MUMBAI, INDIA, February 21, 2025 (VOA by Anjana Pasricha): Even for the world’s most-populous nation, the scale of a Hindu religious festival being held in India’s northern city of Prayagraj since mid-January is staggering. Surpassing previous numbers, the Maha Kumbh Mela that wraps up Wednesday has drawn more than half a billion devotees in the last six weeks, according to officials. The government of Uttar Pradesh, where the festival is being held, claims that this year’s event is the largest congregation in human history for a religious, cultural and social event. Those who have taken a holy dip in waters that Hindus believe cleanses them of their sins and helps attain salvation include ordinary devotees from all walks of life, billionaires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, politicians and Bollywood stars. Others went to simply witness the mesmerizing panorama of the religious spectacle that unfolds along the confluence of two rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, where Hindus believe a third, mythical river also exists.

The pull of the Maha or great Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years, became even greater for many devotees because this year’s event was considered special — it coincided with an alignment of the planets and stars that occurs once in 144 years. Millions poured into the vast temporary tented township that covers a stretch of 9,884 acres, or 15.4 sq. miles, along the banks of the river. The tented township includes roads, hospitals, toilets and free community kitchens run by volunteers. A platform made of sandbags stretches along the Ganges river bank for devotees to take part in the ritual immersion. At the last count provided by the state government, 550 million had attended the festival. With five more days to go until it culminates on Wednesday, which is considered another auspicious day, those numbers will rise.

More at source.
https://www.voanews.com/a/half-billion-people-attend-hindu-festival-in-india/7983298.html

Post Views: 607