Tens of thousands of naked Hindu ascetics, armed with tridents and drums, gathered on Tuesday for the first major bath of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, northern India. Millions of pilgrims followed them, taking a dip in the freezing waters of the sacred Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. It’s the start of the largest religious gathering on Earth, with a staggering 400 million expected over the next six weeks.
A spiritual procession at sunrise
The scene was nothing short of breathtaking. Ascetics, their bodies smeared with ash and crowned with marigolds, marched toward the riverbanks at sunrise. They chanted praises of Lord Shiva, beating drums and blowing horns along the way. The air was electric with devotion, as the holy men were joined by millions of eager pilgrims.
Massive turnout as the festival begins
The festival, which started Monday, has already attracted over 15 million bathers. Venkatesh Ramaling, a tech specialist from Pune, joined in and shared his awe: “People have such strong faith here. After bathing, I feel full of positivity.” His words echoed the sentiment of many who felt the festival’s deep spiritual power.
A sacred tradition rooted in mythology
The origins of this grand event lie in Hindu mythology. It’s believed that the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. A few drops of the nectar are said to have fallen in Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain, and Haridwar—four cities that host the Kumbh festival every 12 years. The Kumbh rotates among these locations, with the date determined by cosmic alignments.
Prayagraj hosts the grandest Maha Kumbh yet
This year’s Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is expected to be the most grandiose yet. The government has invested over $765 million to ensure the event runs smoothly, providing facilities for the masses. Authorities have set up a massive tent city, complete with 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 toilets, and 50,000 security personnel. There are even AI-powered cameras to track crowd movement and ensure safety.
Tent city and strict security measures
The tent city is bustling with activity. Families from distant villages march in long lines, some carrying clothes and food, others pulling wheeled bags. Despite the overwhelming crowds, security measures are in place to prevent stampedes. Rajnish Diwedi, a senior police official, shared that 2,700 cameras are helping manage the crowd, and automated systems are actively in place to avoid disasters.
Naga Sadhus lead the way
At the heart of the festival are the Naga Sadhus—ascetics who were once mercenary armies devoted to Lord Shiva. These holy men set up large camps along the riverbanks, where they hold religious discourses and prayers. Sri Digambar Ishwargiri, a Naga Sadhu who traveled 1,000 miles from Junagadh, said that bathing in the holy waters is a path to salvation. “We safeguard our faith,” he declared proudly.
A journey toward salvation
For the ascetics, the river baths are more than just a ritual—they are a spiritual duty. On the most auspicious dates, they rush to the water at dawn, eager to cleanse their souls. Many pilgrims stay for the full six-week duration, fasting, meditating, and participating in daily prayers.
Unity in faith: the heart of Maha Kumbh
While the ascetics lead the way, the pilgrimage is open to all. The river baths, yoga sessions, and other religious rituals are organized by the ascetics and supported by public funds. The sense of unity and devotion is palpable, with each person seeking a deeper connection to their faith.
An unmatched spiritual celebration
With millions already flocking to the sacred site, this year’s Maha Kumbh festival promises to be a celebration of faith like no other. The devotion on display is awe-inspiring, and the event’s scale is unmatched. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of religious belief and the unity it brings to people from all walks of life.
