India’s famous Kumbh Mela festival has attracted an astonishing 420 million pilgrims so far, marking one of the biggest religious congregations in the world. This six-week Hindu celebration, which occurs every 12 years, has still got over two weeks to go and promises more devotees to participate in the sacred rituals.
The fair, which goes on at rotating locations along the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers, is an event that finds millions of Hindus taking a holy dip to wash away sins. This year, the turnout is said to be the highest so far, mirroring the time-honoured religious significance and unshakeable faith of the devotees.
It has employed monumental logistical exertions to handle the crowd through special trains, health camps and increased security. It has ensured that the officials handle things smoothly so that pilgrims can perform their worship peacefully despite the crowds of millions.
With only weeks left, the Kumbh Mela is likely to receive millions more, cementing its position among the world’s most unbelievable religious events.