India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Begins with Record Participation

Islamabad:The historic and religious Kumbh Mela, held on the banks of the Ganges River in India, began on Monday, attracting a large number of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and tourists. The Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years when the planet Jupiter completes a full cycle around the Sun, but this year’s event holds even greater significance.

This year’s Kumbh Mela is a *Maha Kumbh* (Great Kumbh), which takes place once every 144 years when, according to Hindu tradition, the Moon, Sun, and Jupiter align in space. As a result, this Kumbh is referred to as the *Maha Kumbh*—a much grander and rarer event.

In addition to the *Maha Kumbh*, every 12 years, there is a smaller version of the festival called *Ardh Kumbh* (Half Kumbh), the most recent of which took place in 2019 and saw participation from 240 million people. This year, however, the attendance is expected to exceed 400 million, making it the largest gathering in the festival’s history.

The Kumbh Mela is taking place in the town of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India, and will continue for 45 days. During this period, a significant number of sadhus, Hindu pilgrims, and ordinary tourists will participate in the event. Prayagraj holds sacred importance for Hindus, as it is the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical river Saraswati. Pilgrims gather at the confluence, where they take a ritual bath, meet with spiritual leaders, and participate in religious ceremonies and cultural events.

The origin of the Kumbh Mela is attributed to Hindu mythology, specifically linked to the god Vishnu. According to legend, drops of nectar (amrit) from Vishnu’s pot fell at four different places, and it is believed that bathing in these locations will wash away sins and grant salvation. The festival rotates among four sacred sites in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

Due to its immense historical, cultural, and religious significance, the Kumbh Mela has been recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

This year, a dedicated team of 100,000 organizers, including 40,000 police and security personnel, are managing the event. To accommodate the vast number of visitors, a massive camp has been set up in a 40-square-kilometer area, providing thousands of tents for pilgrims to stay during the festival.