On Wednesday, February 26, millions of pilgrims from all over India gathered at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy bath during Maha Shivratri. This major religious event, known as the Maha Kumbh, happens every 12 years and started on January 13. So far, over 65 crore people have visited this year’s Kumbh in Prayagraj.
The event has attracted lots of attention from both local and foreign news. The Wall Street Journal mentioned that more people came to Maha Kumbh Mela than the entire population of the United States, with estimates of nearly 500 million people joining over the six weeks. The Huffington Post called it the biggest pilgrimage in the world, highlighting the rituals and traditions that make the festival special.
On Maha Shivratri, which is the last day of the Kumbh, over 11.66 lakh people bathed in the Sangam by 2 am. The numbers rose to 81.09 lakh by 10 am as people continued to seek blessings.
While the festival had some tragedies, including two stampedes that claimed lives, it continued to attract crowds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party views the festival as a success that showcases Hindu culture.
After the Kumbh ends, organizers will have a big job cleaning up the area, but they are happy to see so many people come together. The 2025 Maha Kumbh is also known as the ‘Digital Maha Kumbh’ because it used cool technology to ensure safety. Many media people, including CNN and The New York Times, shared stories about the beautiful ceremonies, Naga Sadhus, and the unity of people from all walks of life.
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