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Russia, Ukraine take ‘significant first step toward peace’ after Rubio-led negotiations, White House insists

Initial discussions between Trump administration officials and Russia in Saudi Arabia Tuesday marked a “significant milestone” in securing peace between Russia and Ukraine, according to the White House press secretary.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met in Riyadh with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov to hash out ways to end the conflict. Ukraine was absent from the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide specifics about the discussions, but she said the Trump administration was committed to brokering a peace deal to end the conflict between the two countries.

“What I will tell you is that today, sitting down at the table was a significant first step toward peace,” Leavitt told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

‘MAKE NATO GREAT AGAIN’: HEGSETH PUSHES EUROPEAN ALLIES TO STEP UP DEFENSE EFFORTS

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration was committed to brokering a peace deal to end the conflict between the two countries. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday that an invitation to the talks wasn’t extended to Ukraine and that he was postponing a scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia until March.

Zelenskyy has stressed that Ukraine must be involved in negotiations, and said Sunday that Ukraine wouldn’t accept a peace deal if his country were absent from negotiations.

But Leavitt said that everyone would have a seat at the negotiating table — including other European allies — as the Trump administration seeks to advance a peace deal.

“We’re ensuring that all parties are heard,” Leavitt said in an interview with Fox New’s “America Reports” Tuesday. “But you have to speak to both sides of the war in order to truly negotiate a deal and problem solve. And this is a significant first step toward peace.”

TOP RUSSIAN, US OFFICIALS MEET IN SAUDI ARABIA TO BEGIN TALKS ON UKRAINE WAR WITHOUT OFFICIALS FROM KYIV

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, sits next to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, right, and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 18, 2025. (The Associated Press)

Leavitt said that President Donald Trump was in correspondence with Zelenskyy, and spoke with other European allies like French President Emmanuel Macron Monday. Additionally, she said that Trump will meet with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House next week.

Trump and Zelenskky also spoke over the phone Wednesday about the negotiations, and Zelenskyy said he relayed that he believes Putin isn’t interested in peace with Ukraine.

“I said that [Putin] is a liar,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. “And he said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’ And I said to him, ‘No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.’”

While Zelenskyy voiced gratitude for U.S. support, he said that there is no “leader in the world who can really make a deal with Putin without us, about us.”

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said on “Meet the Press.”

PUTIN’S A ‘LITTLE BIT SCARED’ OF TRUMP AS NATIONS BEGIN PEACE TALKS, ZELENSKYY SAYS

President Donald Trump (center), Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right). (Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty Images | Contributor/Getty Images | Scott Olson/Getty Images)

But Trump has offered reassurances that Zelenskyy would be involved in peace conversations, and told reporters Sunday on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida that Ukraine would get a seat at the negotiating table.

The first action the U.S. plans to take following the meetings with Russian officials is to “reestablish the functionality of our respective missions in Washington and in Moscow,” Rubio told reporters from The Associated Press and CNN.

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“For us to be able to continue to move down this road, we need to have diplomatic facilities that are operating and functioning normally,” Rubio said, according to a State Department transcript.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and Trump vowed on the campaign trail in 2024 that he would work to end the conflict if elected again.

Fox News’ Emma Colton and Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.

February 18, 2025
Chernobyl plant’s protective shell hit by Russian drone, Zelenskyy says damage ‘significant’

An alleged drone struck the protective shell covering the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine early Friday, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pointing the finger at Russia.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported on X that overnight Thursday, the IAEA team at the Chornobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement.

The site protects the remains of the nuclear reactor that exploded in Chernobyl in 1986 and was reportedly set ablaze after an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the NSC roof. Zelenskyy said initial assessments show “the damage to the shelter is significant.”

Zelenskyy took to X stating that the incident occurred when allegedly a “Russian attack drone with a high-explosive warhead struck the shelter.”

RUSSIA LAUNCHES FRESH DRONE ATTACK AGAINST UKRAINE SHORTLY AFTER TRUMP-PUTIN PHONE CALL

Surveillance footage from his posts shows the moment the drone impacts the dome, causing an explosion.

“The shelter at the Chernobyl NPP was damaged by this drone. The fire has been extinguished. As of now, radiation levels have not increased and are being constantly monitored,” Zelenskyy added. “According to initial assessments, the damage to the shelter is significant.”

PUTIN VIEWED AS ‘GREAT COMPETITOR’ BUT STILL A US ‘ADVERSARY’ AS UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS LOOM, LEAVITT SAYS

While the incident is currently still under investigation, Zelenskyy claimed the alleged attack was the result of a terrorist threat.

“This shelter was built by Ukraine together with other countries of Europe and the world, together with America – all those committed to real security for humanity,” Zelenskyy said in his post. “The only country in the world that attacks such sites, occupies nuclear power plants, and wages war without any regard for the consequences is today’s Russia. This is a terrorist threat to the entire world. The shelter at the Chornobyl NPP was damaged by this drone.”

Russia has denied any involvement.

Teams assess the damage after what was said to be a drone struck the protective shell at the Chernobyl plant. (@ZelenskyyUa)

The IAEA said its fire safety personnel were able to respond in minutes and there was no indication of a breach in NSC’s inner containment.

The agency also reported that there were currently no casualties, but are monitoring the situation and radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable.

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The explosion comes as world leaders are meeting in Munich, Germany on Friday for the Munich Security Conference where the future of Ukraine and its ongoing war with Russia will be the top item on the agenda.

February 14, 2025
PlayStation Network experiences significant outage, impacting hundreds of thousands of online users

Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) experienced a significant outage on Friday and Saturday, impacting hundreds of thousands of gamers across the world and frustrating users reliant on its online system.

PlayStation confirmed the outage in an X post on Friday evening. As of Saturday afternoon, users were still reporting network outages, and over 100,000 users have reported issues on Downdetector.com.

Reported issues include difficulty connecting to an online server, difficulty accessing the PlayStation online store and an inability to log in.

“We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN,” the company’s post, which received 56,000 likes, read.

MICROSOFT TO BRING CALL OF DUTY TO NINTENDO IN 10-YEAR DEAL

The last major PlayStation outage took place in May 2011, when servers were down for a few weeks due to a security breach. Over 51,000 X users replied to the company’s latest update, with thousands of users in Europe and North America venting about the outage.

“Still down in California,” one X user said on Saturday.

“An update please? Been hours,” another wrote on Friday night.

“This is why ZERO games should need online status to play,” another wrote.

Other social media users expressed frustration about the cost of PlayStation Plus, which ranges from $80 to $160 a year and gives users access to online gameplay. The newest PlayStation console, the PlayStation 5 Pro, also retails for over $700.

MICROSOFT BID FOR ACTIVISION LIKELY TO BE BLOCKED BY FTC LAWSUIT: REPORT

“Imagine buying a PS5 Pro for $800 and you can’t even play it,” a commentator wrote.

“So is playstation going to refund people who paid for psn?” another said.

PlayStation has received scrutiny for its prices in the past. In 2023, a London tribunal ruled that Sony must face a $8 billion lawsuit over allegations that it charged “excessive prices” on the PlayStation Store.

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“This is the first step in ensuring consumers get back what they’re owed as a result of Sony breaking the law,” Alex Neill, a consumer advocate involved in the lawsuit, said at the time. “PlayStation gamers’ loyalty has been taken advantage of by Sony who have been charging them excessive prices for years.”

FOX Business reached out to PlayStation for comment.

February 8, 2025
Americans’ insurance rates are soaring and lawsuits play a significant role

San Diego County supervisor Jim Desmond criticizes California’s insurance regulations implemented prior to the Los Angeles County wildfires on ‘The Bottom Line.’

Americans’ home and auto insurance rates have been soaring for years, with inflation, mounting losses from natural disasters, and rising repair and construction costs all playing a role.

But the industry points to a significant driver behind accelerating premiums that often goes overlooked: the mounting lawsuits and payouts that cost insurers.

The APCIA says the average American pays a $4,200 “tort tax” due to rising costs associated with abuse of the legal system. (iStock / iStock)

David Sampson, president and CEO of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), told FOX Business that even with all the pressures the industry is currently facing with huge losses due to hurricanes and wildfires, insurance regulatory dysfunction in some states, and the threat of tariffs driving up costs further, “Our number one priority is still addressing legal system abuse, because it is the major cost driver that’s having a huge negative impact on insurance availability and affordability.”

The APCIA says the American household pays more than a $4,200 “tort tax” due to unnecessary and abusive litigation across the country that raises the costs of products and services like groceries and gas.

CAR INSURANCE RATES SOARED IN 2024; DRIVERS IN THESE STATES PAY THE MOST

The insurance trade group shows data indicating the average personal injury verdict has ballooned over the last decade or more, going from around $39,300 in 2010 to more than $125,300 in 2020 – a 319% increase.

The APCIA points to data showing the median personal injury award in the U.S. more than tripled in the last decade. (APCIA)

Sampson said nuclear verdicts – defined as jury verdicts of $10 million or more – also continue to rise, with the top 100 verdicts increasing 350% from an average of $64 million to $225 million in just the last six years, which he said shows they are “totally out of proportion to any legitimate damages that are out there.”

He provided everyday examples of legal abuses.

STATE FARM ASKS CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE RATE HIKES AFTER WILDFIRES

One is jury anchoring, where lawyers attempt to influence juries by throwing out astronomical numbers for awards. He asserted that when attorneys have billboards up advertising that they won their client $20 million for an auto accident, they are trying to affect the jury pool by putting out astronomical numbers that have no relation to the particular case involved, trying to shift the jury’s mindset.

Ted Gaines, a former California state representative, discusses why rules and regulations are forcing some insurance providers out of the Golden State on ‘The Bottom Line.’

Another legal abuse is phantom damages, where plaintiffs’ attorneys are able to only show juries how much a victim was billed for medical services, as opposed to the lower amount the health insurance company actually paid because of its contract with the hospital.

Premises liability has been one of the biggest sources of legal abuse, so multiple states have imposed reforms to make sure property owners and businesses are only liable for things they can directly control.

WILL HURRICANES AND WILDFIRES CAUSE INSURANCE PRICES TO RISE NATIONWIDE?

The practice of plaintiffs’ attorneys bringing in outside investors to try and influence the litigation process through third party litigation funding (TPLF) has driven up the cost of litigation, too, amid growing concerns that foreign adversaries are using these avenues to invest in U.S. litigation against American companies.

Legal abuses are soaring, accelerating the rise of insurance rates, according to the APCIA. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Sampson says that in those instances, the victim is no longer in control of their own lawsuit, meaning they can’t settle without the permission of the people who are investing in and financing these lawsuits.

“You’ve had the justice system turned basically into a casino where these major investors are hoping to strike it rich on these suits and they get paid out the majority of the proceeds whenever they do,” he said.

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“Strike it lucky on these major lawsuits, and then, not only do you see that on some of these individual personal injury cases, but even more problematic – as tragic as that is – to the nation’s economy is that you have entities that are backed by foreign players, foreign parties like the [Chinese Communist Party] and others who are filing these third party litigation financed lawsuits against major American industries, especially in the technology sector, and they use these lawsuits to try to gain access to intellectual property through the discovery process.”

February 6, 2025
Trump applauded for ‘significant’ immigration action after Biden admin ‘ruined’ US border

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, says President Donald Trump is starting from ‘square one’ on the border on ‘Kudlow.’

During his first week in office, President Donald Trump launched an immigration crackdown with a number of border security measures. The efforts are one of many campaign promises Trump has worked to keep since assuming office Monday.

One Republican lawmaker applauded Trump for his immigration efforts, calling out former President Joe Biden for leaving the border “wide open” for years.

“Donald Trump has shown that he’s willing to deliver on campaign promises. Promises the American people have been relying on him to deliver and promises that really are long overdue,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on “Kudlow” Thursday.

TRUMP BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN REVEALS ICE TEAMS ARE ALREADY ARRESTING ‘PUBLIC SAFETY THREATS’

“This also shows just how inexcusable the Biden administration’s inaction was. They claimed over and over again, we can’t do it for this reason, that reason or any other reason. This was a willful subversion of America’s border security, an intentional weakening of our national security.”

Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., joins ‘The Evening Edit’ to discuss the House passing the Laken Riley Act and how it may affect illegal immigration.

Upon taking office, Trump signed orders declaring a national emergency at the border, deploying the military and ending the use of the CBP One app to process migrants at ports of entry via humanitarian parole.

His administration has also launched a mass deportation operation, with ICE agents active in multiple cities and states across the nation.

The Department of Homeland Security has also issued memos rescinding limits placed on ICE by the Biden administration, ordering a review of parole and expanding the use of expedited removal for recently-arrived illegal immigrants.

BORDER ENCOUNTERS DROP SHARPLY AS TRUMP LAUNCHES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

“Biden created so many problems with his open borders, problems that have resulted in death, destruction, suffering and theft, among other problems for the American people. So President Trump’s right to start where he started,” Lee said when asked about the deportation operations.

“Our hope and expectation is that in some cases, some of these folks will have enough presence of mind to realize it might make sense for them to leave on their own. For those that don’t, they will find out the hard way.”

Texas Public Safety Department Lt. Chris Olivarez discusses the border crisis under the Trump administration.

Trump’s administration has also moved to restore border wall construction and reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy, which requires migrants to stay in Mexico for the duration of their asylum cases.

Trump also signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants — a move which quickly sparked a lawsuit from nearly two dozen Democratic-led states. A federal judge in Seattle Thursday temporarily blocked the president’s birthright citizenship order, describing the action as “blatantly unconstitutional.”

“Now that Donald Trump is having to go back almost to the drawing board, as it were. Start from square one and he’s already making significant progress. I applaud him for that,” Lee said.

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Fox News’ Adam Shaw contributed to this report.

January 24, 2025
New dinosaur species similar to T. rex found in Asia: ‘Significant’ discovery

A new carnivore has come to town — 165 million years ago at least.

The Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus, a new species and genus of theropod dinosaur, has been discovered in Kyrgyzstan by an expedition team of German and Kyrgyz researchers, according to the Bavarian State Natural History Collections in Germany.

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus is the first theropod dinosaur found in Kyrgyzstan and the “find is one of the most significant in Central Asia,” the institution said in a news release.

Before the new species’ discovery, no large Jurassic predatory dinosaurs had been known to live in the area around Kyrgyzstan between Central Europe and Eastern Asia, according to the institution.

DINOSAUR-KILLING ASTEROID LIKELY CAME FROM BEYOND JUPITER, STUDY FINDS

An artist’s rendering of the Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus, a new species and genus of theropod dinosaur found in Kyrgyzstan. (Bavarian State Natural History Collections)

The first fossils of Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus were uncovered in 2006 by Kyrgyz paleontologist Aizek Bakirov in a mountainous desert area of the country near the city of Tashkumyr.

Between 2006 and last year, more fossils, including skull bones, pelvic vertebrae and forearms, were found.

The dinosaur is believed to be around 30 feet long.

The dinosaur’s fossils were found in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. (Bavarian State Natural History Collections)

“Particularly impressive is its extremely protruding ‘eyebrow’ on the so-called postorbital bone, a skull bone behind the eye-opening, which indicates the presence of a horn at this point,” the institution said. “Other unique features are found on the dorsal vertebrae and the femur.”

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus and Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) were both theropods — although T. rex lived later during the Cretaceous period and in different parts of the world — dinosaurs who walked on strong back legs and had shorter front limbs. Modern-day birds evolved from theropods.

NEWLY DISCOVERED DINOSAUR SPECIES IS ONLY GREEN FOSSIL EVER FOUND, TO BE DISPLAYED IN LA

Tyrannosaurus rex and Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus are both theropods. (Mark Wilson/Newsmakers)

Professor Oliver Rauhut of the Bavarian Collection of Paleontology and Geology in Munich, who was a first author of the study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, said in a statement: “This discovery closes a huge gap in our knowledge of the Jurassic theropods. It leads us to important new insights into the evolution and biogeography of these animals.”

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A smaller, juvenile Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus specimen was found at the site along with the adult dinosaur, leading researchers to believe it may have been a parent and child.

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus is named for a mythological Kyrgyz bird called Alpkarakush that often aids heroes in critical moments and for being found in the Kyrgyz Republic.

January 23, 2025
Matthew Stafford’s wife reveals Rams quarterback played through significant rib injury in playoff loss

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford played hurt in the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.

Stafford’s wife, Kelly, revealed the star quarterback had been playing through an injury since Week 15.

“It was against San Fran. We all know how tough Matthew is, and people don’t realize just how tough he is because he doesn’t really tell anyone what’s going on.

“He got hit in San Fran … (and) that night came home and was like, ‘Yeah I think I cracked my ribs,’” Kelly said during a recent episode of “The Morning After with Kelly Stafford and Hank.”

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford runs onto the field before a 2025 NFC divisional round game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

“And he did. He cracked four ribs but just didn’t really let anyone in to know really much about it. Continued his everyday process like nothing was wrong, would come home and be miserable.”

Despite the four cracked ribs and less than ideal weather conditions, Stafford completed nearly 60% of his passes while throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

Kelly said her brother, Chad, hugged Matthew after the loss, and the quarterback wheezed and bent over in pain due to his cracked ribs.

JETS HIRE LIONS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AARON GLENN AS NEW HEAD COACH: REPORTS

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play from the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Stafford started 16 games this season for the Rams, sitting out Week 18 when head coach Sean McVay decided to rest the team’s starters with a playoff spot clinched.

The Rams were 10-6 in his starts, and Stafford completed nearly 66% of his passes for 3,762 yards, while throwing 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Stafford, 36, has two more years remaining on his contract with the Rams.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (97) in the second half of a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Stafford has been with the Rams for four seasons after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions.

Kelly said Matthew will take time to figure out whether he wants to retire or play another season.

For now, the Rams quarterback will enjoy the time off to let his ribs heal.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
Bhagwan Das Jayanti 2025: Who Was Bhagwan Das? Meet the Freedom Fighter Who Made Significant Contribution to India’s Independence Movement and More (Watch Video)

Bhagwan Das Birth Anniversary is celebrated in India every year. Bhagwan Das Birth Anniversary 2025 falls on Sunday, January 12. It marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Das. Bhagwan Das was born on January 12, 1869, in Varanasi, India. Coming from a scholarly family, he received traditional education. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, and he took part in civil disobedience campaigns and protests. He was also a social reformer and honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1955. To know more about Bhagwan Das, watch the video from Bharat Ratna: The Jewels of India. This show highlights the lives of Bharat Ratna recipients, showcasing their remarkable stories through engaging graphics and insights. Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2025: ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,’ a Look Back at India’s Former Prime Minister’s Rich Legacy (Watch Video).

Watch the Below Video on Bhagwan Das to Learn More About Him:

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January 10, 2025
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: What Are the Types of Kumbh? Know Shahi Snan Dates and Other Significant Details As Maha Kumbh Returns to Prayagraj After 144 Years

The Kumbh Mela is a very significant Hindu pilgrimage and festival. It is rooted in Hindu mythology and is the world’s largest gathering. While the Kumbh Mela takes place once every four years, the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from Monday, January 13 to Wednesday, February 26. Millions of devotees from across the world are expected to take part in the festival and partake in the rituals, traditions, and customs. During the event, devotees cleanse themselves in the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati. Apart from the Kumbh and the Maha Kumbh, there are two other Kumbh Melas as well, known as the Ardh Kumb Mela, which takes place once every six years, and the Purna Kumbh Mela, which takes place once every 12 years. Below, let’s learn more about each one. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Start and End Dates in Prayagraj: What Are the Six Shahi Snan Dates? Know Important Mahakumbh Mela Bathing and Spiritual Rituals To Mark the Grand Festival in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is held once every four years. It is held in one of the four locations, which are Haridwar in Uttarakhand on the banks of the River Ganga; Prayagaraj in Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati; Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the River Shipra; and Nashik in Maharashtra, on the banks of the River Godavari. During the event, millions of devotees from around the globe gather to bathe in the sacred rivers, offer their prayers, and seek blessings from the divine and freedom from sin.

Ardh Kumbh Mela

The Ardh Kumbh Mela is held once every six years and it is held only in Haridwar and Prayagraj. The event is very significant as devotees bathe in the holy rivers while seeking liberation from their sins.

Purna Kumbh Mela

The Purna Kumbh Mela is held on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, once every 12 years. During the Purna Kumbh Mela as well, devotees gather at the banks of the sacred rivers to bathe in them and offer their prayers.

Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 144 years, that is, after 12 full Kumbh Melas are celebrated. This makes the event more significant, rare, and auspicious. Special importance is given to bathing in the sacred rivers during the Maha Kumbh Mela. It is marked by cultural activities, various ceremonies, processions of Akharas called Peshwai, featuring swords, chariots, elephants, and horses, and the Naga Sadhus rituals and customs that are performed during the Shahi Snan.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates are as follows:

Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day): Monday, January 13

Makar Sankranti Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Monday, February 3, 2025

Maghi Purnima Snan: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day): Wednesday, February 26, 2025

How the Kumbh Date Is Decided

Various akharas, religious leaders, and astrologers meet and examine the planetary alignments to decide the date and location of the Kumbh Mela. The positions of both Jupiter (Guru) and the sun (Surya) are examined, as they are significant celestial bodies according to Hindu astrology. The Kumbh Mela’s dates and locations are determined based on the positions of Jupiter and the sun. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: ‘Green Mahakumbh’ in Prayagraj to Bring Together over 1,000 Environmentalists, Create Awareness on Environment Protection.

The Kumbh Mela is marked by many rituals and customs, but bathing in the sacred rivers stands out as the most important ritual at the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that bathing in the sacred rivers leads to freedom from sin and helps attain salvation. For the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the first bath will take place on Paush Purnima. The Naga Sadhus, who are considered leaders of the Hindu faith, will lead the ritual. The event is all set to be a profound spiritual journey for all who take part.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 02:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 8, 2025