Kumbh Mela is the biggest gathering of humanity. Here's how India does it

Digambar Naga Baba has kept his arm up in this position for five years as an extreme act of penance. 
 (ABC News: Meghna Bali )

By Meghna Bali and Som Patidar

Kumbh Mela is the biggest gathering of humanity. Here's how India does it

Digambar Naga Baba has kept his hand raised for the last five years — a symbolic act of devotion and sacrifice.

He claims this extreme penance is to protect Sanatan Dharma, or "eternal dharma", a Sanskrit term often used to describe the ancient spiritual and moral foundation of Hinduism.

As a Naga Sadhu — a member of an ascetic sect dedicated to Lord Shiva — he embraces a life of severe austerity, celibacy, and meditation.

Naga Sadhus are easily recognised by their ash-covered bodies, matted dreadlocks, and complete or partial nudity, reflecting their renunciation of worldly attachments.

"The only truth in life is death. Everything else is illusion. Nothing lasts in this world," one seer told the ABC.

Though they typically reside in remote mountains or valleys, these sages have converged in vast numbers for the Maha Kumbh Mela — the world's largest human gathering.

Kumbh Mela is considered the biggest gathering of humanity in the world. (ABC News: Meghna Bali)

Held every 12 years in the sacred city of Prayagraj, this iteration is particularly significant, with astrologers saying such an alignment of stars hasn't occurred in 144 years.

"This is our grand festival; it's beyond words to describe our excitement," said Rupali Gupta, an attendee.

A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage

Over 400 million people are expected to participate in the festival in Prayagraj, a number likely to surpass official estimates, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and listen to spiritual discourses by saints and gurus.

The event also features religious debates, cultural performances, and mass feeding of pilgrims.

Families, elderly pilgrims, and even foreigners are drawn to the event.

Over 400 million people are expected to head to Uttar Pradesh for the festival. (ABC News: Meghna Bali)

"I'm here for the first time in Maha Kumbh Mela and this is great festival," said Maria, a Ukrainian woman who began her spiritual journey in India three years ago.

"I am very excited, I am so happy. So many people, everyone loves God and everyone wants to take a bath."

For others, like 31-year-old Pradeep Gautam, the appeal is in the spiritual atmosphere.

"The aura is surreal. I'm here for the experience and to witness the presence of great Hindu monks," he said.

Prayagraj holds special reverence as the site of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

First published at ABC News, January 14, 2025

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