World’s Largest Religious Gathering, Maha Kumbh Mela, Begins in India

The 45-day festival in Prayagraj is expected to draw 400 million pilgrims to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, marking the start of a six-week spiritual event.
Organizers anticipate 400 million attendees, making it the largest human gathering on Earth, with devotees seeking purification and salvation through ritual river bathing.
Extensive infrastructure has been set up, including 150,000 tents, 145,000 restrooms, and expanded transportation services such as 13,000 trains and 7,000 buses.
The event is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore ($25 billion) in economic impact for Uttar Pradesh, boosting sectors like tourism, transportation, and religious commerce.
Heightened security measures include 40,000 personnel, AI-powered surveillance, and underwater drones to manage crowds and ensure safety.