Pushkar Kumbh Returns to Keshav Prayag After 12 Years

After a 12-year wait, the Pushkar Kumbh has commenced at Keshav Prayag in Mana village, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Rooted in ancient Vaishnavite traditions, the event coincides with the entry of planet Jupiter into the Gemini sign, a rare celestial occurrence. Thousands of devotees, particularly from South India, have gathered at the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers for spiritual rituals and blessings.

Why in News?

The Pushkar Kumbh began on May 16, 2025, in Keshav Prayag, marking its return after 12 years. The district administration has taken special steps to manage the influx of devotees and improve pilgrimage infrastructure.

About Pushkar Kumbh

• A religious congregation held when Jupiter (Guru) enters the Gemini (Mithun) zodiac sign, every 12 years.
• Celebrated at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers in Mana village, Chamoli.
• It is primarily attended by followers of the Vaishnavite tradition, especially from South India.

Significance

• Considered an auspicious event for bathing and offering prayers at a holy river confluence.
• Believed to bring spiritual merit (Punya) to participants.
• Strengthens cultural and spiritual bonds between North and South Indian traditions.

Administrative Measures

• District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari has overseen:
• Improvement of the pedestrian route to the site.
• Installation of multi-language signboards for better accessibility.
• Regular monitoring by tehsil administration for crowd and event management.

Location & Static Facts

• Keshav Prayag is located in Mana village, which is considered the last Indian village near the Indo-China border.
• The Alaknanda River is one of the major tributaries of the Ganga, while the Saraswati River, though mostly invisible, is revered in Hindu mythology.

Impact

• Increase in pilgrim traffic to Badrinath Dham and Mana village.
• Boost to religious tourism and local economy.
• Revitalization of traditional practices and heritage sites.