I Went To The BIGGEST HUMAN GATHERING in History! (Maha Kumbh Mele 2025)

Maha Kumbh Mele 2025 - Running for 45 days in Prayagraj, India, this is the biggest human gathering the world has ever seen!
A once in 144 year spiritual gathering, expected to draw 450 million devotees, this is something truly special.
In this unrivaled meeting of humanity, I explore the spirituality, learning from my local friend, a volunteer at the festival and even a Naga Sadhu.
Here is the contact details for my friend and guide Nandan - Do get in touch if you need a great guide in the Varanasi area:
Nandan Bharat ([phone] whatsapp / pragyabodh.com)
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[@vs9324]

What is amazing is that both men and women, in millions, are taking bath in the river together and the women are feeling safe in doing it.

[@ChrisKermis]

It felt a very safe place generally, aside from the terrible thing that happened on 29th January.

[@Tanazjee4547]

People are safe if there are no mu**s lims

[@robinrahul2176]

Don’t go by western media news they tell about India and women safety in India…I can assure u, India is much safe than any other countries as long as u have basic common sense of what to do and what not to do…

[@ns100ful]

Scientific explanation of Hindu religion.many many thanks.

[@theslayer794]

Mate, you're a good guy unlike many other Western youtubers who don't leave any opportunity to disparage India and Indians.

[@ChrisKermis]

Yeah, I'm well aware of that and I don't like it, trashing a country for clicks is not a good way. India has its problems (all countries do in some way), but it's such a beautifully rich country in history and culture with so much to offer. This is my 5th time here now and I hope won't be my last. Currently I'm finishing off a video on modern India before heading to a whole new part of the country for me.

[@nishithdave8184]

@@ChrisKermis 💝🇮🇳💝🇮🇳💝✨🥁👍🏽

[@nishithdave8184]

@@ChrisKermis 🙏🏼💝✨🥁🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳✨

[@ajithiyer7401]

​@@ChrisKermis👌🌹🤝

[@GloryBharat]

We can see the excitement and positive energy vibes around you. ​@@ChrisKermis

[@sup793]

over 450 million people in 45 days yet it's going peacefully. that's the speciality of spirituality

[@ChrisKermis]

Absolutely, it’s amazing!

[@ashutoshpandey1473]

Very knowledgeable and spiritual guide you have with you.

[@ChrisKermis]

Nandan is great and I'm so thankful to have spent my time there with him!

[@HershGoel-f2f]

Chris, thanks for the one of the better, comprehensive video I have seen. Over 450 million people in 45 days yet it's going so peacefully in a well organized manner. You covered main contents of the festivals. And the guide is knowledgeable. For millions of faithful people what a beautiful spiritual adventure. Lots of organizations are doing fantastic Seva (Devotional, Langar, Camping/Sleeping services etc. to the public) Nice video!👍 🙂🙂🙂

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to be there!

[@SudhakaranRamankutty]

It is amazing that without anybodies guidance, people themself conducting rituals. Nowhere in the planet earth can conduct such huge rituals. As people are self disciplined, no unwanted activities, only spirituality guided millions activity. 🌹🙏🙏🙏

[@natalieoleary9182]

I also went this year…what an experience. The logistics of the event alone blew my mind. I was only going to go for 2 days but ended up staying a week and I hardly slept, I didn’t want to miss a second of it. It is something I am truly grateful that I was able to attend.

[@ChrisKermis]

Wow you stayed a whole week?! Incredible! My one day trip from Varanasi was never going to be enough but I was thankful to have that

[@natalieoleary9182]

@ Yes after day 1 I knew 2 days was not going to be enough. The experience when it got dark was completely different to during the day and the sectors were all so different. Night was when the Kumbh came alive. I hardly slept that week as I didn’t want to miss anything haha. Anytime there that someone got to spend there was a gift I think.

[@ARCPA1040]

I am located in Bangalore which is a 1000+ kilometers away from the Varanasi and Prayagraj where the Kumbh is happening. Thank you Chris for showcasing from on the ground what the festival is like! You have my immense gratitude 🙏🏻 🙏🏻Thanks also for providing the details of your tour guide. I would like to visit the Kumbh and I will contact him.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you liked it and hope that you can meet up with Nandan

[@ARCPA1040]

@ Thanks for replying, Chris! I’m planning to reach out to Nandan shortly. Thanks once again🙏🏻

[@abhilash9766]

​@@ARCPA1040wru from Bangalore ...I'm Abhilash from jayanagar 4th block

[@WisdomBuds]

Dear, It's once in a life time event.......take leave and experience India

[@mynampatiprakaasam3024]

Your guide ,yhe gentleman has given the explanation , how the humans are connected with water.OMG.Thanks to him

[@smitathite4066]

Best video...enlightened...the Guide is genuine.

[@ChrisKermis]

Nandan is fantastic, he became a friend as well as a guide when I first met him and collaborated with him on my Varanasi/Aghori video. Of course I had to meet him again!

[@abhilash9766]

*loads of love from Bangalore*

[@nishithdave8184]

The stampede that you mentioned was actually a sabotage from the Radicals😢😢😢💔🤬.

[@rotikithaali8959]

Seriously any proof?

[@nandanupadhyay]

Hello everyone, my name is Nandan, and I am the guide in this video. I noticed in the comments that my commentary is not clear to some people regarding the time cycle of the festival. The Kumbh Mela follows a 12-year cycle and occurs every fourth year at a different location in rotation among the four sacred sites: 1. Prayagraj - Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati 2. Haridwar - Banks of the Ganga River 3. Ujjain - Banks of the Shipra River 4. Nashik - Banks of the Godavari River Kumbh Mela Rotation Cycle Every 12 years: A full Purna Kumbh Mela is held at each of the four locations. Every 6 years: An Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place in Prayagraj and Haridwar. Every 144 years: A Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj. Every year: A smaller Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh) is held in Prayagraj. Thus, every 4 years, a Kumbh Mela is celebrated at one of the four locations in rotation. Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is celebrated approximately 3 years after Kumbh at Haridwar and 3 years before Kumbh at Nashik and Ujjain (both of which are celebrated in the same year or one year apart - with Ujjain Mela occurring after Nashik).

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks for the clarifications Nandan, I've pinned the comment so that others can easily find it

[@WITNESSPATH-c4v]

Thank you sir Nandan for the useful guide and information, Good job sir 😁

[@deepjaggi7]

people find ways & irrelevant reasons to criticize ... its human tendency ,,, you dont have to worry ,,, your details were very clear n accurate ... good work Nandan ji.

[@sangfroid7]

How beautifully he described the churning of the mental ocean. This churning brings out everything from poison to nectar and it's a tussle between positive and negative energies

[@renuwilson7659]

The CM of UP is also loved by many

[@Taco-C]

Great video! What a beautiful spiritual adventure.👍

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks, glad you liked it. I literally had to upend all plans to get over there in time!

[@SuhanaSingh-y8b]

Thank you Chris , I watched many videos on Kuba Mela , your guide was accurate , very good explanation about the festival ,it made sense, I was looking this answer , just watching the video , I felt I was there

[@roseyglow]

Thoroughly enjoyed seeing this fascinating insight into India’s most religious event. Many thanks.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you liked it!

[@jsmith3980]

So happy to see your content Chris, I enjoyed your last video.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you liked it! Thank you

[@saratsaratchandran3085]

The style you made this video is commendable! Thank you!

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@tamsartz]

Amazing and comprehensive video Chris. Super happy to find you and your awesome content. Have a great time traveling around. 👍

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you liked it, there's plenty more coming!

[@tamsartz]

@ChrisKermis gefeliciteerd, alle goeds.

[@matthewmorris7510]

Cool video, it's amazing you made it into the festival and back again without waiting all day in traffic jams. I heard about another youtuber who spent 19 hours in a traffic jam trying to get there for this and eventually gave up. You should have a look at the Sonepur mela which is held in Bihar every year. It's the largest cattle fair in Asia, but its a lot more than just cattle. Nice to see the same guide from Varanasi.

[@ChrisKermis]

Yeah I’ve heard similar horror stories. I went on a quieter day otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get around and film. Still a pretty full on day though!

[@lindaroth6273]

Thank you for going. I wanted to. You had a great experience

[@sangfroid7]

I would love yo connect with your guide. He is eloquent

[@pastorjonwick]

You did good. Kumbh Mela (Mela=fair) happens after ever 12 years at 4 locations with each location having its own 12-year cycle. Midway i.e. every 6 years there is ardh-kumbh where 'ardh' is the Sanskrit word for half. This year, in Prayagraj, its Maha-Kumbh. 'Maha' is Sanskrit word for 'Great'. This is when 12-year cycle coincides with 144-year cycle. In India, Kumbh is being celebrate for thousands of years, much before the origin of many modern day religions and civilizations. All people irrespective of their gender, class, ideologies etc, take the holy dip in the confluence of three rivers - Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati (now dried up). In Kumbh, you will find many saints, sages and learned men, from whom you can learn more about its spiritual significance.

[@deepjaggi7]

Chris the best moment from this video was wherein you showed one guy cleaning the immersed flowers from the river bank and took time to appreciate the effort. On the contrary, i have many you tubers from India highlighting the mismanagement & dirt. I personally spent 4 days there in 2019 & 2025 as well ... the festival is really well managed. thanks again for reflecting positive vibes ...

[@ChrisKermis]

I felt it important to do, there’s so much negativity out there and a trend in focusing on the bad in India for clicks.

[@deepjaggi7]

@@ChrisKermis i appreciate that ... one thing i would like to add here which i am not sure of whether youre aware or not ... i hope Nandan ji told you ... this temprary festival camping of about 50 sqkm is done on the river bed ... basically all the kumbh area you walked is actual river during monsoons .... this makes the efforts of the set up even more appreciative.

[@ChrisKermis]

@@deepjaggi7Well that’s something I didn’t know, thanks for the info. Amazing!

[@SudBudh]

Great job, attending Maha Kumbh! Nice coverage 👌🏾

[@nekkardeltacygni7682]

Thank you so very much..!

[@ChrisKermis]

You're welcome!

[@VivekBisht856]

Har har Mahadev 🚩🔱🚩

[@bunty_jeutwo_negi]

हर हर महादेव 🔱🕉️

[@nreworld]

BEAUTIFUL Mahakumbh .. Har Har gange ... Har Har Mahadev..

[@LakhSingh-jw2ls]

Har har Mahadev

[@AshoKumar-dk1cb]

नमस्ते 🙏

[@veggiegossiphaven]

I am very glad to see you in our holly celebration and part of Mahakumbha 🎉

[@AnindaSikder-h31]

নমো ভূতনাথং নমো দেবদেবং নমঃ কালকালং নমো দিব্যতেজম্ । নমঃ কামভস্মং নমঃ শাংতশীলং ভজে পার্বতীবল্লভং নীলকংঠম্ ॥ 1 ॥

[@RishiSingh-cf9iv]

You are very fortunate to be there namaste 🙏

[@ankitarai9834]

It was a good video, informative as well. I saw your Aghori video too, I gotta know more rationale things about Aghori through your video. Your contents are rationale n logical.

[@ChrisKermis]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@kiranvision6829]

Har Har Mahadev. nice video

[@zannadook]

That looks incredible Chris! I'd like to chat to you about that sometime.

[@ChrisKermis]

It was a pretty amazing adventure!

[@Cuteboy9-uc]

Very good 👍nice video🎥✌

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 👍

[@consciouschapters8396]

Very nice video

[@spydikondala37]

Nice video 👌👌

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you

[@tommyhatwell]

❤❤❤

[@vermacoinscollection6698]

Nice presentation

[@RajRaj-ic6vw]

Hare hare mahadev

[@WITNESSPATH-c4v]

Well done Sir, this must be pretty hard vlog in progress, and thank you so much for posting this amazing vlog, becouse i never know that this kind of event are actually exist. One question, how in the world did you keep staying cool on that heat weather sir?..

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you, there weather is not so warm as this time of year so basically I was fine wearing a hat most of the time, sun tan cream in the afternoon and of course drinking water

[@himanshutrivedi4527]

most welcome dear 🙏🙏🙏

[@vinsing83262]

I was there yesterday 😊😊😊 🙏🙏

[@ChrisKermis]

How was it?

[@KindPersan]

Thank you for giving a neutral view

[@ChrisKermis]

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity

[@Chakkochi168]

Congratulations 👏👏👏

[@vishukr-bs4re]

Sometimes it's truly mesmerizing chris How.. You mix with the.. Population

[@dissolvingkarma5081]

This gathering is so massive that even beggars could walk away as millionaires.

[@nataraj1000]

simply wow

[@TravelNutshell]

Ur blessed for being there. Did u take a dip?

[@ChrisKermis]

Not a full dip, just a little. Nothing that could be put on the video though

[@fookrefookre349]

​@ChrisKermis That's also fine. May Lord Shiva bless you. And do keep the Rudraksh with you for lifetime...it is special and given to you by a Naga Sadhu who genuinely seemed to feel glad that you spared time to speak with him...otherwise most people just take selfies and move on.

[@hariomsen2655]

Om namah shivaya ❤🕉️

[@amalbanerjee1935]

This video is so nice

[@ChrisKermis]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@suryadevararao1795]

Mela, Milan, Meeting, Mulaqat......just few similar words.

[@nagaraj5326]

Super ❤❤❤

[@Rockstar_london]

the tour guide is ❤❤

[@jayas4406]

Kumbh is held in 4 different places - one every 3 years:- at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nasik- Trimbek. Prayagraj is considered most important as it has the Triveni Sangam. Kumbh will return to each place once in every 12 years.

[@Sbbbbbbbb-s1y]

Jai Sri ram, assam

[@bharatdesai6095]

❤🙏

[@Frank-s6t]

Very interesting ! I would like to know more detailed things about the different "Tents" or organisations participating.

[@ChrisKermis]

Indeed, I'd like to learn more on that front but of course was limited with just one day there

[@viswambharannair5476]

🙏🙏🌹🙏🙏

[@digitalindian6993]

13:51 Ask sant baljeet ji What is Ruhaani... Cant you named it in sanskrit or hindi

[@sarawhab-tv5gd]

Correction: Mela, not Mele...Mela means Festival...

[@pawanbajpai820]

🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@manivalappil5225]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ramchandrajoshi4639]

Forgot Everything...Past .. Future...Just Live And Enjoy The Present Blissful Moments...🙏🪷🙏

[@nundpelladoah3412]

Exporation of the self.

[@abhyuday_bose]

🔶🕉️🔶🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@vipansharma9105]

Actually in ancient time rishi ( saints)together here when plants Aline happen, to pass or get new philosophy or discussion, first they take holy bath then worship land with yagya, then discussing about new research knowledge about god and other questions, it’s like open debate or discussion, winner get was appreciate your local king .but because of it’s happening long time many local stories has been added.this I was red a book like a vedas

[@venkybabu4842]

What is maha Kumbh abishek. Abishek means taking bath and cleansing the body off anything to with water related trouble in the body. Maha Kumbh abishek is for people with enormous water related problems. Like can't see properly weak chest and brain. Lethargic in activities. Loosing life enjoyment and happiness. So to rejuvenate the different parts of the entire body systems water treatment and food festival. Prayers yoga meditation medication and relaxation. Mostly to get rid of body ailments. Ganga means god of birth. Brahma means the god of breath. Yamuna means the god of control and coordination of the brain and soul activities.

[@AashishNB975]

AUM AUM AUM

[@thehawkseye3412]

Your guide is confused about the timing. Kumbh takes place every 12th year. Ardh Kumbh (Half Kumbh) takes place at every 6 years. This time it's Mahakumbh (12*12) that comes once in 144 years. - It's based on Jupiter's alignment. Kumbh literally means water pitcher. Also known as Magh Mela(fair in month of Magh) It was a gathering to discuss religious philosophies and other relevant challenges and problems with all Indian dharmic sects gathering here. Of course we have fancy mythological legends associated to make it more interesting. Earlier it was celebrated every 12th year. But later on mini or half kumbh started since 12th year was a long time and people felt more immediate attention was needed to some challenges. ( There are Magh mela on other river sides too. Not just as big as this one.)

[@jayas4406]

Also kumbh is held in 4 different places - one every 3 years:- at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain & Nasik- Trimbek. Prayagraj is considered most important as it has the Triveni Sangam. Kumbh will return to each place once in every 12 years.

[@nandanupadhyay]

Sir, there is no confusion: The Kumbh Mela follows a 12-year cycle and occurs every fourth year at a different location in rotation among the four sacred sites: 1. Prayagraj - Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati 2. Haridwar - Banks of the Ganga River 3. Ujjain - Banks of the Shipra River 4. Nashik - Banks of the Godavari River Kumbh Mela Rotation Cycle Every 12 years: A full Purna Kumbh Mela is held at each of the four locations. Every 6 years: An Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place in Prayagraj and Haridwar. Every 144 years: A Maha Kumbh Mela is held only in Prayagraj. Every year: A smaller Magh Mela (Mini Kumbh) is held in Prayagraj. Thus, every 4 years, a Kumbh Mela is celebrated at one of the four locations in rotation. Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is celebrated approximately 3 years after Kumbh at Haridwar and 3 years before Kumbh at Nashik and Ujjain (both of which are celebrated in the same year or one year apart - with Ujjain Mela occurring after Nashik).

[@sunny-tg3uo]

please go to South India completely different from the north and very spiritual

[@TheCultOfMMA]

Respected Aadi guru Shankaracharya must be sad after seeing what his people done to his place such a shame

[@lusza8464]

interesting to see video, but this is the last place on earth where I would like to be.😂😂😂 best greetings Chris

[@ChrisKermis]

Thanks! Yep the crowds are not for everyone and I was there on a fairly quiet day

[@pawanbajpai820]

Yogiadityanath ki jay 🚩

[@Weird5065]

European countries population is at one place 😂😂

[@Savy4789]

It's *not* a celebration of Humanity. It's not a concert in some public pool. Sinister that everyone is trying to divorce the importance and concept of "Kumbh" snan from Hinduism 😒 Ganga/Yamuna/Saraswati is sacred. So is the planetary alignment.

[@pallavmoitra2890]

It is Mela, not Mela. It did not see the entirety of the congregation, there was a stampede, and fire broke out twice. Unknown numbers of dead, 60 Km of traffic jam and so on

[@poruspanthaky6979]

Trust a bong to be negative about others

[@WickederDrake37]

Wah bangali.

[@sdasgupta1950]

Chris, commend you for taking the long journey but why didn’t you atleast dip your toe. You missed having the experience of a lifetime.

[@jacquelineanncollins7412]

Are you supposed to pay those Nadu's for performing that ritual on you?

[@ChrisKermis]

I gave a small donation after

[@DhanunjaySreenivas]

Not all the Aghori are genuine, be careful, few do it for money

[@ChrisKermis]

Indeed, a point made in my video on the subject

[@tanvigajera7777]

This babaji looks farji.

[@Manik-s9f]

What a waste mate, you went all the way there and no dip? Wasted opportunity, you could just taken a dip just like that even if you dont believe in HInduism.

[@ChrisKermis]

Who says I didn’t? 🙂

[@johngwinn838]

Toilets?

[@anildonegal]

plenty of toilets there in all the sectors.

[@ChrisKermis]

Yes they're there, huge areas of toilets like I've never seen.

[@madhavia6148]

120,000 toilets besides every Akhada /campsite having its own toilets

[@debabratanayaklionrocks]

Sad for your thoughts.

[@12pradhanhimanshi76]

❤