The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, recognized as one of the largest religious congregations globally, concluded on Wednesday after a 45-day-long celebration in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
This year’s event set a historic record, with nearly 66 crore devotees taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Reports suggest that the number of pilgrims who attended the Kumbh Mela was approximately twice the population of the United States, which is estimated to be around 34 crore.
The Kumbh Mela is a deeply significant religious gathering that draws millions of pilgrims, saints, and visitors seeking spiritual cleansing and blessings.
The Next Kumbh Mela in 2027
The forthcoming Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place in 2027 in Nashik, Maharashtra. This religious event will be organized at Trimbakeshwar, a sacred site located roughly 38 kilometers from Nashik. The city is situated along the banks of the Godavari River, India’s second-longest river, and is renowned for the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas.
According to reports, the Kumbh Mela in Nashik will be held from July 17 to August 17, 2027. The event is expected to draw millions of devotees from around the world, continuing the centuries-old tradition of mass pilgrimage and ritual bathing in the holy river.
During the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared his vision for integrating advanced technology into the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela. He emphasized how technological innovations would play a crucial role in allowing those unable to physically visit the site to participate in the holy experience virtually.
“Technology will play a key role in enabling those unable to bathe in the holy water to experience it virtually,” Fadnavis stated, highlighting the potential of digital advancements in broadening access to religious practices.
Why Is the Next Kumbh Mela in Just Three Years?
Kumbh Melas are held in four major cities—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain—with at least one of these grand religious gatherings taking place every three years.
The event that occurs every four years is referred to as the Kumbh Mela, whereas the version held every six years is known as the Ardh Kumbh Mela. The Purna Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years, is considered a highly significant religious occasion. The recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela is believed to be an even rarer event, occurring only once every 144 years.
Key Highlights of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 attracted a host of notable figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel. Business magnates Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani were also present at the event, emphasizing the significance of the gathering in both religious and socio-cultural spheres.
Several Bollywood celebrities were among the attendees, with actors such as Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Vicky Kaushal making their presence felt. The internationally acclaimed lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin, also participated in the religious event, marking a rare appearance by a global music icon at the Kumbh Mela.
Additionally, the event witnessed the participation of at least 118 diplomats representing 77 different countries, showcasing its far-reaching impact beyond Indian borders. The massive scale of this gathering, along with its cultural and religious significance, reaffirmed the Kumbh Mela’s status as one of the most extraordinary spiritual events in the world.
