The Kumbh Mela festival, the largest religious gathering in the world, has begun in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival held every 12 years in Prayagraj, India. It began on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26, 2025. This event is expected to attract around 400 million (40 crores) visitors,

Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart what is being touted as the world’s largest religious gathering.

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.