Prayagraj: As Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches its conclusion, a rare celestial event is captivating skywatchers in India, with all seven planets of the solar system—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—visible from Earth. This planetary alignment adds a unique dimension to the festival, with many believing such cosmic events enhance spiritual energies.
The alignment, which began in January 2025 with Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune visible, will reach its peak in February as Mercury joins the lineup. The alignment will culminate on February 28, 2025, when all seven planets align on one side of the Sun.
While the term “planetary alignment” is commonly used, it generally refers to multiple planets appearing together in the night sky. The planets will be visible along the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun, as their orbits lie roughly in the same plane.
Five planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—will be visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes. The best time to view this alignment will be during twilight hours, either after sunset or before sunrise.
Astronomers predict a similar event in mid-August 2025, when six planets will be visible in the morning sky.
Maha Kumbh, held every four years in Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, and every 12 years in Prayagraj, draws millions of devotees who believe bathing in the sacred rivers during this period brings spiritual liberation. The festival’s timing is closely tied to astronomical events, particularly the orbit of Jupiter, which influences the Kumbh Mela dates.
