The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj attracted an astounding 660 million visitors over 45 days, making it potentially the largest religious gathering worldwide. Pilgrims flocked to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, believing purifying dips could absolve their sins. The event, marred by a tragic crush resulting in 30 deaths, sparked concerns about managing vast crowds. With the Uttar Pradesh government declaring the upcoming 2025 Maha Kumbh a once-in-a-lifetime event due to significant celestial alignments, preparations for this temporary city included 200,000 tents and extensive infrastructure.
The Kumbh Mela has been held every 12 years for centuries, but this year's was no ordinary pilgrimage. The state government, along with Hindu leaders, declared the 2025 Maha Kumbh to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, citing a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years.
It was also the scene of a tragedy this year when at least 30 devotees died in a crush, and another 60 were injured, on one of the busiest days.
From dawn until well past midnight, the riverbanks teemed with saffron-clad sadhus, bare-chested pilgrims and families clutching brass urns, garlands and clay lamps, an unceasing tide of pilgrims.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is likely to have been the world's largest religious gathering, concluded on 26 February, with the Uttar Pradesh government claiming that a staggering 660 million people had visited over its duration.
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