With Maha Kumbh 2025 inching closer to an end, a rare astronomical phenomenon is underway in the skies above Earth. All seven planets of the solar system are visible.
All seven planets of our solar system — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — will be visible in the night sky from India.
This celestial alignment adds a unique layer of significance to the festival, as many believe that such cosmic events amplify spiritual energies.
This planetary parade, which began in January 2025 with the visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will culminate in February when Mercury joins the lineup.
The event is set to reach its peak on February 28, 2025, when all seven planets will align on one side of the Sun.
The term “planetary alignment” is often used colloquially to describe such events, even though it lacks a strict scientific definition. It generally refers to the visibility of multiple planets simultaneously in the night sky.
These celestial bodies will appear along the ecliptic—the path traced by the Sun across the sky—due to their orbits being roughly in the same plane.
During this planetary parade, observers can expect to see five planets without any optical aid: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
However, Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or telescopes for viewing due to their faintness. The best times for observation will be during twilight hours after sunset or before sunrise when the planets are positioned higher in the sky.
According to astronomers, mid-August 2025 will offer another opportunity to witness a similar spectacle with six planets visible in the morning sky.
Notably, while Uranus and Neptune can be challenging to spot with the naked eye, they can still be located with good conditions and equipment.
Held every four years at three sacred locations — Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik — and at Pryagraj every 12 years, the event has attracted millions of pilgrims who believe that bathing in the holy rivers during this period leads to liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Beyond its spiritual essence, the festival’s timing is deeply rooted in celestial phenomena, particularly involving the planet Jupiter and its orbit.