World’s largest Spiritual gathering: Kumbh Mela welcomes 400 million pilgrims

Sources DAN News
The ancient Kumbh Mela festival, a grand display of religious devotion, opened Monday in Prayagraj, India, drawing an anticipated 400 million pilgrims. The event, held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, is revered for its ritual bathing, believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation.
Devotees began their holy dips at dawn, with many traveling hundreds of miles to partake in the festival, which runs until February 26. Saffron-clad monks and ash-smeared ascetics offered blessings, while pilgrims expressed joy and spiritual fulfillment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Kumbh as a “divine occasion” celebrating faith and culture, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath invited attendees to witness “unity in diversity.”
The logistical scale of the festival rivals that of a small nation, with over 150,000 toilets, community kitchens capable of feeding 50,000 at a time, and 68,000 LED lights illuminating the sprawling riverside tents. Security measures include extensive police patrols and a digital lost-and-found system for reuniting separated families.
The Kumbh Mela, rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizes the eternal struggle for the nectar of immortality. For devotees like Savita Venkat, the festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the divine.
With its vibrant atmosphere and spiritual fervor, the Kumbh Mela stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.