Catherine Graynor

The location isn't arbitrary; it's dictated by ancient astrological calculations. The Kumbh Mela rotates between four holy cities: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The specific city is determined by the position of the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) and the Sun. The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs only in Prayagraj when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesha Rashi) and the Sun is in Capricorn (Makara Rashi) during the Hindu month of Magha. This rare celestial event is what makes the 2025 gathering a "Maha" Kumbh. The belief is that during this precise alignment, the waters of the Ganga at the Sangam are infused with exceptional positive energy and nectar (amrita), and taking a dip during this time is said to cleanse one of all sins and help attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).