India’s six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela festival drew a record-breaking 663 million people to the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati on its final day. The event has been hailed as a key religious gathering setting world records for the largest crowd.
Large crowds turned out in Prayagraj, where security officials struggled to manage the huge numbers, with barricades in place to direct visitors. Authorities had enforced strict security measures after complaints of traffic jams caused by massive crowds.
The festival, which occurs once every 12 years, attracted a diverse range of participants, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and celebrities. The event was also significant due to rare celestial alignment, making it more auspicious than usual.
Devout Hindus believe the holy waters have the power to absolve them of sin. Authorities used AI-based software to track visitor numbers, with alerts flashed when crowds surged or barricades were breached. The festival’s last day saw 15.3 million people bathe in the rivers, surpassing previous year’s record of 240 million visitors.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-02-26/indians-throng-last-day-of-maha-kumbh-festival-that-drew-663-million