The 7 Snan at Mahakumbh 2025

The Kumbh Mela in 2025 is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. During this period, several auspicious bathing dates, known as ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Baths) and other significant bathing days, are observed. Each of these dates holds unique spiritual significance:

1. Paush Poornima (January 13, 2025): This full moon day marks the commencement of the Kumbh Mela. Bathing on Paush Poornima is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to devotees and their families.
   
2. Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2025): Signifying the sun’s transition into Capricorn, Makar Sankranti heralds the beginning of longer days. This day is the first Shahi Snan, where ascetic orders (Akharas) lead grand processions to the Sangam for the royal bath. Participating in or witnessing this ritual is believed to cleanse one’s sins and purify the soul.
   
3. Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025): Known as the “silent new moon,” devotees observe silence and take a holy dip, focusing on self-purification. This day also features a Shahi Snan, attracting millions of pilgrims. It’s believed that the spiritual energy at the Sangam peaks on this day, making it one of the holiest times for bathing.
   
4. Basant Panchami (February 3, 2025): Celebrating the arrival of spring and associated with Goddess Saraswati, this day includes a Shahi Snan. Devotees, often dressed in yellow, bathe in the Sangam, seeking blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.
   
5. Achla Saptami (February 4, 2025): Also known as Ratha Saptami, this day is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Bathing at the Sangam on Achla Saptami is believed to cleanse physical and mental impurities, bringing vitality and health.
   
6. Maghi Poornima (February 12, 2025): This full moon day marks the conclusion of the Magh month, dedicated to austerities and religious observances. Bathing on Maghi Poornima is believed to earn devotees spiritual merit equivalent to performing 1,000 Ashwamedha Yajnas.
   
7. Maha Shivratri (February 26, 2025): Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is the concluding day of the Kumbh Mela. Devotees offer prayers and bathe in the holy rivers, believing that the sacred dip can dissolve karmic bonds and elevate one’s consciousness.
   

Each of these dates is meticulously chosen based on astrological alignments, particularly the positioning of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon in certain zodiac signs, which are believed to magnify the spiritual benefits of the rituals. Bathing at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—during these auspicious times is considered a profound act of devotion, aiming to cleanse the soul and attain spiritual liberation.