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Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela is held only once every 12 years. And the Maha Kumbh Mela which will be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025 in Prayagraj, India is even more rare and auspicious. This Maha Kumbh Mela — which occurs after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas — happen only once every 144 years! In other words, this is one festival that is truly not to be missed. Even Conde Nast Traveller has said it is one of the best places to go in Asia in 2025.

The Maha Kumbh Mela that occurs every 144 years is not just another Kumbh Mela. It is regarded as a spiritually significant event because it marks a unique celestial alignment that occurs only once in over a century.

I attended the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in 2010, and it was absolutely a life-changing experience for me. You can read about my adventures here: A story of transformation at the Kumbh Mela. It is probably the single most intense, exhilarating, terrifying, and transformative travel experiences of my life.

Scroll down for dates, itinerary, and costs.

Please note: This itinerary can be modified and customized for different dates, etc.

Mariellen at Kumbh Mela

Sadhu at Kumbh Mela

Mariellen at Kumbh Mela

I have experienced the innate power of this mega-festival and I really encourage people — who are open to it — to not miss it. And for this reason, I have partnered with Rajiv Tomar and his company Shivir to offer a small group trip to the Kumbh Mela from February 7 to February 10, 2025. These dates precede one of the main bathing dates — Maghi Purnima on February 12 — so you can avoid the extra intense crowds and higher prices of the main bathing dates.

However, you can choose to stay back and experience Maghi Purnima on February 12 if you choose. Also, we can arrange custom tours to the Kumbh Mela as well, using the same company, Shivir, for whatever dates work best for you.

Rajiv Tomar and I in Delhi in November 2024, planning our group trip. Rajiv has been operating a spiritual tourism company in India for more than 30 years, and arranging camps at the Kumbh Mela since the 1990s. He is a devout man and very experienced.

Rajiv and his team will be operating two camps at the Kumbh Mela. The smaller camp will be held within the Mela, in the Juna Akhada camp. The larger camp will be held 2.5 kilometres away, in an area called Jhusi, on the banks of the Ganga River. This camp will be much more spacious and quieter.

The India for Beginners group will be occupying premium tents in the Jhusi Camp, on the banks of the Ganga River. We can choose to go by cycle rickshaw to the Juna Akhada camp at anytime, and have the experience of immersing into the intensity of the Kumbh Mela — while being able to retreat to the relative sanctuary of Jhusi.

The tents are very comfortable, with attached private washrooms. From the Shivir website: “Our luxurious tents represent a harmonious blend of modern comfort and traditional elegance. These specially appointed spacious tents, have been designed to provide guests with a luxurious retreat amidst the spiritual fervour of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The attention to detail in both design and amenities ensures a seamless fusion of opulence and cultural richness.”

There is also a dining tent that serves three vegetarian, Sattvic meals per day, morning Yoga and Meditation classes, and opportunities for activities such as boating on the Sangam, walking tours of the Akharas (the sadhu camps), and lectures on the wisdom of the Vedas.

Our custom and small group trip to the Kumbh Mela includes:

Accommodation in a Premium Tent with private washroom for 3 nights, Feb 7 – 10, 2025. (NOTE: Upgrade to a Luxury Tent or Suite maybe possible for an additional fee.)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Transportation from Prayagraj airport or railway station
Morning Yoga and Meditation classes
Itinerary activities as outlined below

Itinerary

DAY 1: 07 FEB (FRI) – ARRIVAL IN PRAYAGRAJ

Arrive at Prayagraj airport / train station, transfer to the camp, and check in.

Relax and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the Kumbh Mela. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner. Dinner.

DAY 2: 08 FEB (SAT) –PRAYAGRAJ

Morning is free to relax. Later proceed for a holy dip at the Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers). Visit landmarks such as Adi Shankar Vimana Mandapam, Hanuman Mandir, and Allahabad Fort. Conclude the day with an evening Ganga Aarti by the river. Three meals.

DAY 3: 09 FEB (SUN) –PRAYAGRAJ

Explore the Kumbh Mela grounds on a walking tour, visiting Akharas and ashrams to witness diverse traditions. End the day with a mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. Three meals.