the mind-blowing images of the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in India

When she finally bathes, Meenakshi Gautam assures her: “my life’s goal will be achieved”. After visiting many of the most sacred sites in Hinduismthis 38-year-old science teacher, accompanied by her husband, wanted more than anything to attend the Kumbh Mela.

Since Monday January 13, 2025, the Hindu faithful have met in Prayagraj, in the north of India, to participate in the gigantic pilgrimage of the Kumbh Mela. This so-called “sacred jar” festival represents “the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims in the world”, according to UNESCO.

400 million people expected for six weeks

Some 400 million people are expected during the next six weeks (until February 26, 2025) at the confluence of three sacred rivers, including the Ganges, for mass ritual baths supposed, according to Hindu tradition, to wash away sins.

The first week of celebrations is soon coming to an end. Numerous images and videos show the influx of pilgrims sometimes in colorful outfits, sometimes partially naked (before the ritual baths), sometimes covered in dust.

A celebration to test (and strengthen) one’s faith

Like Meenakshi Gautam, Shyamlal Shrivastava40, is participating in the Kumbh Mela this year. An experience that he had already had in 2012, before what a drama does not mark the life of this real estate agent from Madhya Pradesh (in central India).

In 2014, he lost his left leg when he slipped while trying to board a train. Traveling long distances over muddy terrain with his walker promises to be a challenge for him, but he intends to swim in the sacred waters at all costs.

Despite his accident, his faith remains intact, convinced that “God can never do anything wrong.”

If I get angry with the Almighty, I will have nothing left to hold on to.

Considering the scale of the celebrations, the 2025 edition of the Kumbh Mela could become the largest pilgrimage in history.

With AFP

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