Kumbh Mela 2025

The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage held on a 12-year cycle at four different locations across India. It is one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world, attended by millions of pilgrims who gather to bathe in the sacred waters of the holy rivers.

In 2025, Maha Kumbh Mela will be celebrated at Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh between 13 January to 26 February with multiple bathing dates planned throughout.

• Further information is available from the Government of Uttar Pradesh: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Advice for travellers

Before Travel

Prior to travel, all travellers planning on attending Maha Kumbh Mela should be advised to consider the following:

• review the latest FCDO foreign travel advice for India including entry requirements, safety and security risks
• review and follow the latest travel health advice for India: see the TRAVAX India country page for further information
• ensure they have valid travel insurance in place

The pre-travel consultation provides a good opportunity to check a traveller is up to date with UK schedule vaccines. In the past, large gatherings of people have been responsible for the transmission of highly infectious diseases such as measles and influenza.

• All travellers should ensure in advance that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Travellers in high risk groups should be encouraged to have seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines (if eligible) before travel.

Pilgrimages can be very physically demanding, and all pilgrims need to aim to be as physically fit as possible. 

• They may wish to liaise with their GP /specialist to ensure they are in optimum health and any pre-existing health conditions are stabilised (with or without medication) in advance of travel.
• Those that take prescribed medications should ensure they have enough supply to cover the duration of their trip, and a little extra supply to allow for unforeseen delays.

During Travel

All travellers should be advised to take precautions with:

• Food and water and respiratory hygiene

Arthropod-borne diseases, including dengue and zika are a potential risk in India.

• Check the alerts section for information on outbreaks.
• All travellers should be advised to practice appropriate mosquito and other insect bite prevention measures.

Accidents and injuries, such as slips, falls, stampedes and road accidents are common due to millions of pilgrims gathering at the same location. Travellers should be advised to consider:

• taking extra care when walking alongside busy roads, or close to heavy traffic
• wearing comfortable, protective footwear when walking to avoid injuring their feet
• carrying a simple first aid kit to self-manage minor injuries and basic health problems

The temperature in India can exceed 30°’ C.

• Travellers should be advised to keep well hydrated and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, and/or wear a head covering.
• Practicing sun safety can help reduce the risk of sunstroke and other heat disorders in warm weather, as well as skin cancer.

For further information on disease risks, other health risks and vaccination advice, see the India country page.

After Travel

Travellers should be advised that if they become unwell in the weeks/months after travel, particularly with a fever, flu-like symptoms, rash and/or diarrhoea, they should seek prompt medical advice, and ensure they mention their travel history to the health professional.