The Maha Kumbh Mela, a millennia-old religious festival, has commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with an estimated 40 crore people expected to attend. Government estimates predict that the event may generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for the state, which has allocated a budget of Rs 7,000 crore for the 45-day festival. With an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person, the economic impact could potentially reach Rs 4 lakh crore and boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1%. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has lauded the previous version of the festival in 2019, stating it contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy.
Maha Kumbh: A Millennia-Old Religious Festival
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Estimated to attract over 40 crore pilgrims, the festival has significant religious, cultural, and economic implications.
Background
Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years and rotates among four holy cities: Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar. The festival originated from the legend of the churning of the ocean of milk by the devas (gods) and asuras (demons). During the churning, a divine pot (kumbh) filled with amrita, the elixir of immortality, emerged.
Religious Significance
The Maha Kumbh Mela is considered one of the holiest Hindu festivals. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at the confluence of Prayagraj (known as Triveni Sangam) during the auspicious period of the full moon washes away their sins and grants liberation.
Economic Impact
The Maha Kumbh Mela has a profound economic impact on the region. The government estimates that this year's event will generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for Uttar Pradesh. The state has allocated Rs 7,000 crore for infrastructure, sanitation, and security measures.
With an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person, the economic impact could reach Rs 4 lakh crore. The festival is expected to boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1%.
Past Events
The 2019 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj was one of the most successful ever recorded. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh stated that it contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy.
Top 5 FAQs
When and where is the Maha Kumbh Mela 2023 held?
How many people are expected to attend?
What is the significance of Triveni Sangam?
What is the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela?
What measures are in place to ensure safety and security?
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ji suggests that those who cannot attend the grand Mahakumbh can still receive the same spiritual benefits through the sacred water. This year's Mahakumbh, held once every 12 years, has an added significance due to a rare celestial alignment. People can also use Gangajal for their holy bath and perform charitable deeds for full spiritual rewards. Special services and initiatives, like the Triveni Sangam Water Delivery Service, are available for those who cannot attend the event.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has garnered attention as she prepares to participate in the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Touted as the largest gathering of humanity on the planet, the event will see Laurene taking on a new identity, Kamala, after being given the Gotra of her guru Swami Kailashananda. Her deep interest in Sanatan Dharma and her fatherly relationship with the seer have earned her a warm welcome, as she joins the ranks of VIPs and seers expected to participate in the festival. Among the many preparations for the event, UP Police has introduced advanced security measures, while the state budget for the 45-day-long fair comes at a whopping Rs 7,000 crore.
A group of unidentified individuals threw a stone at the Tapti Ganga Express train carrying passengers to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj near Jalgaon railway station in Maharashtra. While no injuries were reported, a windowpane of coach B6 was shattered, causing panic among the passengers. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with passengers demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The Railway Police has registered a case and is currently investigating the matter.
The world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering, the Mahakumbh Mela, began on Monday in the holy city of Prayagraj, India. More than 40 lakh people from different backgrounds came together to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed the significance of this ancient tradition in a modern world and welcomed devotees and saints to the event.
The eagerly awaited Maha Kumbh festival has begun in Prayagraj, India, with the auspicious Paush Purnima being celebrated on Monday. Millions of devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam - where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers converge - to seek spiritual blessings and cleanse their sins. The 45-day long event is estimated to attract a record-breaking 40 crore people from all over the world, making it the largest ever gathering of its kind. Tight security measures are being implemented to ensure the peaceful conduct of rituals and the safety of devotees.
Former child star Rory Callum Sykes, who rose to fame on a British TV series and later became a motivational speaker on living with disabilities, tragically lost his life in the recent Los Angeles wildfires. His mother, Shelly Sykes, announced the devastating news on social media, revealing that her 32-year-old son died due to carbon monoxide despite her efforts to save him. The Australian government has expressed their condolences and is working with Los Angeles authorities to confirm Rory's death and provide consular assistance to his family.
On January 10, the world celebrates World Hindi Day to recognize the cultural and linguistic unity promoted by the Hindi language. This language, spoken by a majority of India's population, holds significance beyond the country's borders as it is also a minority language in several countries. In addition to its cultural importance, Hindi is also a key language for business, diplomacy, and education, and it is increasingly being used in new technologies. With the theme of 'A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride', World Hindi Day 2025 celebrates the expanding presence and influence of Hindi worldwide.
As the third most spoken language in the world, Hindi is celebrated on the international stage every year on January 10th as World Hindi Day. This day recognizes not only Hindi's importance in India, but also its widespread use and cultural significance around the world. From wishes to images, here are some ways to celebrate and promote the language on this special occasion.
As devastating wildfires engulf Los Angeles County, a comparison between the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) and Delhi's brings to light a troubling reality for the Indian capital. Despite half of LA being on fire, the city's AQI remains significantly better than Delhi's which continues to struggle with poor air quality on a daily basis. Amidst discussions on the cause, it is clear that the wind direction and velocity play a crucial role in clearing LA's air despite the natural disaster.