Important Festivals in Prayagraj

• Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, is a city deeply rooted in spirituality and culture. Known for its religious significance, especially due to the Triveni Sangam, the city hosts several important festivals that draw millions of devotees, tourists, and pilgrims every year. Below are the most important festivals celebrated in Prayagraj:

  1. Kumbh Mela

  Description: The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. It takes place every 12 years in Prayagraj, where millions of devotees and saints gather to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

  Significance: According to Hindu mythology, bathing at the Sangam during the Kumbh Mela cleanses sins and grants salvation.

  Highlights:

  Rituals and processions by Naga Sadhus.

  Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) on auspicious dates.

  Spiritual discourses, fairs, and cultural programs.

  Next Maha Kumbh: Scheduled for 2025.

  2. Ardh Kumbh Mela

  Description: Celebrated every 6 years, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela but still attracts millions of pilgrims.

  Significance: It is another opportunity for devotees to bathe at the Sangam for spiritual cleansing.

  Highlights: Similar rituals and processions as the Kumbh Mela.

  3. Magh Mela

  Description: Held annually during the Hindu month of Magha (January–February), the Magh Mela is a smaller-scale religious gathering at the Sangam.

  Significance: Pilgrims observe the tradition of Kalpavas, where they live a simple and spiritual life on the riverbanks.

  Highlights:

  Holy dip at the Sangam.

  Temporary settlements of devotees, saints, and ascetics.

  Religious rituals and satsangs (spiritual discourses).

  4. Diwali

  Description: The festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Prayagraj. Homes, temples, and streets are decorated with diyas and lights.

  Significance: It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

  Highlights:

  Laxmi Puja and lighting of oil lamps.

  Burst of firecrackers.

  Local fairs and cultural programs.

  5. Navratri and Durga Puja

  Description: Navratri and Durga Puja are celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga. Large pandals are set up throughout Prayagraj, and the city comes alive with devotional songs, dances, and rituals.

  Significance: These festivals symbolize the victory of good over evil.

  Highlights:

  Decorated idols of Goddess Durga.

  Cultural programs and community feasts.

  Immersion of idols in the Ganga on the last day.

  6. Basant Panchami

  Description: Celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring.

  Significance: The day is dedicated to education, arts, and learning, as Goddess Saraswati is the deity of knowledge.

  Highlights:

  Devotees wear yellow clothing and offer prayers.

  Special celebrations at Saraswati Kund and schools.

  Kite flying is a popular activity.

  7. Maha Shivratri

  Description: This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with great devotion in Prayagraj, especially at temples like the Someshwar Mahadev Temple.

  Significance: Devotees observe fasts and perform special rituals to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

  Highlights:

  Shiva temples are adorned with flowers.

  Abhishek (ritual bathing of the Shivling) with milk, honey, and water.

  Night-long chanting of Shiva mantras.

  8. Holi

  Description: The festival of colors, Holi, is celebrated with enthusiasm in Prayagraj.

  Significance: It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

  Highlights:

  Smearing of colors and water fights.

  Traditional songs and dances.

  Special sweets like gujiya and bhang thandai.

  9. Ganga Dussehra

  Description: This festival celebrates the descent of the River Ganga from heaven to earth.

  Significance: It is believed that bathing in the Ganga on this day washes away sins.

  Highlights:

  Holy dip at the Sangam.

  Ganga Aarti and rituals on the riverbanks.

  Processions and cultural performances.

  10. Kartik Purnima

  Description: Celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik (October–November), this festival is considered auspicious for Hindus.

  Significance: Devotees believe bathing in the Ganga on Kartik Purnima earns divine blessings.

  Highlights:

  Lighting diyas on the riverbanks.

  Holy dip at the Sangam.

  Special prayers in temples.

  Why Visit Prayagraj During Festivals?

  Festivals in Prayagraj provide a deep insight into India’s spiritual traditions, cultural richness, and devotional fervor. The vibrant celebrations, colorful rituals, and grand gatherings make Prayagraj a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a spiritual and cultural experience.