Pushkar Kumbh Mela

The Pushkar Kumbh Mela has made return to Uttarakhand after a 12-year hiatus. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on May 15, 2025, the event is being held at Keshav Prayag in Mana village. This sacred site is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. The festival attracts thousands of Vaishnavite devotees, particularly from South India, who believe that participation purifies the soul and grants moksha. It will continue until May 26, 2025.
Significance
The Pushkar Kumbh Mela is celebrated when Jupiter enters Gemini. It holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. Mana village is associated with Maharishi Ved Vyas, the revered sage who composed the Mahabharata. It is also believed that notable South Indian scholars Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya received divine knowledge from Goddess Saraswati at this location.
Infrastructure and Safety Measures
To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, the Uttarakhand government has improved infrastructure. The pedestrian route to Keshav Prayag has been upgraded. Bilingual signage has been installed for better navigation. Police officers and members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are stationed along the route and at the confluence to ensure safety.
Intimate Experience Compared to Larger Kumbhs
Unlike the larger Kumbh Melas in cities like Prayagraj and Haridwar, the Pushkar Kumbh in Mana offers a more intimate spiritual experience. It creates a meaningful connection between northern and southern India. The event aims to preserve cultural heritage while enhancing the nation’s spiritual unity.