The main ritual at the Kumbh Mela is the royal bath or the Shahi Snan, which is performed on most auspicious days during the religious gatherings. Hindus believe that by taking a dip in the sacred waters on the most auspicious day of the new moon will absolve them and their ancestors of sin, thus helping them attain Moksha or salvation. Pilgrims start lining up to bathe from around 3 a.m. on this day.
As the sun rises, the different groups of sadhus move in procession towards the river to bathe. The Nagas usually lead, while each group tries to outdo the others with more grandeur and fanfare. The moment is magical, and everyone is absorbed in it.
15 January 2019: Makar Sankranti (Shahi Snan)According to ancient Indian tradition, Kumbh Mela marks its beginning on Makar Sankranti, the day when the sun and moon enter Capricorn and Jupiter enters Aries which is considered to be particularly auspicious because as per ancient belief, the path from our Earth to other higher planets is open on this day, enabling the soul to attain the heavenly world. On this day at dawn, an immense crowd of millions of pilgrims walk towards the Sangam and there are people chanting and flags and banners flowing all over.
21 January 2019: Paush Purnima: Paush Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Paush. It is an important bathing date in the famous Allahabad Magh Mela. Paush Purnima is also celebrated as Shakambari Jayanti. On the occasion of Paush Purnima, thousands of people converge at the temple town of Prayag (Allahabad) for the holy bath at Sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Mythical Saraswati rivers. Heavy rush is witnessed in Hindu temples across India on the day.
04 February 2019: Mauni Amavasya Snan (Shahi Snan)The Amavasya of Magh Masa is called the Mauni Amavasya. Sun and Moon enter and the Capricorn sign, because of the transit, on this day. The day is celebrated as the birthday of Manu Rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa. Hence, this day is considered as the beginning of the universe creation. Capricorn sign has the Yoga of Sun and Moon which increases the significance of this Amavasya.
10 February 2019: Basant Panchami (Shahi Snan)Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival of spring is celebrated with full vivacity and joy amongst the Hindu people. In Hindi language, the word ”Basant / Vasant” means ”spring” and ”Panchami” means the fifth day. In short, Basant Panchami is celebrated as the fifth day of Spring Season. Vasant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Indian month, Maagh (January-February). This festival is also known as Saraswati Puja.
19 February 2019: Maghi Purnima Snan Magh Purnima or Magha Pournami, also known as Maha Maghi, is one of the auspicious Pournami days for Hindu devotees. Purnima is considered as significant in terms of spiritual practice and performing religious rituals. Samudra Snan or Punya Nadi Snanam (holy dip in holy waters) on Maha Maghi is highly meritorious deed. It is auspicious for Snana, Daana, Japa, and Parayana.
04 March 2019: Maha Shivratri Maha Shivratri, a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. There is a Shivaratri in every luni-solar month of the Hindu calendar, on the month’s 13th night/14th day, but once a year in late winter (February/March). It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, noninjury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. This is an important and the last day of Kumbh Mela at Allahabad in 2019 and after this day, the next Maha Kumbh at Allahabad will happen in 2025.