The ongoing Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj has long been celebrated as the 'world’s largest spiritual congregation.' The government's growing support over the years, and the influence of social media, is now helping promote the centuries old event worldwide.

Furthermore, the government is also aiding the event massively during this edition by providing more facilities for the visitors. If you're unfamiliar with it, questions about its origins, history, and significance might pique your curiosity! Here's what you need to know:

This year’s Mahakumbh is particularly significant due to a rare astronomical alignment that happens once every 144 years, following the completion of 12 Purna Kumbhs.

With the rare astrological phenomenon, the Mahakumbh event in Prayagraj stands as the most iconic of all, drawing unparalleled crowds from across the globe. A major reason for its prominence is the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.

The monumental event features the most important and sacred bathing dates during which hordes of devotees flock to the mela to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. Among these, the 'Amrit Snan' days (three in total) are the most significant. The first Amrit Snan of the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela took place on January 14, during Makar Sankranti. This day saw an unprecedented turnout of over 3.5 crore devotees, all gathering to participate in this sacred ritual.

This extraordinary event is expected to draw even larger crowds in the coming weeks for the remaining Amrit Snan dates:

• January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Amrit Snan)

• February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Amrit Snan)

Additionally, two other sacred bathing dates are to lie ahead during the course of the event:

• February 12, 2025: Magh Purnima

• February 26, 2025: Mahashivratri

The festival is more than just a religious event; it is steeped in centuries-old traditions, celestial alignments, and spiritual significance. Its timing is closely linked to the positioning of Jupiter, adding an astronomical dimension to the festivities. Jupiter’s 12-year orbit around the Sun creates periodic alignments with specific zodiac signs, marking auspicious times in Hindu tradition.

This unique cosmic configuration is also believed to influence Earth’s electromagnetic field, enhancing the spiritual energy of the regions where the Mahakumbh is held. River confluences, like the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, are considered hubs of geomagnetic energy, creating an environment that spiritual leaders and sages regard as ideal for meditation and spiritual growth.

India’s astronomical expertise has been remarkably precise since ancient times, with most Hindu festivals rooted in celestial alignments. Among these, the Kumbh Mela stands out, supported by the Hindu scriptures and beliefs.

The origins of the Mahakumbh festival traces back to the ancient Hindu legend of the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Cosmic Ocean). As described in the scriptures, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the cosmic ocean in pursuit of Amrit, the divine elixir of immortality.

During the struggle for the Amrit, a few drops are said to have fallen on four sacred sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. These locations were consecrated as the venues for the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that during the festival, the rivers at these sites are imbued with the essence of the Amrit, offering pilgrims an opportunity to cleanse their souls and attain spiritual merit.

During the 2013 Maha Kumbh, various news agencies reported an influx of 12 crore tourists over 45 days, while this figure doubled during the 2019 Ardh Kumbh. This year, the government is anticipating a staggering footfall of over 40 crore visitors; a record in itself.

As for the highlights of the event, there’s an extensive list of attractions to experience during this majestic festival. The first and foremost are the Amrit Snans, i.e., the sacred bathing dates. Devotees believe that bathing at the Triveni Sangam absolves sins and provides spiritual purification for life, particularly during the Mahakumbh.

Another major highlight is the establishment of the Akhadas, where different sects of Hindu ascetics or Sadhus, along with their groups, gather at the Mahakumbh. These groups set up camps along the Triveni Sangam, where devotees can interact, seek blessings, and learn about their traditions.

In addition, the Mahakumbh features a host of other attractions, including colourful processions, regular bhandaras (community feasts), cultural performances, spiritual tours and much more, making it a truly unforgettable experience.