Rare planetary alignment coincides with Maha Kumbh 2025, all seven planets visible

This planetary alignment adds a unique dimension to the festival, as many believe such cosmic occurrences enhance spiritual energies, according to an India Today report.

The phenomenon, which began in January 2025 with the visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will reach its peak in February when Mercury joins the lineup.

The alignment will culminate on February 28, 2025, when all seven planets will be positioned on one side of the Sun.

While "planetary alignment" is a commonly used term, it lacks a precise scientific definition and generally refers to multiple planets appearing in the night sky at the same time.

These planets will be visible along the ecliptic—the apparent path of the Sun—since their orbits lie roughly in the same plane.

During this celestial event, five planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—can be seen with the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes due to their faintness.

The best time to observe the alignment will be during twilight hours, either after sunset or before sunrise, when the planets are positioned higher in the sky.

Will this alignment occur again?

Astronomers predict that a similar event will take place in mid-August 2025, when six planets will be visible in the morning sky.

While Uranus and Neptune are difficult to spot without optical aid, they can still be observed under optimal conditions with appropriate equipment.

Held every four years at Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—and every 12 years at Prayagraj—Maha Kumbh attracts millions of devotees who believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during this period brings spiritual liberation.

Beyond its religious significance, the festival’s timing is closely linked to astronomical events, particularly the orbit of Jupiter, which plays a key role in determining the dates of the Kumbh Mela.