India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Begins After 144 Years
The Grand Hindu Pilgrimage Expected to Draw Over 400 Million Devotees
By Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi
Mon 13 Jan 2025 05:00 GMT
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, officially commenced on Monday as millions of Hindu devotees congregated along the sacred banks of the Ganges River in India. This event marks the first Maha Kumbh Mela in 144 years, a special iteration of the 12-year Kumbh Mela pilgrimage.
This extraordinary event, often called the “festival of festivals” in Hinduism, holds immense spiritual significance. This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela aligns with a rare celestial combination involving the sun, moon, and Jupiter, enhancing its importance. The event, hosted in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is set to attract over 400 million people over 45 days, making it the largest gathering in the festival’s history.
Sacred Origins and Rituals
The Kumbh Mela is rooted in Hindu mythology, tracing back to the legend of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean, when drops of the elixir of immortality were said to have fallen at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These sites have hosted the Kumbh Mela on a rotational basis for centuries, but Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela is considered the most significant.
Throughout the festival, devotees take holy dips in the Triveni Sangam, believing the sacred waters purify the soul. The event also features grand processions of sadhus, ascetics, and members of the 13 akharas—ancient monastic sects. Despite a history of rivalry among the akharas, the spectacle remains a symbol of unity and devotion.
Modernization Meets Tradition
This year’s Kumbh Mela blends tradition with technology. Pilgrims are equipped with radio-frequency wristbands to address the perennial issue of lost participants. A mobile app and AI-powered chatbot, available in 11 languages, guide visitors through the sprawling 40-square-kilometer venue, while drones monitor security and provide stunning aerial displays.
Controversies and Politics
The festival’s grandeur is backed by substantial state resources, with the Uttar Pradesh government spending over ₹70 billion on infrastructure and sanitation. However, the event has drawn criticism for political overtones, with prominent displays of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s images across promotional materials.
Tensions have also emerged, with allegations of religious discrimination, such as Muslim vendors being barred from participating. Despite these challenges, senior priests like Mahant Durganand Brahmachari have called for harmony, emphasizing the festival’s spiritual essence.
The Maha Kumbh Mela continues until February 26, offering a unique convergence of faith, culture, and innovation in one of humanity’s most extraordinary gatherings.
