India's Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Begins with Record-Breaking Crowds
The world's largest religious gathering in Prayagraj draws 15 million devotees on its opening day, with over 400 million expected during its 44-day duration.
- The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, featuring key bathing dates for devotees.
- Nearly 15 million people took a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the festival's first day, surpassing expectations.
- The event spans 4,000 hectares and includes a temporary city with extensive infrastructure, including 150,000 tents, 145,000 restrooms, and 3,000 kitchens to accommodate millions of visitors.
- The festival holds deep spiritual significance, with rituals like the Shahi Snan and Kalpavas aimed at cleansing sins and attaining salvation, and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- This year's Maha Kumbh is considered particularly auspicious due to rare celestial alignments, occurring once every 144 years, further elevating its importance among devotees.
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