Kumbh Mela 2025 – Millions of pilgrims on the banks of the Ganges

Kumbh Mela can truly be described as a one-of-a-kind event in the world. It is the largest celebration of faith, tradition, and spiritual purification, drawing millions of believers from all over the globe. Held every 12 years in four locations sacred to Hindus, this year’s festivities, running from January 13 to February 26, are expected to attract as many as 400 million pilgrims.

They gather to immerse themselves in a spiritual meeting, connect with divinity, and participate in sacred rituals, including the Shahi Snan bath at the confluence of three rivers – the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, a moment of purification that transcends everyday life and leads to inner peace.

However, Kumbh Mela also highlights the clash of two worlds – ancient spirituality rooted in distant history and the modern-day ecological challenges. The river, which for centuries symbolized divinity and renewal, now faces a serious crisis.

The origins of Kumbh Mela: the legend of Samudra Manthana

The story of Kumbh Mela is intertwined with one of the most fascinating tales in Hindu mythology – the legend of Samudra Manthana, or the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk.

According to this ancient narrative, the gods (Devas) joined forces with the demons (Asuras) to extract Amrita – the nectar of immortality – from the ocean. However, it was a competition, as both sides wanted to claim the precious elixir for themselves. When it was finally found, the god Vishnu, taking the form of the beautiful Mohini, fled with the pot of Amrita to prevent the demons from seizing it. During this journey, a few drops of the nectar fell to the earth, sanctifying Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This event endowed these four locations with unique spiritual significance, making them ideal sites for hosting Kumbh Mela.

Shahi Snan

The key moment of Kumbh Mela is the holy bath in Sangam – the extraordinary confluence of three rivers: the sacred Ganga, the majestic Yamuna, and the mystical, invisible Saraswati. According to beliefs, immersion in these waters purifies not only the body but, most importantly, the soul, washing away all sins and bringing blessings for the future.

This is no ordinary bath – it is a deeply spiritual act where every gesture and every drop of water holds meaning. Pilgrims arrive from the farthest corners of the world, often after months of spiritual preparation, to immerse themselves in these rivers, which for centuries have symbolized divine energy.

Along the banks of Sangam, an entire spiritual city springs to life. Camps are set up along the river, where pilgrims can meet sadhu, holy men who have renounced material possessions, as well as gurus and spiritual teachers. There, one can also attend lectures, ceremonies, and prayers.

The scale of this event is evident from the numbers alone. According to press reports, by 3:00 PM on January 14, 25 million people had already bathed in Sangam. This shows how significant this moment is for the faithful.

Sacred but polluted

Kumbh Mela, one of the most important spiritual events in India, attracts millions seeking purification and renewal. However, the festival also exposes the challenges of the modern world. The Ganges, long revered as sacred and a source of spiritual cleansing, now faces serious pollution.

Reports highlight significant issues with water quality. According to measurements by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the biological oxygen demand (BOD) level in Sangam reached 4 mg/l, exceeding the permissible limit of 3 mg/l. A higher BOD level indicates a large amount of organic matter, reflecting poor water quality. Studies have also shown that the concentration of fecal bacteria (E. coli) far exceeds acceptable standards. The river is also burdened with heavy metals and chemicals from industrial and agricultural waste.

Local authorities are working to improve the situation. As part of the Namami Gange program, temporary water treatment plants have been installed, water quality monitoring introduced, and information campaigns launched for pilgrims. Barriers have been set up along the riverbanks to catch waste, and bathing areas are regularly checked for safety. However, with a record number of participants at this year’s festival, the scale of the problem remains immense, hindering effective action.

Will bathing in the Ganges during this year’s Kumbh Mela truly cleanse the faithful of their sins? This question lies in the realm of spirituality. However, whether such a bath is safe for health raises serious doubts.