Masses, rituals, and challenges: Kumbh Mela 2025

The Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival, began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, India. This event, held every twelve years, attracts millions of people paying tribute to the sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. While the celebrations reflect the spiritual heart of India, the immense crowds, organizational challenges, and political instrumentalization of the festival also raise critical questions.

Holy gathering place for millions

On the opening day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, according to the Indian government, around 15 million people took a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam – the holy confluence of the three rivers. This number far exceeded the expected 2.5 million and underscores the immense attraction of the festival. In total, over 400 million visitors are expected – a number roughly equivalent to the combined population of the USA and Canada.

The ritual of the holy bath – meant to wash away sins and bring spiritual salvation (moksha) – forms the core of the Kumbh Mela. Special days like the “Shahi Snan” on January 14 additionally draw pilgrims’ attention, especially due to the participation of Naga Sadhus – ascetics who traditionally appear naked and covered in ash. Their presence symbolizes deep devotion and renunciation of worldly desires.

Organizational challenges

The logistical scale of the festival is impressive – more than 150,000 tents, 145,000 toilets, and 3,000 kitchens were set up for the pilgrims. Still, this infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of all participants. Many people sleep under the open sky and rely on supplies they bring themselves, as accommodation and catering are unaffordable for many.

Additional challenges relate to hygiene and environmental protection. Despite the efforts of thousands of cleaning workers, the rivers Ganges and Yamuna remain heavily polluted. Floral offerings and other ritual waste exacerbate the problem – although the government is using state-of-the-art monitoring technologies to optimize management.

Economic and political influence

The festival has not only a religious but also an economic dimension. The Indian government invested around 7 billion rupees (about 81 million euros) in organizing the event. Forecasts suggest the festival could boost the local economy by up to 2 trillion rupees through visitors’ spending on accommodation, food, and souvenirs.

Yet beyond these economic aspects, the Kumbh Mela has also become a political showcase. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath – both members of the ruling Hindu-nationalist BJP – visibly use the festival for self-promotion. Posters and banners with their portraits are found throughout the grounds. Critics see this as an instrumentalization of a traditionally religious event for political purposes. This development contrasts with earlier editions of the festival, where such interventions were less conspicuous.

Festival between spirituality and criticism

The Kumbh Mela remains an unparalleled event that unites millions and celebrates India’s rich cultural and spiritual diversity. Yet it also reflects the country’s societal and political realities. The huge crowds, environmental problems, and political appropriation raise questions beyond pure religiosity.

While many pilgrims seek comfort and enlightenment, others hope that future editions of the Kumbh Mela will be not only spiritually enriching but also sustainable and inclusive.