The Maha Kumbh Mela has commenced in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on. The 45-day religious gathering is significant for Hindu pilgrims and devotees as the event marks the completion of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles,

Tens of thousands gathered to take a dip in holy waters as the Maha Kumbh Mela kicked off in Prayagraj. About 400 million people are expected to attend the six-week festival. DW has the latest.

This year, the Maha Kumbh, or Poorna Kumbh, is being held in Prayagraj. Celebrated every 12 years, it is one of the world's largest religious events

Maha Kumbh Mela or Great Pitcher Festival begins in India on Monday, a Hindu sacred event that will be the world's largest gathering of humanity as it showcases religion, spirituality, tourism and crowd management.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for many, but staying vigilant is essential to ensure a safe experience.

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.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, or the Great Pitcher Festival, will bring more than 400 million people to Prayagraj city in northern India over a period of six weeks starting Monday, making it the largest gathering of humanity in the world.

Each date holds unique significance, with the Shahi Snans being the highlight as they feature grand processions by ascetics and saints.

Held every 12 years, 2025's Maha Kumbh mela has seen the construction of 400km of temporary roads, a 10,000-acre pop-up tent city, 150,000 toilets, three hospitals and more.

Preparations are underway to host millions of Hindu devotees and visitors in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Festival (Jan. 12)