Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, starting January 13 in Prayagraj, is marked by significant celestial configurations occurring every 144 years, enhancing its spiritual importance. Millions of devotees are drawn to the Triveni Sangam for holy bathing during this auspicious period,

Over the coming 45 days, an estimated 400 million Hindus are expected to come together for Maha Kumbh Mela. The festival is held every 12 years but the "Maha" or grand Kumbh Mela takes place only every 144 years, "marking the 12th Kumbh Mela and a special celestial alignment of the sun, moon and Jupiter", said The Guardian.

India began on Monday its Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, which is expected to draw more than 400 million visitors to the northern city of Prayagraj over six weeks, making for the largest gathering of humanity in the world.

Over 2.5 million devotees participated in a holy dip at Triveni Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. With 70 million total participants by January 16, prohibitory orders have been enforced until February 28 to ensure peace amid upcoming religious festivals and examinations.

While the Kumbh Mela festival is ordinarly held every three years, rotating between several holy cities on the banks of these rivers, the Maha Kumbh Mela occurs only once every 12 years. Maha means “great”, and the event attracts the most devotees because it is considered the most auspicious and holy in the cycle.

Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers where they will take part in elaborate rituals.