Every 12 years, millions of Hindus gather in northern Indian city Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, a massive religious ceremony that draws over 400 million people. The event is expected to be the world’s largest human gathering, with devotees, tourists, politicians, and celebrities converging on the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
The festival centers around holy baths, processions, and singing, dancing, and praying in vibrant attire. Participants travel from across India and the world to take a dip in the sacred rivers, believing it will purify their sins. The timing is based on astrological alignments, which takes 12 years to complete.
The scale of the festival is astonishing, with previous events drawing up to 300 million people. This year’s preparations include building temporary camps, installing security cameras and drones, and generating billions of dollars in revenue for the state government. The event also carries significant political weight, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party using it to promote their agenda.
The festival is seen as a symbol of Hinduism, but its recent politicization has raised concerns about its significance today. Mr. Modi’s party is hoping to use the event to solidify their base, but it remains unclear if this will translate to votes. The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to be a critical moment in India’s political landscape, with many analysts watching closely to see how it unfolds.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/world/asia/india-hindu-festival-maha-kumbh-mela.html