GK Questions with Answers on Maha Kumbh

Maha Kumbh Mela, also known as Kumbha Mela, is a significant pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism. The Maha Kumbh 2025 has begun. It is being held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Notably, the 2019 Kumbh Mela recorded the largest-ever gathering of Hindus, with an astounding 50 million people attending on February 4, 2019. The event also saw a remarkable one-day attendance of 30 million on February 10, 2013. 

Below are 10 GK questions designed to test your knowledge about the Maha Kumbh and its historical and cultural significance. 

GK Questions with Answers on Maha Kumbh 

Q1: What is the meaning of the term "Kumbh" in the context of the Kumbh Mela?

Answer: Pitcher or pot

Explanation: The term "Kumbh" translates to "pitcher" or "pot" in Sanskrit. The term ‘Kumbh’ comes from the root ‘kumbhak’ (the sacred pitcher of elixir of immortality). The word Kumbha or its derivatives are found in the Rigveda (1500–1200 BCE), for example, in verse 10.89.7; verse 19.16 of the Yajurveda, verse 6.3 of Samaveda, verse 19.53.3 of the Atharvaveda, and other Vedic and post-Vedic ancient Sanskrit literature.

Q2: What is the time interval between two Mahakumbh Melas at the same location?

Answer: 12 years

Explanation: The Mahakumbh Mela is held every 12 years at each of the four locations. During the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the Ardh Kumbh Mela (organised every 6 years) will simply be known as "Kumbh Mela", and the Kumbh Mela (organised every 12 years) will be known as "Maha Kumbh Mela" ("Great Kumbh Mela").

Q3: Which four cities in India host the Mahakumbh Mela?

Answer: Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain.

Explanation: The Mahakumbh Mela alternates between Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganga River), Prayagraj (at the Triveni Sangam), Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari River), and Ujjain (on the banks of Shipra River).

Q4: The Mahakumbh Mela at Allahabad (Prayagraj) takes place at the confluence of which rivers?

Answer: Triveni Sangam

Explanation: The confluence, known as the Triveni Sangam, includes the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Q5: In which year was the Mahakumbh Mela recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: The festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, highlighting its global cultural significance and the role it plays in preserving traditions.

Q6: Which mythological event is associated with Kumbh Mela?

Answer: Churning of the ocean (Samundra Manthan)

Explanation: The origin of the Kumbh Mela is linked with the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) that narrates how drops of amrita (nectar of immortality) fell at the four sacred locations- Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain-where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated today.

Q7: What is the ritual bath in Mahakumbh called?

Answer: Shahi Snan

Explanation: The Shahi Snan, or Royal Bath, is a pivotal ritual of the Kumbh Mela, signifying spiritual purification. It is led by the Naga Sadhus, ascetics who renounce worldly possessions and dedicate their lives to spiritual practices. These sadhus, adorned with ashes, Rudraksha beads, and carrying Trishuls, take the first holy dip in the sacred river, marking the commencement of the Shahi Snan processions.

Q8: The origin of Mahakumbh was transcribed by which philosopher?

Answer: Adi Shankaracharya

Explanation: The origin of Mahakumbh was transcribed by the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya.

Q9: At which two locations is the Ardh Kumbh, simply known as Kumbh Mela, held?

Answer: Prayagraj and Haridwar

Explanation: The Ardh Kumbh Mela, sometimes referred to simply as the Kumbh Mela, is held every 6 years at the two sacred locations of Prayagraj and Haridwar.

Q10: What is the duration of the Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj in 2025?

Answer: From January 13 to February 26, 2025.

Explanation: The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is scheduled to take place over a span of 45 days, from January 13 to February 26, 2025.