Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Why in the news?
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a sacred pilgrimage, will be held in Prayagraj from 13th January to  26th February 2025, drawing millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification, cultural celebration, and unity. 
The word ‘Kumbh’ comes from the root ‘kumbhak’ (the sacred pitcher of elixir of immortality). 
Key Facts About Kumbh Mela:
It is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. This gathering takes place at 4 different places, namely: 
In Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges. 
In Ujjain, on the banks of Shipra. 
In Nashik, on the banks of Godavari (Dakshin Ganga). 
In Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati. 
Different Types of Kumbh: 
The Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over a course of 12 years. 
At Haridwar and Prayagraj, Ardh-Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year. 
The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’). 
Maagh Kumbh is celebrated every year in the month of Maagh (Jan-Feb) in Prayagraj. 
About Maha Kumbh Mela:
It isa sacred pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years.
Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest peaceful gathering, draws millions of pilgrims who bathe in sacred rivers seeking to purify themselves from sins and attain spiritual liberation.
This sacred event rotates between four locations in India-Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj- each situated by a holy river, from the Ganges to the Shipra, the Godavari, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Prayagraj. 
Historical background
The roots of the Kumbh Mela stretch back thousands of years, finding early references during the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).
During the medieval period, the Kumbh Mela received patronage from various royal dynasties, including the Chola and Vijayanagar empires in the south, and the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals in the north.
Even Mughal emperors such as Akbar are noted to have participated in the celebrations, illustrating a spirit of religious tolerance.
British administrators observed and documented the festival, intrigued by its massive scale and the diverse congregations it drew. Figures such as British colonial administrator James Prinsepchronicled the Kumbh Mela in the 19th century, detailing its ritualistic practices, the vast congregations, and the socio-religious dynamics at play.
Post-independence, the Maha Kumbh Mela gained even greater significance, symbolizing national unity and India’s rich cultural heritage. Recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Kumbh Mela stands as a testament to the survival and evolution of ancient traditions in an era of modernization.
Conclusion:
The Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 is not just a gathering; it is a journey towards the self. Beyond rituals and symbolic acts, it offers pilgrims an opportunity for inner reflection and a deeper connection with the divine. In a world often dominated by the demands of modern life, the Maha Kumbh Mela stands as a beacon of unity, purity, and enlightenment. This timeless pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder that, despite humanity’s varied paths, we are united in essence—a shared journey towards peace, self-realization, and an enduring reverence for the sacred.