The Kumbh Mela, a 45-day Hindu festival held every 12 years in northern India’s Prayagraj city, is underway. The event attracts millions of devotees from around the world, making it humanity’s largest gathering.
According to authorities, approximately 400 million pilgrims are expected to attend this year’s spectacle, with many more pouring in throughout the festival. The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is considered sacred by Hindus, who believe that taking a dip in the river cleanses them of sins and liberates them from the cycle of birth and death.
The festival features naked Naga sadhus, or ascetics, who are believed to imbue the waters with their purity. The event also includes ash-smeared holy men, processions, and music performances.
Organizers have set up a vast tent city on the banks of the river, accommodating millions of pilgrims and tourists. Despite some initial challenges, including water and power supply issues, authorities claim that preparations are almost complete.
The festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is expected to attract significant revenue for local businesses.
As the event unfolds, devotees from around the world are coming to experience the devotion firsthand. For some, like Sebastian Diago from Argentina, the journey is a spiritual one, while others face challenges in accessing basic facilities.
The Indian government has allocated 70 billion rupees to organize the festival, with an estimated revenue of 250 billion rupees expected from ticket sales and sponsorships. Despite the logistical complexities, the Kumbh Mela remains an important cultural and spiritual event for millions of Hindus worldwide.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg7gzzx3gno