Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, is expected to be a one-of-a-kind cultural fest welcoming crores of pilgrims, as well as tourists to take their bath in sacred Ganges.

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,

The Culture Ministry revealed that underwater drones, capable of diving up to 100 meters, are stationed at the Sangam area for Maha kumbh.

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.

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 massive, fluted tree trunks are painted with bright colorful patterns signaling Prayagraj’s preparation for the 45-day Maha Kumbh festival, during which tens of millions are expected to visit. Hindu devotees will keep arriving in the north Indian city from across the country to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges,

By Saurabh Sharma PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -Naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela,