspicious day which brings about positive emotions, health and joy to those who worship and perform rituals.
The date on which Lord Surya (the Hindu God of the Sun) is believed to have been born. A deeply auspicious day which brings about positive emotions, health and joy to those who worship and perform rituals (including fasting). Observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the waxing moon phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Magha according to the Hindu lunar calendar (January or February in the Gregorian calendar).
Taking a holy dip in a river on the day of Achal Saptami represents a promise to change and purify oneself.
Maghi Purnima
(Feb 12)
Associated with the Hindu god of creation, Brahma, and the community of saints who live by the river during the entire Kumbh period.
This full moon day is associated with the Hindu god of creation, Brahma.
Taking a bath on this day is believed to bring blessings and support from all deities, and it is also associated with the community of saints or Kalpvasis, who live by the river during the entire Kumbh period, having renounced all other comforts.
Maha Shivratri (Feb 26)
A day dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed just before the conclusion of the Kumbh Mela.
This is the day dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed just before the conclusion of the Kumbh Mela. Devotees fast and perform sacred rituals in honour of Lord Shiva. Bathing on this day is believed to honour Lord Shiva, helping devotees attain liberation and blessings from the Lord, and dispel all darkness from their lives.
Specific mantras and odes to the Lord are chanted and sung on this day.