India's Massive Hindu Festival Returns After 144 Years

For the first time in 144 years, India is hosting the Maha Kumbh Mela, a huge gathering of Hindu devotees. This festival, which takes place every 12 years and is known as the "festival of festivals, " is happening in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This year is extra special because it's the 12th Kumbh Mela and there's a rare alignment of the sun, moon, and Jupiter. Millions of people are expected to attend the 45-day event, which is held at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The festival's history goes back to an ancient legend about the spilling of an immortality elixir. In the past, there have been violent clashes among warrior sadhus, but this year, the focus is on religion and politics. The current Hindu nationalist government has spent a lot of money on the event, making it one of the most expensive ever. Some people see this as a way to show Hindu unity and power. However, there are concerns about religious divisions, as Muslim vendors and taxi drivers say they've been excluded. To help with the huge crowd, organizers are using modern technology like a mobile app, AI chatbot, and drones to keep everything running smoothly.