The Prayag Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the Maha Kumbh Mela, is an important Hindu festival celebrated in Prayagraj, India, from January 13 to February 26, 2025

The Kumbh Mela is recognized as one of the largest religious gatherings globally, taking place every 12 years at four sacred locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain

The 2025 event is particularly significant as it marks the Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs only once every 144 years and coincides with a rare celestial alignment

On January 29, 2025, a tragic crowd crush occurred during the festival, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and numerous injuries as devotees rushed to bathe in the holy waters

Eyewitness accounts depict chaotic scenes as people were trampled during the surge, emphasizing the difficulties of managing such a large gathering

The festival is not only a religious observance but also a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the diversity of Hindu practices and beliefs

Pilgrims engage in various rituals, including bathing in the sacred rivers, which is believed to cleanse sins and promote spiritual liberation (Moksha)

The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims who gather to participate in rituals at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers