Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, but behind this grand event lie several unique and secret facts that only 1% of people are aware of. These have been arranged in an interesting order to keep your curiosity alive until the end.
1. Over 25,000 children go missing every day at Kumbh MelaOn average, more than 25,000 children get separated from their families every day at Kumbh Mela, which is why Lost & Found Centers are set up.
2. The most expensive Kumbh Mela is in 2025The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is being organized with a budget of ₹1.25 lakh crore, making it one of India’s most expensive events.
3. The budget of Kumbh Mela is bigger than 5-6 small countriesThe budget of the 2025 Kumbh Mela surpasses the annual budgets of countries like Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
4. The tent city of Kumbh is the world’s largestMore than 50,000 tents are set up at Kumbh Mela, making it the largest temporary tent city in the world.
5. The water of Sangam appears in two different colorsAt the Triveni Sangam, the waters of Ganga and Yamuna are clearly distinguishable—one appears green, while the other is blue.
6. NASA has captured Kumbh Mela from spaceIn 2013, NASA captured images of Kumbh Mela from space, showing the massive gathering appearing like an entirely new city.
7. The water has special medicinal propertiesDuring Kumbh Mela, the water of the Ganges is said to purify itself naturally due to a unique microbiological process, as per scientists.
8. The first recorded Kumbh Mela was in 644 ADThe earliest recorded mention of Kumbh Mela was made by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) in 644 AD.
9. The temporary Kumbh city is as big as New York During Kumbh Mela, an entire temporary city is set up in Prayagraj, which can be compared in size to New York City.
10. “Maha Purna Kumbh” occurs once every 144 years Once every 144 years, a unique Kumbh Mela takes place when planetary positions align exactly like the time of Samudra Manthan. This is called Maha Purna Kumbh.
11. British Air Force conducted drone research at KumbhIn 2013, the British Air Force used drones to study crowd management at Kumbh Mela for future large-scale events.
12. The name “Kumbh” is linked to Samudra ManthanThe word “Kumbh” means a pot filled with nectar (Amrit) and is directly linked to the legendary churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan.
13. Mobile networks often jam during Kumbh MelaDue to the massive crowd, mobile networks and internet services often slow down, prompting authorities to set up free WiFi zones.
14. Secretive saints appear only during KumbhMany hidden saints and hermits, who live in the Himalayas or forests for 12 years, appear in public only during Kumbh Mela.
15. The initiation of Naga Sadhus is highly secretiveTo become a Naga Sadhu, aspirants undergo 12 years of extreme penance, and their initiation remains a closely guarded secret.
16. The mystery of secret bathing ritualsCertain Akhadas (sects of saints) perform special secret bathing rituals at night, which are not open to the public.
17. The first film on Kumbh was made in 1989A documentary titled “Kumbh Mela: The Greatest Show on Earth” was made in 1989, making it the first film ever on Kumbh Mela.
18. Bigger than FIFA & Olympics!The 2013 Kumbh Mela attracted over 120 million people, making it the biggest event in the world, even surpassing the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
19. Kinnar Akhada was officially recognized in 2019In 2019, the Kinnar Akhada (Transgender Sect) was officially recognized, and they now participate in the royal bathing ceremonies.
20. The longest-running religious eventThe Maha Kumbh Mela lasts for 49 days, making it the longest-running religious festival in the world.
Did you already know any of these facts?If not, you are now among the 1% of people who know these secret and fascinating facts about Kumbh Mela!Which fact amazed you the most? Let us know in the comments!
pVpERO AENN ktlJUsTV HVJhgq