Maha Kumbh Mela Festival Commences in India, Anticipating Over 400 Million Attendees

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, began on Monday, in Prayagraj, India, The Guardian reported.

This year’s festival holds particular significance as it is the grand Kumbh Mela, occurring once every 144 years due to a special celestial alignment involving the sun, moon, and Jupiter.

The festival is set to last for 45 days and is centered around the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Pilgrims participate in holy bathing rituals, which are believed to purify the soul. The origins of the Kumbh Mela are linked to ancient legends regarding the churning of the ocean for the elixir of immortality.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated over 70 billion rupees (£670 million) for infrastructure and sanitation improvements in preparation for the event, which is expected to draw more than 400 million participants. However, there have been reports of restrictions affecting Muslim vendors and taxi drivers, prompting discussions about communal relations.

To enhance safety and navigation, organizers have introduced a mobile app and radio frequency wristbands for attendees. The festival aims to facilitate a smooth experience for the large number of participants expected throughout its duration.