| Part 1 | January 27 - February 12 Prayagraj – Kumbhamela | |
|---|---|---|
| Part 2 | February 13 – February 16 Varanasi & Sarnath | |
| Part 3 | February 17 – February 28 Rishikesh & Haridwar | |
Please note : Participants who are unable to attend the full retreat can arrange to join part of it.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime yoga pilgrimage tour through Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Rishikesh with Shri Shiva Shankara, including a comprehensive yoga program and sacred river baths at the Purna Kumbhamela 2025!
The Kumbhamela is not just a festival—it’s a monumental gathering of spirituality, faith, and cultural unity.
Held once every 12 years, the Purna (complete) Kumbha Mela is a rare opportunity to join a profound celebration of the eternal flow of humanity and enduring quest for spiritual liberation. Renowned as the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, the Kumbhamela embodies the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning ‘the world is one family’. It is a powerful display of devotion where seekers from various spiritual paths unite with the common goal of spiritual growth and purification.
Whether you’re a devout pilgrim seeking spiritual enlightenment or a curious traveller eager to witness one of the largest human gatherings on Earth, the Kumbhamela 2025 promises a transformative experience like no other!
The Purna Kumbhamela 2025 will take place at Triveni Sangama in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), at the confluence of three holy rivers: Maa Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. This revered site’s mythological significance revolves around the story of Samudra Manthana - the churning of the ocean, during which the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) set aside their differences to obtain the precious Amrita (nectar of immortality). The celestial pot (kumbha) containing this elixir – from which the Kumbhamela derives its name, played a central role in this joint effort.
During the churning process, the ocean yielded not only Amrita but also a lethal poison called Halahala. The Devas and Asuras panicked as the poison threatened to engulf the world, and so, turned to Lord Shiva for help. In a great act of selflessness and compassion, Lord Shiva consumed the poison to protect the universe and became known as Neelakantha (the blue-throated one).
From the perspective of a yoga practitioner, the churning of the ocean can be seen metaphorically as the practitioner’s process of awakening and realisation of their immortal self.
“The story is symbolic of the churning of our mind and the sanskaras, going deeper into our selves from where all powers and auspicious phenomena arise, eventually leading to spiritual liberation or immortality,” Shri Shiva Shankara.
The churning continued over many years until eventually, the kumbha (pot) of nectar emerged. To prevent the demons from gaining immortality, the god Vishnu, in his form of Mohini, seized the pot and flew away with it. During his journey, a few drops of the nectar fell at four sacred locations giving them mystical powers: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
These four places became sacred pilgrimage sites where the Kumbhamela is celebrated on a rotating basis. Since 12 days for the Gods is the equivalent of 12 human years, the Kumbhamela is celebrated in 12-year cycles: the normal Kumbhamela takes place every 3 years, the Ardha (half) Kumbhamela takes place every 6 years, the Purna Kumbhamela every 12 years, and the Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated after 12 Purna Kumbhamelas –144 years.
The Kumbhamela Is celebrated at different locations depending on the astronomical alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter – celestial forces that helped protect the precious nectar.
This yoga and meditation retreat at the Purna Kumbhamela includes a comprehensive yoga program. It begins with morning Arati – a rising ritual offering of light to the deities and a powerful act of devotion, connecting humanity to the sacred waters and the divine.
Daily morning yoga practice with Shri Shiva Shankara will be taught with his holistic, traditional approach encompassing the streams of Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Kriya, Mantra, Vedanta and Bhakti yoga to guide you towards inner stillness and self-mastery. Afternoons and evenings will be dedicated to attending cultural programs with folk songs and dance and Akhara tours where you will have the rare opportunity to meet the Naga Sadhus, mystics, and great saints, attend their satsangs, and receive their blessings. We will also go boating at the sangama confluence to enjoy the sunset and witness the largest gathering of migrating birds from around the world.
The central ritual of the Purna Kumbhamela is bathing where pilgrims gather at the sacred riverbanks to immerse themselves in the holy waters. Bathings take place every day, however, the Important and Royal Baths hold unique significance. Determined according to astronomical signs, these baths create an immense tapestry of spiritual evolution within the Purna Kumbhamela, connecting participants to the wisdom and practices of ancient saints and sages. They are said to have a profound impact on the participant’s spiritual journey, cleanse one’s sins, and lead them closer to attaining Moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) and freedom from all suffering and its seeds.
This yoga retreat has been designed to coincide with sacred bathing in the sangama at times said to bestow blessings from Lord Vishnu granting happiness, prosperity, and salvation. You are invited to experience this timeless tradition and witness the vibrant processions of sadhus and ascetics converging upon the riverbanks. Their saffron robes, sacred symbols, and rhythmic chants create an awe-inspiring spectacle and mesmerising blend of devotion, tradition, and cosmic significance.
Please note : Shiva Ji will be at the Purna Kumbhamela a few days before the second Shahi Snana on the 29th of January until the 12th of February (Maghi Purnima (fullmoon) Snana) covering 4 bathing rituals. Please discuss your personal travel plans and retreat attendance dates with him directly. Plan to arrive 2 days earlier than the first bath you wish to attend.
Key Bathing Dates For The Kumbha Mela 2025:
| Event | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Makara Sankranti | January 14, 2025 | First Shahi Snana |
| Mauni Amavasya | January 29, 2025 | Second Shahi Snana |
| Vasanta Panchami | February 3, 2025 | Third Shahi Snana |
| Pausha Pūrnima | January 13, 2025 | Non-Shahi Bathing |
| Achalā Saptami | February 4, 2025 | Non-Shahi Bathing |
| Māghi Pūrnima | February 12, 2025 | Non-Shahi Bathing |
| Mahā Shivaratri | February 26, 2025 | Final Snana |
Please discuss your personal travel plans with Shri Shiva Shankara directly.
On the 13th of February, you will travel 110km to Varanasi – one of the oldest living cities in the world. Also known as Kashi (meaning ‘to shine’), Varanasi is considered to have been founded by Lord Shiva himself and the city where he and Goddess Parvati reside.
You will enjoy a mesmerising sunset Ganga Arati, and visit magnificent historic temples such as Kashi Vishwanath, and Annapurna, shrines, and ashrams, and famous ghats to witness the rituals of liberation. The taste of Kashi is said to be so indescribable, that one must be there to experience its powerful energy and vibrations.
During this part of the trip, you will be offered daily yoga sessions. We will also visit sacred Sarnath, a few kilometers from Kashi, where Buddha spoke his first words of Dhamma after enlightenment to his closest five disciples under the Banyan Tree.
For the last stage of your wellness and spiritual yoga retreat, you will travel to the holy city of Rishikesh. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy river Ganga, this serene environment is known as the yoga and spiritual capital of the world. With its rich spiritual heritage attracting saints, sages, and spiritual seekers for thousands of years, the potent energies of Rishikesh are said to catalyse spiritual growth and transformation.
You will visit Rishikesh’s numerous ashrams including Neem Karoli Baba and Sivananda ashram and evening Ganga Arati together with Kumbha City in Haridwar. There will be the opportunity to join local Himalayan adventures such as white-water rafting in the Ganga, camping, jungle safaris, and visiting traditional villages and cultural sites. You will explore ancient historic temples including Kunjapuri Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated at an altitude of 1,676 meters with breathtaking sunrise views, and Bhootnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will also visit mystic caves such as Mauni Baba, Rama, Mastram Baba, and Vasistha. In Haridwar you will explore Anandamayi Maa ashram, Chandi Hill, Hari Hara ashram, and Sati Ghat.
You can explore vibrant markets offering souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothing, organic skincare, Ayurvedic treatment, and Vedic astrology readings, and enjoy delicious food at local eateries blending traditional Indian flavours with regional specialities.
Your Rishikesh wellness retreat will include daily 2-hour morning yoga and 1-hour evening sessions for consistent growth and support in your practice.
On the 26th of February, we will join the rituals and celebrations of Maha Shivaratri – The Great Awakening Night Of Shiva. This auspicious night marks the transcendence of energy and consciousness to its highest dimension and the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This deeply spiritual and introspective festival offers devotees an opportunity to reflect and deeply connect to their inner selves, engage in spiritual renewal, and contemplate their future direction.
Accommodation and meals are included as part of your retreat package.
In Prayagraj you will stay in the Kumbhamela’s Tent City designed to provide hospitality and comfort for international pilgrims. The group’s neat and clean tents are equipped with essential amenities and sanitation and connectivity facilities.
Satvik vegetarian meals – brunch and dinner, are included. In addition, there are many food stalls nearby offering an array of traditional and regional food and tandoori chai served in clay pots giving the tea its distinctive flavour.
In Varanasi and Rishikesh you will stay in serene and tranquil ashram lodgings on the banks of the Ganga, surrounded by natural beauty.
Also Included In Your Retreat Package
At The Purna Kumbha Mela
Visitors attending the Purna Kumbhamela retreat should fly to Prayagraj airport (IATA code: IXD), also known as Bamrauli airport. It is a domestic airport approximately 12 km from the city center.
Travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi and Rishikesh and local tour transportation is also included as part of your retreat package.
For your return journey, Dehradun and Delhi airports are closest to Rishikesh. Return journeys from other airports can be arranged. Please get in touch to discuss your individual arrangements.
Please contact Shiva Ji directly for cost information. This is based on the dates you attend, rooming preferences, and your airport transfer fees.
Essential Items To Bring To The Yoga Kumbha Retreat 2025
Other helpful items:
Registration
Please get in touch directly to discuss your individual travel plans and reserve your place:
| Package 1 | January 27 - February 12 $2125 - shared accommodation | |
|---|---|---|
| Package 2 | February 13 – February 16 $1600 - shared accommodation | |
| Package 3 | February 17 – February 28 $2100 - single room accommodation | |
Reservation
A non-refundable deposit of $250 (deducted from your package total) is required at the point of booking to reserve your place. Retreat balances can be paid in India in cash. If you want to attend the retreat for a shorter period at any of its locations, or attend all of it, please contact Shiva directly to discuss your attendance dates, travel plans, and costs.
Payment
Payment: Please send your deposit payment to the account below. You can use your preferred money transfer service according to what is the most convenient, reliable, and cost-effective for you from your origin country in terms of the transfer fee. Eg. Wise, WorldRemit, or Revolut. Try to avoid directly sending payment through your credit or debit card as it costs more. Payment is not accepted via PayPal.
ACCOUNT NAME : DURGA PRASAD UPADHYAYA
BANK : STATE BANK OF INDIA,
SWARGASHRAM BRANCH
ADDRESS : SWARGASHRAM RISHIKESH
DISTRICT : PAURI GARHWAL
PIN CODE : 249304
STATE : UTTARAKHAND
BANK BRANCH CODE : 02493
ACCOUNT NUMBER :30653237773
MICR CODE: 249002104
IFSC : SBIN0002493
CIF NUMBER : 85430137228
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