Mahakumbh 2025: What is ‘Peshwai’ in Mahakumbh, what does it symbolize?

Mahakumbh 2025: A grand event of Maha Kumbh is going to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, preparations for which are in full swing. Maha Kumbh will start from 13 January on the day of Paush Purnima and will continue for 45 days till 26 February 2025 Mahashivratri, in which devotees from all over the world arrive. During this time, a picturesque view of faith is seen at Triveni Sangam.

Sadhus and saints also reach Mahakumbh, without whom this event is incomplete. The royal bath of Mahakumbh starts only after the prayers of the sages and saints. In Mahakumbh, there is a performance by the Akharas (sadhus and saints), in which royal processions of the Akharas are taken out riding on elephants and horses. Let us know who leads the royal procession in Mahakumbh and who is allowed to ride the royal procession.

What is Akhara?

First of all it is important to know what is the Akhara in Mahakumbh. Because this is a word which is heard a lot during Mahakumbh. When we hear Akhara, wrestling usually comes to our mind. But in Mahakumbh, the Akhara is called a group of saints and sages. In fact, Adi Guru Shankaracharya tried to unify the organization of ascetics in the 8th century to protect the Sanatan way of life and named it Akhara. The purpose of establishing the Akhara was to protect Sanatan Dharma. The sages and saints of the Akhara are knowledgeable not only in the scriptures but also in the Shastrastra (weapons).

What is Peshwai in Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh 2025 Peshwai Ceremony)

Lakhs of saints and Akharas participate in this huge religious event of Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. But in this huge religious event, the performance of saints is the center of attraction. To reach Mahakumbh, sages and saints take out a grand procession from their Akhara which is called Peshwai. There is a band in the procession, elephants and horses are decorated and a royal procession is taken out in chariots.

Respected gurus or saints or mahants sit in the chariots. Devotees or followers walk on foot while dancing and singing. In the Peshwai of Maha Kumbh, the chief Mahant of the Akharas, Naga Sadhus and devotees or followers are present. The Peshwai of Mahakumbh is considered to be a display of the grandeur, power and discipline of the Akharas. Devotees reach Sangam city to see Peshwai.

Peshwai is done before the royal bath (Mahakumbh Shahi Snan).

The royal bath has special significance in Mahakumbh. Shahi Snan during Mahakumbh on special dates like Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Maghi Purnima and Mahashivratri It happens in. Let us tell you that this time Juna Akhara is the flag bearer of the tradition of royal bath in the Mahakumbh starting from 13 January 2025 at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

After completing the grand procession in Mahakumbh, the sages and saints of various Akharas and Naga Sadhus are the first to take bath in the royal bath. Only after taking bath, householders or common devotees take a dip in the Sangam. Therefore Peshwai is related to the royal bath.

Also read: Mahakumbh 2025: What is the Akhara in Kumbh, what is it considered a symbol of?