India Gears Up for Maha Kumbh Mela, World’s Largest Religious Gathering

India is prepared to host the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious congregation, with an estimated 400 million devotees expected to visit Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The festival, which begins on January 13 and runs through February 26, is marked by rituals, sacred baths, and grand processions at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Rooted in Hindu mythology, the Maha Kumbh celebrates Lord Vishnu’s triumph in securing a pitcher of nectar from demons, with drops believed to have fallen on four sacred sites in India. Held every 12 years in Prayagraj, the festival is considered especially auspicious and attracts global attention.

Key rituals include the Shahi Snan, or royal baths, led by ash-smeared monks, and the mesmerizing evening "aarti," where priests perform rituals with flickering lamps. Major dates include January 13, January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, authorities have converted 4,000 hectares into a temporary city equipped with 150,000 tents, 145,000 restrooms, and 99 parking lots. Infrastructure includes 3,300 special train trips, 450,000 new electricity connections, and an advanced surveillance system powered by AI, supported by 40,000 police personnel.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹64 billion ($765 million) for the event, emphasizing safety and showcasing India’s organizational capabilities on the global stage.