The Maha Kumbh Mela, recognized as part of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is renowned globally as the largest peaceful congregation of people. It is the iteration of the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage festival celebrating a full orbital revolution of Jupiter around the Sun. Jupiter takes 12 Earth years (Jovian Year), or 4,333 Earth days, to orbit the sun.

Of great significance, the 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, marks the completion of a 12-Kumbh Mela cycle – thus once in 144 years phenomenon. It is held at the Triveni Sangam, India. Sangam signifies the union of three rivers - Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj. As per astronomical calculations, the 2025 edition is unique since the constellation alignment seen is witnessed once in 144 years. The site of each Kumbh Mela is decided by the astrological alignment of Jupiter, the Sun and the Moon (Surya), and Moon.

Symbolizing the victory of Gods (good) or Demons (Evil), the festival is a testament to the human quest for divine and spiritual liberation, representing the belief in freedom from the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This gathering allows millions of devotees to immerse themselves in the holy waters of Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, symbolizing a purification of the soul and, as believed, a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.