Maha Kumbh Mela Begins in Prayagraj

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, commenced on Monday in Prayagraj, India, with expectations of attracting 400 million pilgrims over six weeks. This festival, held every 12 years, draws devotees to the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, where they believe bathing can cleanse sins and facilitate spiritual liberation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as a significant expression of Indian values and culture, while local bishop Louis Mascarenhas noted the Church's facilities will assist pilgrims. The festival's origins stem from Hindu mythology, which recounts a battle between gods and demons over a pitcher of immortality, with drops falling in four sacred locations, including Prayagraj. Authorities prepared extensively, constructing a temporary city along the riverbanks to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. The event is not only a spiritual gathering but also a cultural spectacle, drawing attention from both Bollywood and Hollywood.