1. The Mahakumbh Mela occurs every 12 years, following a specific planetary alignment of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon in certain zodiac signs, making it a celestial event of immense spiritual significance.
2. The event is rooted in Hindu mythology, where gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality. Four drops of nectar are said to have fallen on Earth, marking the four cities that host the Kumbh Mela: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
3. The Mahakumbh Mela holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest peaceful gathering of people, with over 120 million attendees at the 2013 Mela in Prayagraj.
4. A temporary tent city is erected for the event, complete with hospitals, police stations, sanitation facilities, and marketplaces, making it one of the most elaborate temporary settlements in the world.
5. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy rivers during the Mahakumbh Mela washes away sins, leading to spiritual purification and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
6. The Mahakumbh Mela is the rare occasion where Naga Sadhus—ascetic warriors who renounce worldly life—gather in large numbers, captivating attendees with their rituals and unique lifestyles.
7. The dates and locations of the Mahakumbh Mela are meticulously calculated based on Vedic astrology, ensuring alignment with specific planetary configurations believed to be auspicious.
8. The event requires the collaboration of thousands of government officials, volunteers, and organizations to manage crowd control, security, food, water, and medical aid for millions of pilgrims.