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Difference Between Kumbh and Mahakumbh

17-01-2025

04:48 AM

Kumbh and Mahakumbh, both are counted as the spiritual events of India celebrated with a lot of devotion. As a hindu festival, this event is celebrated with a lot of cultural and religious values. While kumbha and mahakumbh both share a similar value, both are different to each other in many ways. Kumbh mela is celebrated every 4th year and Mahakumbh is celebrated every 144 years, marking it to be a very rare event to occur. In this article we will learn in detail about Kumbh mela and mahakumbh mela and their key differences. 

Kumbh Mela 

Kumbh Mela, known to be a hindu pilgrimage, is held every fourth year at specific locations in India which are considered to be sacred in nature. These states are Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain. Every hosting state is known to represent a specific astrological alignment of planets and stars. Kumbh Mela is known to be associated with the mythological tale of Samudra Manthan written in the Hindu scriptures. It is believed that there was a fight going on in between the gods and demons over the pot of amrit, the drops of this amrit fell in these four locations and from there on these places are considered for hosting the kumbh mela every 4th year. In order to mark this event, devotees perform the following activities: 

  • Taking a dip in the sacred rivers as a way to cleanse their sins
  • Sadhu and saints perform grand religious processions.
  • Cultural performances and spiritual practices performed. 

The kumbh mela was recognised by UNESCO in 2017 as part of the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Types of Kumbh Mela 

The Kumbh Mela is of four different types:

Type

Frequency

Locations

Significance

Kumbh Mela

Every 4 years

Rotates among the four sacred sites

Frequent gathering for spiritual purification.

Ardh Kumbh Mela

Every 6 years

Haridwar and Prayagraj

A smaller-scale event between Purna Kumbh Melas.

Purna Kumbh Mela

Every 12 years

All four sacred sites (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain)

Major event with millions for sacred rituals.

Maha Kumbh Mela

Once every 144 years (after 12 Purna Kumbh Melas)

Exclusively at Prayagraj

The rarest and most spiritually significant gathering.

Mahakumbh Mela

Mahakumbh is considered to be an extraordinary event that takes place once in 144 years at Prayagraj. The event is believed to be an ultimate spiritual experience for hindus. The event is a once in a life-time opportunity for the attendees and considered to mark the completion of 12 cycles of 12-year kumbh mela. The Mahakumbh mela has the following features: 

  • The event spans for several months longer than the Kumbh Mela. 
  • Includes the Shahi Snan. 

The last mahakumbh mela was held in 2013 at Prayagraj and now the maha kumbh mela is being held at Prayagraj in 2025. 

  • ngs of saints, including the revered Akharas.
  • Enhanced rituals and ceremonies, including the Shahi Snan (royal bath).

Key Difference Between Kumbh and Mahakumbh Mela

Following are the key differences in between Kumbh and Mahakumbh Mela: 

Kumbh vs Maha Kumbh Mela

Aspect

Maha Kumbh 

Kumbh Mela

Frequency

Once every 144 years

Every 3 years

Timings

January 13 to February 26, 2025

Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh in 2028

Duration

Typically lasts around 45 days

Varies by astrological calculations

Location

Prayagraj (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati confluence)

Haridwar (Ganges), Ujjain (Shipra), Nashik (Godavari), Prayagraj (Ganges-Yamuna-Saraswati)

Significance

Considered the most sacred; powerful purification and salvation

Major religious festival in Hinduism

Scale

One of the largest religious gatherings in the world

Fewer participants due to more frequent occurrence

Kumbh and Mahakumbh Mela Differences FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between Mahakumbh and Kumbh?
Ans. Mahakumbh is held every 144 years at Prayagraj, while Kumbh occurs every 12 years at four locations.

Q2. Is 2025 Kumbh or Mahakumbh?
Ans. 2025 is a Mahakumbh, held in Prayagraj after 144 years.

Q3. Why Kumbh every 12 years?
Ans. Kumbh is held every 12 years based on the astrological alignment of Jupiter, Sun, and Moon.

Q4. Which Kumbh Mela is after 144 years?
Ans. The Mahakumbh is held once every 144 years in Prayagraj.

Q5. Why is this Mahakumbh so special?
Ans. It is a once-in-a-lifetime event held after 144 years, attracting millions of devotees for spiritual cleansing.

Q6 Where is Kumbh Mela held 2024?
Ans. There is no Kumbh Mela in 2024, as the next major event is Mahakumbh in Prayagraj in 2025.