The year 2025 was marked by intense religious activity, major festivals, rare celestial events, and several tragic incidents that sparked nationwide discussions. From large pilgrimages to significant spiritual ceremonies, here are the 12 most notable religious events of the year.
1. World Ramayana Conference (Jabalpur, January 2–4)
The fourth edition of the World Ramayana Conference was held in Jabalpur, focusing on the ideals of Lord Ram and the universal message of the Ramayana.
2. Mahakumbh & Stampede Tragedy
The Prayagraj Mahakumbh, held from January 13 to February 26, witnessed an astonishing 66 crore pilgrims. However, on January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), a stampede near the Sangam area led to the tragic death of 37 devotees and injuries to more than 60 others.
3. Delhi Stampede
On February 15, at around 9:26 pm, 18 people died in a stampede at the Delhi Railway Station—most of them pilgrims heading to the Kumbh Mela. On the same day, an SUV carrying pilgrims to Prayagraj collided with a bus, killing all 10 passengers.
4. Major Celestial Events
2025 witnessed four eclipses: 1. Lunar: March 14 & September 7, 2. Solar: March 29 & September 21. A rare Planet Parade also appeared, where seven planets aligned in a straight line—visible from January 21 to 25, again on February 28, and finally ending on March 8.
Astronomers say such an alignment may not occur again for 396 billion years.
5. Jagannath Temple Mystical Events
In April, a surprising incident occurred when a bird carried away the temple flag hoisted atop the Jagannath Temple on April 14. Astrologers termed it a bad omen. Further incidents added to concerns—a fire near the seat of saint Achyutanand Maharaj on June 14, an unusual gathering of birds near the North Gate, and the murder of senior temple cook Jagannath Dixit on Snan Purnima. Soon after, India saw the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and the Ahmedabad plane tragedy—intensifying the sense of foreboding.
6. Pahalgam Terror Attack (April 22)
Pakistani terrorists killed 26 tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam valley after asking their religion. Hindu tourists were the primary targets, though one Christian visitor and a local Muslim man who tried to protect others also died. India responded with Operation Sindoor, destroying nine terrorist bases inside Pakistan.
7. Jagannath Rath Yatra (June 27 – July 5)
The iconic Rath Yatra in Puri witnessed nearly 15 lakh devotees this year. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra rode their massive chariots as millions participated in the sacred procession believed to grant moksha.
8. Vaishno Devi Landslide Tragedy (August 25)
A major landslide near Vaishno Devi led to the suspension of the pilgrimage. Huge rocks and debris fell down the slopes, killing 34 people and triggering a nationwide debate on safety measures for pilgrim routes.
9. Mahakaleshwar Temple Incident (Ujjain)
On August 18, during the evening rituals, the bhang shringar mask placed on the Jyotirlinga broke and fell. While some considered it a normal occurrence, others saw it as an ominous sign. The incident, captured on CCTV, quickly went viral and led to widespread speculation.
10. “Auspicious Owl” at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
On August 17, 18, and 19, a white owl sat atop the temple spire for three consecutive days. In Hindu belief, an owl is the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity. Devotees and priests considered the event highly auspicious and a sign of spiritual blessing.
11. Sikhism: 350th Martyrdom Year of Guru Tegh Bahadur
To honour the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Punjab government declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as Sacred Cities. All intoxicants—including liquor, tobacco - meat, and fish—were completely banned in these corridors.
12. Ram Temple Flag-Hoisting Ceremony (Ayodhya)
One of the most historic religious events of the year took place on November 25, 2025, when the ceremonial Dharma Dhwaja was hoisted atop the tallest spire of the Ram Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally performed the flag hoisting, accompanied by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and saints from across the nation.
