Mahakumbh 2025: Mahakumbh 2025 will be organized from 13 January to 26 February at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj. Mahakumbh is the largest religious fair in the world. This Mahakumbh, which lasts for 45 days, is very important for Hindus. During this time, there will be a total of six royal baths. It is expected that this time more than 40 crore people from the country and abroad will participate in the Mahakumbh. The last Ardh Kumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj in the year 2019. At the same time, before this, Maha Kumbh was organized in Prayagraj in the year 2013. While the Kumbh Mela was held in Haridwar.

Actually, there are four types of Kumbh Mela - Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Purna Kumbh and Maha Kumbh. All Kumbh Melas are organized according to the position of the planets. The time of the year is also very important in organizing the Kumbh Mela. Each Kumbh Mela has its own special significance.

Maha Kumbh
The next Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj next year i.e. in 2025. It will start on 13 January and end on 26 February. The last Maha Kumbh was held in Prayagraj in 2013. After 12 years, Prayagraj is again hosting the Kumbh Mela. 

Kumbh Mela Kumbh Mela is organised in Prayagraj as well as Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain. This fair is celebrated at an interval of 12 years. For this, the four places are chosen in turn. During this time, devotees take bath in Ganga, Kshipra, Godavari and Sangam (meeting place of three rivers). 
 

Ardh Kumbh Unlike the Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh is celebrated every six years. Ardh Kumbh is held at only two places, Prayagraj and Haridwar. Ardh means half. That is why it is held after six years.  
 

The Kumbh Mela celebrated after every
12 years is called Purna Kumbh Mela. Purna Kumbh is organized only on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj. In this way, the fair to be held in Prayagraj in January 2025 next year is not only Kumbh, but also a Purna Kumbh. The last Kumbh Mela was organized in Prayagraj in the year 2013. The Kumbh held in Prayagraj is considered extremely auspicious.

Maha Kumbh
The Kumbh Mela which is organized after every 144 years is called Maha Kumbh. It is organized only in Prayagraj. Because this Kumbh Mela comes after many years and hence it holds special importance. Maha Kumbh takes place after 12 complete Kumbhs. 

What is the mythological story? It is said that during the Samudra Manthan, there was a continuous war between the Gods and Demons for 12 days to drink the Amrit. The special thing is that these 12 days were equal to 12 years for humans, hence there are twelve Kumbhs. Out of these, four Kumbhs are on earth and eight are in Devlok. During the war, the Gods like Shani, Chandra and Surya protected the Kalash. From that time onwards, the planets that protect the current zodiac signs come and then the auspicious occasion of Kumbh is created.
 

How is the location decided
The place where Kumbh Mela will be held is decided on the basis of astrological calculations. Astrologers and heads of Akharas come together and decide the place where Kumbh Mela will be held. They observe the position of the major planets of Hindu astrology - Jupiter and Sun - to arrive at the decision. Jupiter i.e. Guru and Sun are both major planets in Hindu astrology. Therefore, the place is selected on the basis of their calculations.