They say, “Ganga purifies your heart and soul with a sacred bath and the Kumbh Mela is the perfect time to get rid of all your sins”.
We are in the middle of one of the largest religious/spiritual gatherings in the world, the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which is once in a lifetime opportunity as it is happening after 144 years! That’s why we are considered the lucky generation as we are witnessing an auspicious larger-than-life event.
Understanding the types of Kumbh Mela
So, there are four types of Kumbh Mela, which are held at different locations across India: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain. These are hosted every 6 years (Adhra Kumbh) and 12 years (Purna Kumbh) in respective cities. But the Maha Kumbh Mela is a rare event and takes place once every 144 years, being the most significant of all.
Commenting on the significance of the Maha Kumbh, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, President – Vrindavan Heritage Tower and Vice Chairman & Co-Mentor- Hare Krishna Movement said, “Kumbh Mela this year is called Maha Kumbh Mela. Once in 12 years comes a Purna Kumbh Mela and 12 such cycles later, Kumbh Mela that comes is called Maha Kumbh Mela. So, this Maha Kumbh Mela is coming after 144 years. Hence, it is a very special Kumbh Mela.”

Kumbh needs no introduction. There have been several superhit Bollywood movies based on the most common theme of those days, Kumbh ke Mele me bichadna. Without a doubt, it is one of the biggest spiritual gatherings attended by millions of devotees from across the globe. But today, Kumbh has evolved from a purely spiritual congregation to a grand cultural and global tourist event. The mela, rooted deeply in Hindu traditions, is an ancient festival that has been a revered site since time immemorial.
Over time, the significance and the grandeur of the Kumbh has changed tremendously. This is especially with the rapidly growing interest of foreign tourists and international media attention. This evolution of Kumbh from just a religious gathering to a tourist hotspot and photographer’s dream destination reflects a perfect amalgam of religious practices, cultural exchange, and better infra and modern tourism.
Kumbh Mela: Mythology and Origin

When it comes to the origins of Kumbh Mela, it can date back thousands of years! As per Hindu religious books, the festival finds its mention in the stories of the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean of milk. This is the event wherein gods and demons fought for the elixir of immortality, known as amrit.
The story further narrates that during the struggle between good and bad, a few drops of this amrit spilled at four locations which are present day Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Nashik (Maharashtra), and Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). Today, these locations are the four main sites of the Kumbh Mela and due to their metaphysical and divine energy, these places draw pilgrims and tourists from all corners of India and the world.
The common belief is that bathing in the holy waters of these sacred rivers during the festival purifies the soul, absolves sins, and offers the opportunity for spiritual rebirth. Every 12 years, millions of devotees converge to participate in this grand event, making it the largest gathering on the planet.
Significance of Maha Kumbh 2025

People are aware of Ardha Kumbh and Purna Kumbh which take place every 6 and 12 years, respectively. But the Maha Kumbh Mela is a rare and extraordinary event that occurs once every 144 years at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers in Prayagraj.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is marked by a special alignment of planets, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual opportunity for those participanting. The event is centered around rituals of holy bathing, prayers, and religious discourses. Its grandeur and spiritual significance make it a profound experience.
Talking to Times Travel on the evolution of Kumbh, Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, CEO and Co-Founder of Zo World and Zostel said, “Kumbh Mela is a remarkable example of how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously. What began as a deeply spiritual and religious gathering has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting not only pilgrims but also travelers seeking cultural, historical, and spiritual experiences”.
To accommodate such a grand gathering, a number of hotels, hostels and travel websites are offering their services at the location which is also contributing to the growth of spiritual tourism. Chouhan further said, “We have observed a growing interest from international backpackers and domestic explorers in experiencing events like the Kumbh Mela, as they seek to immerse themselves in India’s vibrant cultural and spiritual landscape. Spiritual tourism has always been a cornerstone of Indian tourism, drawing millions of travelers to sacred sites and events that offer a blend of faith and cultural exploration. Events such as the Kumbh Mela continue to demonstrate the profound impact and untapped potential of destinations thriving on spiritual tourism. This transformation has turned such gatherings into unique convergences of faith, curiosity, and tourism, showcasing India’s incredible diversity”.
Highlighting key travel trends observed on the platform, Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “Searches for Prayagraj on MakeMyTrip have surged by an extraordinary 23 times+ year-on-year as devotees from across India plan their journey to Maha Kumbh. Travel demand is particularly high during the event’s opening and closing week. As devotees seek immersive experiences closer to the heart of the Maha Kumbh, tent accommodations have witnessed strong demand”.
The grand gathering

Originally Kumbh Mela was a deeply religious event attended by pilgrims, sadhus, and religious leaders mostly. The religious fervour and rituals linked with the festival were centered around spiritual practices, including reciting mantras, doing meditation, and the bathing.
Sadhus, especially the Naga sadhus (naked ascetics), were and still are a prime part of the Mela. Their presence adds to mysticism to the event, as these ascetics and holy men would lead processions through the Mela grounds. It creates a spectacle of religious fervour!
Throwing light on the Maha Kumbh 2025 gathering, Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-founder and CEO, Viacation, said, “The evolution of the Kumbh Mela from a religious gathering to a global tourist attraction showcases its profound significance in uniting people from all walks of life. From its ancient origins rooted in sacred legends and spirituality, the festival has grown into a vibrant celebration that transcends borders. Today, millions of pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and tourists from around the world gather to experience its rich cultural heritage, seek enlightenment, and immerse themselves in a unique spiritual journey”.
Talking about its grandeur, he said, “The festival that dates back thousands of years to ancient Hindu texts this time will unfold over 4,000 hectares along the riverbank and is expected to draw a massive crowd of at least 40 crore people, with an estimated budget of nearly Rs 6,382 crore. The event which takes place every twelve years not only upholds its spiritual essence but also serves as a platform for intercultural dialogue and understanding. People from different countries and backgrounds come together, fostering unity and celebrating shared values of peace, tolerance, and devotion. This establishes Prayagraj as a hot tourism destination around this time of the year and Mahakumbh as a major tourist activity.”
Transformation with modernisation

The true transformation of the Kumbh Mela began in the 20th century, especially post-independence India. While the core religious practices remained the same, the expansion of infrastructure, transportation, and communication technologies played a pivotal role in shaping the modern form of the festival. The advent of the internet, online services and better infrastructure made it easier for people to reach various sites.
In fact a lot of devotional applications today are offering special services to devotees who are unable to attend the Maha Kumbh by providing them with the holy waters of Triveni (Gangajal).
Prashant Sachan, Founder of Sri Mandir, a trusted devotional app, said, “With the launch of the Gangajal delivery initiative, we affirm our commitment to preserving India’s spiritual heritage while leveraging modern technology. This initiative represents our mission to bridge the gap between devotees and the divine, ensuring that faith and devotion rise above physical boundaries”.
Talking to Times Travel, Mr. Aakalp Johari, Co-founder of India Assist, said, “The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a pilgrimage; it’s a testament to India’s rich cultural tapestry and the spirit of unity among millions. Maha Kumbh 2025 also highlights the growing synergy between tradition and technology within the travel industry. At India Assist, we are honored to partner with the Uttar Pradesh Government as the official assistance partner to provide real-time, on-ground assistance to all travelers, ensuring their journey is as seamless and enriching as the festival itself.”
From religious to spiritual tourism

Kumbh Mela’s transformation into a global tourist attraction was quite significant in the 21st century. It was once just a religious gathering but today it has become a cultural and spiritual tourism event. The increase in global tourism has also led to the establishment of specialised services for international visitors.
Today, Kumbh has multi-lingual guides, various tourism packages, and curated experiences to meet the needs of foreign tourists. A number of visitors are not just attending the Mela to witness the religious aspect but are also keen to explore the lifestyle and food associated with the festival. The Mela has become a confluence of religion, culture, and tourism, attracting those who are looking to experience both the spiritual significance and the cultural beauty of India.
Commenting on the evolution of Kumbh Mela, Mr. Ramalingam S, the President of Cox & Kings said, “Kumbh Mela has grown far beyond its origins as a religious gathering—it’s now a global event that brings together faith, culture, and an incredible scale of human movement. This year Maha Kumbh is expected to see nearly 40 crore visitors from around the globe, this brings significant opportunities for the travel industry by creating demands across all sectors. As it becomes a hub for innovation, it challenges the travel sector to develop sustainable tourism practices, enhance infrastructure, and offer tailored services to meet the needs of a diverse global audience. The Kumbh Mela not only showcases India’s rich heritage but also highlights the potential of faith-driven travel in shaping the future of global tourism. This is a chance for us to showcase India’s ability to host the world while preserving the sanctity and cultural richness of the event”.

Furthermore, as a result of its global recognition, the Kumbh Mela has become an important event on the international calendar for spiritual tourism. The presence of foreigners has also allowed the development of new businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies, further contributing to the local economy.
Kumbh Mela continues to thrive as both a religious gathering and a celebration of India’s rich heritage. As the world becomes more connected, the Kumbh Mela will continue to attract global tourists in future.