After 144 years of its first gathering, the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, began on 13th January 2025 and will end on 26th February 2025 in Prayagraj, India. This six-week-long festival is the world’s largest human gathering, bringing together devotees from across India and the globe to partake in spiritual rituals at the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy rivers during the Kumbh Mela absolves them of sins and brings salvation (moksha). It attracts not only millions of Hindu devotees but also tourists, celebrities, and religious leaders from around the world. In 2017, it was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list cementing its global cultural importance.
The Kumbh Mela is more than just a religious event; it is a powerful spiritual journey that unites millions in devotion and faith. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to renew your spirit, the Maha Kumbh Mela promises an unforgettable experience—one that celebrates India’s deep-rooted religious traditions, the power of human connection, and the quest for salvation.
Maha Kumbh
Nirmalya Chatterjee is a photographer by passion and profession. He dabbles in documentary storytelling, street and travel photography.
