Hindu Pilgrims Prepare for Kumbh Mela Festival

The Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage festival, is taking place in Prayagraj, India, attracting an estimated 400 million participants from January 13 to February 26. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers cleanses sins and brings salvation. Meanwhile, the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal is also significant, regarded as the second largest gathering of pilgrims, where devotees gather annually to bathe at the confluence of the Ganga River and Bay of Bengal. As India faces increasing polarization and religious divides under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, particularly against the Muslim community, these religious gatherings highlight the cultural and spiritual diversity of the country. Additionally, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are engaging with Indian culture during events like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, visiting sacred sites such as the Jagannath temple. The intersection of religion and politics remains a potent force in India, shaping both community practices and national discourse.