Over the last four weeks, more than 500 million people have participated in the Maha Kumbh festival, taking a "holy dip" in the sacred river waters of northern India, officials reported on Friday. This staggering number surpasses the population of most countries.
The event, which spans six weeks, has attracted a diverse crowd, including prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, federal ministers, industrialists like Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, and artists like Chris Martin from the British rock band Coldplay.
However, the festival was marred by a tragic stampede on its most auspicious day, as devotees gathered at the confluence of three holy rivers to bathe—a practice believed to purify sins and provide salvation from the cycle of birth and death.
The government of Uttar Pradesh, where the festival is held, described the event as the largest human gathering in history for any religious, cultural, or social occasion.
With 12 days still to go, officials expect the total number of visitors to exceed 550 to 600 million, significantly surpassing the 240 million who attended the last Maha Kumbh in 2019.
The festival is held every three years, but every 12 years it carries the title "Maha" (great), drawing even larger crowds due to its considered auspicious timing.
The festival is being organized in Prayagraj city, where a sprawling 4,000-hectare (9,900-acre) temporary township has been set up—equivalent to 7,500 football fields.
On January 29, the highest turnout occurred, with 80 million people attending. Tragically, during this peak, a stampede occurred, resulting in 30 confirmed deaths, though other sources suggest the toll could be over 50.
A panel has been formed to investigate the incident, with a report expected later this month.
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