The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with the number of devotees crossing the 50-crore mark. This makes it the largest congregation in human history for any religious, cultural, or social event, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Record-Breaking Devotee Participation
On Mauni Amavasya (January 29) alone, 8 crore devotees took a dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Other major bathing days saw massive participation:
- Makar Sankranti (January 14) – 3.5 crore devotees
- Paush Purnima (January 13) – 1.7 crore devotees
- Basant Panchami (February 2) – 2.57 crore devotees
- Magh Purnima – Over 2 crore devotees
With 12 days remaining, officials estimate the total number of visitors may exceed 55-60 crore. In comparison, the 2019 Kumbh Mela saw around 24 crore attendees.
Prominent Attendees and Challenges
The festival has drawn participation from top dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, industrialists like Gautam Adani, and international celebrities like Chris Martin from Coldplay. However, the grand event also witnessed challenges, including a stampede on January 29, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
Massive River-Cleaning Drive
In addition to religious rituals, the Maha Kumbh featured a historic river-cleaning initiative. Over 300 sanitation workers undertook a large-scale cleaning drive at key ghats, including Ram Ghat, Bhardwaj Ghat, and Gangeshwar Ghat. Akanksha Rana, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Maha Kumbh, confirmed that representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records documented the initiative.
“This campaign not only set a world record but also raised awareness about the need to keep our rivers clean,” said Rana. Videographic documentation will be submitted for formal verification.
A Historic Gathering
Held every three years, the Kumbh Mela earns the prefix ‘Maha’ every 12 years due to its increased religious significance. The 2025 Maha Kumbh has already shattered previous attendance records, making it a monumental spiritual and cultural event.
With the festival still ongoing, the final pilgrim count is expected to break all previous records, solidifying the Maha Kumbh’s status as the world’s largest gathering.