Organizers anticipate the gathering to reach an astounding 400 million people, marking it as the largest congregation of humanity.
The centuries-old Kumbh Mela, known for its deep-rooted religious significance and logistical enormity, takes place where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge.
Before dawn, throngs of pilgrims gathered to immerse themselves in the holy waters. "This feels like bathing in nectar," said 45-year-old Surmila Devi, her face glowing with devotion. Reena Rai, a businesswoman who traveled 1,000 kilometers from Madhya Pradesh, called the event "unmissable for any Hindu."
A festival of faith and unity
Monks clad in saffron robes and ascetics covered in ash wandered the site, blessing devotees. Many pilgrims walked for weeks to be part of the festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the event as a "divine occasion" celebrating faith and culture, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described it as a unique chance to "experience unity in diversity."
Preparations of an unprecedented scale
With an anticipated attendance comparable to the populations of the U.S. and Canada combined, the event has been described as the scale of a temporary nation. Festival spokesperson Vivek Chaturvedi emphasized the magnitude, noting, "350 to 400 million visitors are expected."
The riverside has transformed into a vast tent city, featuring accommodations ranging from luxury shelters to simple tarpaulins. Massive processions, with Hindu monks carrying sect flags and life-size deities transported on tractor chariots, added to the festive atmosphere.
A mythological and spiritual significance
The festival’s origins lie in Hindu mythology, recounting a battle between gods and demons over a pitcher of immortality nectar. Bathing in the rivers during Kumbh Mela is believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation.
Jaishree Ben Shahtilal, who journeyed three days from Gujarat in a convoy of buses, shared, "I’ve waited so long to bathe in this sacred river."
Infrastructure and security
Authorities have constructed 150,000 toilets and set up kitchens capable of feeding 50,000 people at once. Over 68,000 LED light poles illuminate the area, with the event visible from space.
To manage security, Indian police are conducting constant patrols, and "lost and found" centers have been established alongside a dedicated app to reunite separated pilgrims.
Faith beyond discomfort
Despite overnight temperatures of 15°C (59°F), devotees braved the cold waters with unwavering faith. "The chill disappears once you’re in the river," said 56-year-old Chandrakant Nagve Patel. "It feels like being one with god."
The vibrant atmosphere left many pilgrims feeling their journey was worthwhile. "Everything here is so beautiful," said Bhawani Baneree, a government employee who traveled from Maharashtra.
The Kumbh Mela, running until February 26, stands as a testament to India’s rich spiritual heritage and the enduring power of faith.
