What happened?
The grand 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela commenced on January 13, 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh state of India. This significant Hindu festival, celebrated every 12 years, coincides with a unique 144-year cycle in 2025 and is expected to draw more than 400 million visitors, both Indians and foreign tourists, in one of the largest human gatherings.
Why it matters to India
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a profound spiritual event and a showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage and modern technological advancements. It enhances India’s soft power by demonstrating its capacity to harmonise ancient traditions with contemporary innovation, promoting values of faith, unity, and coexistence on a global stage.