India's Kumbh Mela 2019: The Largest Religious Event in the World

Based on the Hindu belief system that the circle of death and rebirth will continue until one atones for all of their sins in their life (or lives), the ritual known as Kumbh Mela provides Hindu's across India the opportunity to cleanse themselves of all prior sins.



Hindus across India-and, increasingly, the world-take part in an pilgrimage to one of several Holy sites near Rivers to bathe in mystic waters as a part of the ceremony to cleanse themselves of sins.

In 2019, the Ceremony began on January 15th of last month and runs through March 4th of this year. During that time, 120 million people are expected at 4 separate sites in India to bathe for a few short seconds. The Legend in Hindu religion is that drops of immortal nectar were dropped at these locations after a furious fight between Indian Gods & Demons, with the Gods emerging victorious.

The Indian Government has created a city to accommodate devotees that is 2/3's the size of Manhattan, complete with Hospital, Police and thousands of temporary urinals and toilets in anticipation of the festival.

On its most auspicous day, the Kumbh Mela expects approximately 30 million or more people in Allahabad to bathe at the most sacred or traditional location, which is near the confluence or Sangam of three religiously important rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical, invisible Saravwati. This is the most lavish location of the Kumbh Mela as well.



These festivals rotate main or primary locations every few years and the dates are worked out based on astrologically laid-out calendars. The date of the first Kumbh Mela is uncertain.

The mass of humanity is visible from space.




Kumbh Mela video (Sitar Solo Heavy)