The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj began on January 13, 2025, with immense zeal and fervour. What makes this year’s Mahakumbh truly extraordinary is the rare astronomical alignment, occurring once every 144 years after the completion of 12 Purna Kumbhs (held every 12 years).
Spanning 45 days, this monumental festival features three ‘Amrit Snan’ (sacred bathing) dates, attracting millions of devotees. The first Amrit Snan, held on January 14 during Makar Sankranti, saw over 3.5 crore pilgrims take a holy dip. The festival features other two Amrit Snan dates: January 29, Mauni Amavasya and February 3, Basant Panchami.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the Mela offers an array of activities, guided tours, food stalls, shopping markets and more for visitors to explore:
Mahakumbh Darshan Mandapam: Spanning a vast 2 lakh square feet!
The colossal event spans an area of 2 lakh square feet at the Triveni Sangam. This area, the Darshan Mandapam features 12 distinct tourism circuits, showcasing the vibrancy of Kumbh’s Akhadas, alongside cultural stages, handicraft and food markets, selfie points and even an enchanting Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre.
To make your visit even more memorable, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has curated exclusive Mahakumbh tours, travel packages to nearby cities, and much more:
A host of cultural events, musical performances by legendary artists
The Mahakumbh Mela boasts three massive cultural stages, offering visitors a vibrant array of events. From mesmerizing folk dance and music traditions of various states to spiritual and devotional performances, and even celebrity showcases, the lineup is truly spectacular.
Starting January 16, the cultural performances will feature legendary music maestros, including Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mohit Chauhan, Kavita Seth, Suresh Wadkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Navdeep Wadali, Nitin Mukesh, and many more.
The mela features a total of four pandals, i.e. the Yamuna Pandal, Saraswati Pandal, Triveni Pandal and the Ganga Pandal. The major cultural events are being held in the Ganga Pandal, the largest pandal at the mela, located in Sector 1 of the Parade Ground area.
The Mela offers an exciting blend of spirituality and modern entertainment. Visitors also enjoyed the mesmerizing drone show which was held between January 24-26, where 2,500 drones narrated mythological stories through stunning visuals in the sky. Additionally, a water laser show is being held daily on the Yamuna River at Kali Ghat combining light, water and music to captivate audiences with mythological themes.
For those seeking adventure, water sports like boating, ziplining, para sailing and ATV rides are also available, enhancing the overall experience. To satisfy appetites, the mega event features several vibrant food courts and a floating restaurant, which is located in the Kydganj area, making the Mahakumbh a comprehensive experience for all visitors.
Discover Mahakumbh Mela with exclusive guided tours by UPSTDC
UPSTDC offers an array of engaging activities and guided tours for visitors at the Mahakumbh Mela. Here’s a detailed overview of the available heritage walks and itinerary packages:
1. Mahakumbh Akhara Walk
Cost: ₹2,000 per person (GST extra, minimum group size: 5)
Explore the centuries-old Akharas of spiritual gurus at the Mahakumbh Mela with this fully guided walk. These Akharas, representing sects of Hindu Sadhus and Babas, set up camps to practice Sadhana during the festival. Interact with Sadhus, Naga Sadhus, Aghoris, and Sanyasis to gain insight into their philosophies and devotion.
Location: Sectors 6, 7, 8, and 9
2. Heritage Walk
Cost: ₹2,020 per person (minimum group size: 5)
Immerse yourself in India’s rich heritage with this tour, which showcases the diverse cultural tapestry of the Mahakumbh Mela. Visit sacred bathing sites, vibrant handicraft and food markets, and cultural performances. Witness Sadhus in meditation and gain a deeper appreciation of the event, all guided by a knowledgeable expert.
Starting Point: Sector 1
3. Photography Tour
Cost: ₹2,500 per person (minimum group size: 5)
Designed for photography enthusiasts and professionals, this tour makes capturing the Mahakumbh Mela hassle-free. A guide will assist you in interacting with locals and discovering hidden gems, while providing photography tips and storytelling techniques to ensure your shots are captivating and meaningful.
Starting Point: Floating Restaurant
4. Yoga & Pranayama Tour Package
Cost: ₹5,000 per person
Experience holistic well-being with guided yoga, pranayama, and meditation sessions in the serene ambiance of Prayagraj. These sessions, held at the sacred Triveni Sangam, allow participants to connect deeply with the spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh Mela.
Location: Sector 1 | Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
5. Helicopter Joy Ride
Cost: ₹1,296 per person
For the first time, enjoy a helicopter ride offering an aerial view of the Mahakumbh Mela. This thrilling experience provides a unique perspective of the event’s grandeur, blending adventure with breathtaking sights.
Location: Sector 25
In addition, the Mahakumbh Mela features an exciting range of activities and arrangements, including captivating drone shows, water laser displays, and a variety of water and adventure sports, all available within the mela area.
Travel packages from Prayagraj to other cities
Additionally, there are several fascinating cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions that you can explore while attending the Mahakumbh. To make your journey easier, UPSTDC has curated city tour packages from Prayagraj, including:
1. Prayagraj – Ayodhya – Varanasi (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Price: ₹8,480 per person (GST included)
Minimum group: 3 persons
2. Prayagraj – Maihar (1 Day)
Price: ₹2,945 per person (GST included)
Minimum group: 3 persons
3. Prayagraj – Chitrakoot (1 Day)
Price: ₹2,310 per person (GST included)
Minimum group: 3 persons
4. Prayagraj – Ayodhya (1 Day)
Price: ₹2,560 per person (GST included)
Minimum group: 3 persons
5. Prayagraj – Lucknow – Naimisharanya – Prayagraj (2 Days, 1 Night)
Price: ₹37,098 for 10 persons (GST included)
6. Prayagraj – Kanpur – Bithoor – Prayagraj (2 Days, 1 Night)
Price: ₹30,030 for 10 persons (GST included)
7. Prayagraj – Panna – Khajuraho (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Price: ₹55,580 for 6 persons
Those looking to book any of the aforementioned packages or Mahakumbh tours can find the link to UPSTDC’s tour packages page here. For further information, visitors can also connect to helpline numbers: 8789773573, 9935288006
Temples, Ghats & Landmarks that you must visit in Prayagraj
For first-time visitors, especially those travelling from afar, Prayagraj offers an experience that extends far beyond the Mahakumbh itself. The city is great to explore, as it is renowned for its spiritual and historical significance. At its heart is the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati converge, attracting pilgrims for holy dips and evening Aartis. Iconic temples like the Bade Hanumanji Temple, Mankameshwar Temple and the Patalpuri Temple within Prayagraj Fort showcase the city’s ancient spiritual heritage.
The newly developed Shivalaya Park stands out among the city’s serene spaces. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it features replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is uniquely constructed from waste materials, reflecting creativity and devotion.
Nearby, Nishadraj Park and Khusro Bagh add cultural charm, while Madan Mohan Malviya Park and Chandra Shekhar Azad Park honour the city’s revolutionary past.
Prayagraj’s blend of temples, like the Kalyani Devi and Nag Vasuki temples, historical landmarks and tranquil gardens make it a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural exploration.
