Are you planning to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela this year? If so, you might be exploring the best ways to travel to the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. For millions of travellers, trains are the most convenient and reliable option. You can book your train tickets to Prayagraj easily on redRail for a smooth and stress-free journey. The Kumbh Mela, celebrated four times every 12 years, attracts countless devotees from all over. In this guide, we will look at the Kumbh Mela dates, how to reach Prayagraj and train-related booking details on redRail.
Below is a stepwise train ticket booking process for Kumbh Mela on redRail.
- Step 1: Visit the redRail website or open redrail app.
- Step 2: Choose the date of your journey and boarding and destination stations.
- Step 3: Click on Search trains to proceed with the booking.
- Step 4: Choose a preferred travel class and check their availability.
- Step 5: A list of trains available for Prayagraj will be displayed on the screen.
- Step 6: Enter the IRCTC login user ID to proceed with the payment process.
- Step 7: Select the preferred payment method listed on the screen.
- Step 8: Enter the IRCTC password to confirm the train ticket booking for Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.
- Step 9: You will get a confirmation email or text on your registered email ID or mobile number. The PNR number on the ticket will indicate whether your booking is confirmed or on the waiting list.
Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Prayagraj from 13 January to 26 February 2025. Below is a list of festivals and dates celebrated in Kumbh Mela.
Festival Name |
Date |
Day |
Paush Purnima |
13-01-2025 |
Monday |
Makar Sankranti |
14-01-2025 |
Tuesday |
Mauni Amavasya (Somvati) |
29-01-2025 |
Wednesday |
Basant Panchami |
03-02-2025 |
Monday |
Maghi Purnima |
12-02-2025 |
Wednesday |
Mahashivratri |
26-02-2025 |
Wednesday |
The Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, deeply connected to Indian spirituality and culture. This grand event draws millions of pilgrims, holy men (sadhus), tourists, and photographers from around the world. It is held in four sacred cities in India—Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik—on a rotating basis. The Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of faith, rituals, and cultural traditions, offering an extraordinary experience to everyone who participates.
The Kumbh Mela is known for its spiritual rituals and practices that showcase the essence of Hinduism. Here are the main rituals and activities:
- Holy Bath (Snan): Taking a dip in the sacred rivers is the most important ritual. It is believed to wash away sins and lead to spiritual liberation (moksha). Special bathing days, called Shahi Snans, are determined based on astrology and are especially significant.
- Prayers and Offerings: Devotees pray to deities and perform rituals along the riverbanks. They offer flowers, fruits, and incense sticks as part of their devotion.
- Meeting Sadhus: The Kumbh Mela is a rare chance to see Naga sadhus, saints, and ascetics who mostly live in isolation. Their processions and spiritual teachings are a major attraction.
- Fire Rituals (Yagnas) and Pujas: Saints and spiritual leaders conduct large fire rituals and special prayer ceremonies during the event.
- Cultural Events: The Mela includes spiritual music, dance performances, and storytelling that bring Hindu mythology to life.
The Kumbh Mela is deeply meaningful for Hindus, both spiritually and culturally:
- Spiritual Cleansing: Bathing in the holy rivers during the Mela is believed to cleanse the soul, remove sins, and bring spiritual peace.
- Bringing People Together: The event unites Hindus from all backgrounds, creating a mix of different cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Spiritual Teachings: Famous saints and spiritual leaders share teachings and guidance to help devotees follow the path of righteousness.
- Worldwide Recognition: In 2017, UNESCO declared the Kumbh Mela an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” showcasing its global importance and cultural value.
Prayagraj is a key railway hub in India with multiple stations, the main one being Prayagraj Junction (formerly known as Allahabad Junction). To handle the large number of pilgrims during Kumbh Mela, special trains are arranged. Prayagraj is connected to major cities through popular trains like Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat Express from Delhi, Howrah-Prayagraj Express and Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani from Kolkata, and Sanghamitra Express from Chennai. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, book your tickets in advance using platforms like redRail.Prayagraj’s railway network links it to major cities across India, such as:
- Delhi to Prayagraj trains
- Bengaluru to Prayagraj trains
- Mumbai to Prayagraj trains
- Howrah to Prayagraj trains
Below are major railway stations in Prayagraj to attend Kumbh Mela 2025.
- Prayagraj Junction
- Prayagraj Rambagh
- Prayagraj Sangam
- Prayag Junction
- Naini Junction
- Prayagraj Chheoki
- Phaphamau Junction
- Jhunsi
- Subedarganj
Reaching Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) for the Kumbh Mela is easy, thanks to the city’s excellent connectivity by road, rail, and air. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your journey to this grand spiritual event:
- By Air: The closest airport to Prayagraj is the Prayagraj Airport (Bamrauli Airport), located approximately 13 kilometres from the city centre. It operates domestic flights connecting major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Alternatively, you can fly into Varanasi Airport or Lucknow Airport, which are around 120 km and 200 km away, respectively. From these airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to Prayagraj.
- By Road: Prayagraj has a well-established road network, making it easily accessible by bus, car, or taxi. The National Highways 19 and 30 pass through the city, providing direct road links to major cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Delhi. Government and private buses, including deluxe and Volvo services, frequently operate to Prayagraj from nearby towns and cities. You can also book cabs or self-drive to the city for a more personalised experience.
- Local Transport in Prayagraj: Once you reach Prayagraj, local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and buses are readily available to take you to the Kumbh Mela site. Special shuttle services and e-rickshaws are often arranged during the event to ensure smooth transit within the city.
Prayagraj, earlier called Allahabad, is a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Known for its deep roots in Hindu mythology, the city hosts the famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years, drawing millions of pilgrims. Prayagraj’s culture blends spirituality with modernity and is enriched by its educational and literary legacy. The city’s food delights include kachoris, samosas, chaat, and sweets like imarti and gujiya.
Some amazing places to explore in Prayagraj while you are witnessing the Maha Kumbh Mela are as follows:
- Triveni Sangam: The sacred confluence of three rivers.
- Allahabad Fort: A Mughal-era fort with historic significance.
- Anand Bhavan: The ancestral home of the Nehru family.
- Khusro Bagh: A serene garden with Mughal tombs.
For a smooth and enriching experience at the Kumbh Mela, consider the following tips:
- Plan Early: Book your train tickets and accommodation early, as the event attracts huge crowds and availability is limited.
- Check the Schedule: Stay updated on the key bathing dates and event timings to make the most of your visit.
- Pack Light: Bring only essentials like water bottles, snacks, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Follow Local Customs: Respect the rules, traditions, and practices of the event to honour the beliefs of devotees.
- Stay Safe: Be mindful of your belongings and stay alert in crowded areas to avoid losing valuables.
- Use Official Services: Rely on authorized transport and accommodation services to ensure a hassle-free experience.
- Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Drink plenty of water and carry basic medicines for common issues like headaches or fatigue.
- Navigate Wisely: Use maps or guides provided at the Mela to find your way around the large grounds.
- Have a Backup Plan: Keep emergency contact numbers of family members and Prayagraj Mela authority officials in case of unexpected situations.
The Kumbh Mela is more than just a religious event; it is a celebration of India’s rich spirituality and cultural heritage. It shows the strength of faith, community, and tradition, bringing millions of people together in devotion and unity. Whether you are looking for spiritual peace, cultural experiences, or simply want to witness something extraordinary, the Kumbh Mela offers a unique journey. Attending this grand event will surely leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. You can book trains to Kumbh Mela on redRail much in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
What is the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela date?
Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is celebrated from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
What are the major railway stations in Prayagraj?
The major railway stations in Prayagraj to attend Kumbh Mela are Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Rambagh, Prayagraj Chheoki and others.
Are there any special trains for Kumbh Mela?
Yes, there are special trains running to Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela in the year 2025. These trains are operated to provide a hassle free journey to Kumbh Mela for millions of devotees.
How can I book train tickets to Prayagraj Kumbh Mela?
You can book railway tickets on redRail by entering the journey date, boarding and deboarding stations. Select travel class and check for train availability to make the payment and confirm the train ticket booking.
What are the popular trains to Prayagraj?
Some popular trains running to Prayagraj Kumbh Mela are Rajdhani, Vande Bharat, Howrah-Prayagraj Express, Sanghamitra Express and others.