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The Mahakumbh, which concluded in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India on Wednesday, captured global attention. Held at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, known as Triveni Sangam, this festival is a unique blend of spirituality, culture and social harmony. The Mahakumbhis believed to offer liberation from sins and the attainment of salvation to those who bathe in its holy waters.

The Mahakumbh, which began on Jan 13, has been hailed as the largest religious, cultural and social gathering in human history. With an estimated 660m devotees participating, the event has drawn not only Hindus but also people from diverse communities worldwide. The festival’s organizers have effectively utilized digital media and social platforms to promote Mahakumbh’s significance which resulted in an unprecedented global turnout.

A global spectacle

The Mahakumbh transcended religious boundaries, attracting visitors from neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as from distant nations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Mauritius. Peter Grael, a traveler from the Netherlands, shared his awe after attending the festival: “I had never seen anything like this before. If I hadn’t come, I would have missed witnessing half the world’s spiritual essence.”

The event also showcased India’s organizational prowess. Gagan Yadav, the information officer for the Mahakumbh 2025, said the seamless arrangements made by the Indian government has instilled confidence in both domestic and international visitors. “We have used AI-based cameras to count the number of devotees, and the figures are astounding,” he said. “The festival’s success has not only boosted India’s global image but also strengthened cultural and religious ties with neighboring countries.”

Economic impact

The Mahakumbh is not just a spiritual event; it is also a significant economic driver. Over the past six years, the Indian government has invested billions of rupees in infrastructure development to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. Bridges, roads and accommodations were constructed, leaving a lasting legacy for future tourism and economic growth.

The economic benefits extend beyond Uttar Pradesh to the entire nation. Local businesses, from small vendors to luxury hotels, have thrived during the festival. Rajendra Bhandari, a hotel owner near the Nepal-India border, shared how his business has boomed: “Our hotels are fully booked 24/7. This is all thanks to the Kumbh Mela.”

Similarly, transportation services, including buses, trains and flights, have seen a surge in demand, contributing to the local economy.

The festival has also provided a platform for local artisans and farmers to showcase their products, turning the Kumbh Mela into a vibrant marketplace. The economic ripple effect has been felt across sectors, with millions of jobs created and billions of rupees generated in revenue. The Uttar Pradesh government alone expects to earn InRs 250bn from the event.

Cultural and spiritual significance

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a unique confluence of religion, culture, and spirituality. It is held every 12 years in Prayagraj, with an Ardh Kumbh Mela occurring every six years. This year’s event, however, was particularly special as it marked the completion of a 144-year cycle, known as the Mahakumbh. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has elevated the festival to a matter of national pride to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

The festival has also strengthened the bond between India and Nepal, as many Nepali pilgrims visited Prayagraj to participate in the sacred rituals. Notable figures from Nepal, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders, were among the attendees. Gagan Kumar Thapa, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, and cricketers Sompal Kami and Karan KC were among those who took part in the holy bath.

Organizing an event of this scale is no small feat. The sheer number of attendees posed significant challenges in terms of crowd management, security and logistics. Despite a few incidents, including a stampede during the Amrit Snan (holy bath) that resulted in 30 fatalities, the overall management of the festival has been commendable. The Indian government, along with the Uttar Pradesh administration and local authorities, worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

The Mahakumbh has also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism. The infrastructure built for the festival will serve as a foundation for future development, benefiting the region long after the event concludes. The festival has set a new benchmark for large-scale event management, demonstrating India’s capability to host world-class gatherings.

The Mahakumbh  was more than just a religious festival. It was a testament to the enduring power of faith and the potential of cultural events to drive economic growth. For the millions who attended, it was a life-changing experience, offering spiritual renewal and a sense of unity. For India, it was an opportunity to showcase its rich heritage and organizational prowess to the world.

“Being here, bathing in the Ganga, has filled me with a sense of peace and energy I’ve never felt before. This is an experience I will cherish forever,” said Sajana Sapkota, a young Nepali pilgrim who traveled to Prayagraj with her parents. 

As the festival concludes, its impact will continue to be felt for years to come. The Mahakumbh not only strengthened India’s cultural and spiritual identity but also provided a significant boost to its economy. For neighboring countries like Nepal, it has opened new avenues for religious tourism and cultural exchange, further solidifying the bonds of friendship and cooperation in the region.

Youth suicide is a tragic global issue that continues to affect communities worldwide. A rising prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly depression, among young individuals has become a significant concern. This article aims to shed light on the profound relationship between mental health, depression, and youth suicide. By understanding the factors contributing to this distressing phenomenon, we can work toward effective prevention strategies and support systems for vulnerable young people. Mental health issues have reached alarming levels among today's youth. The pressure of academic performance, societal expectations, peer relationships, and the pervasive influence of social media have contributed to increased stress and anxiety. According to studies, approximately 20 percent of adolescents experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Depression, in particular, is a leading cause of disability among young people globally. Depression plays a critical role in youth suicide, as it often serves as a significant precursor to suicidal thoughts and actions. Many young individuals who take their own lives have experienced prolonged feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. The symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and low self-esteem, can intensify these negative emotions, pushing vulnerable individuals toward contemplating suicide as a perceived escape from their suffering. Recognizing the risk factors and warning signs associated with youth suicide is crucial in identifying those who may be at risk. Some common risk factors include a history of mental health disorders, previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide or mental illness, substance abuse, bullying, and social isolation. Warning signs may include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, giving away possessions, expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and talking about death or suicide. Recently, a young content creator committed suicide. This incident, one among many cases of youth suicides, should be looked into in the light of factors mentioned above. Creating supportive environments and providing adequate interventions are key to preventing youth suicide. Educational institutions, families, communities, and healthcare providers play critical roles in identifying at-risk individuals and offering timely assistance. Promoting mental health awareness, destigmatizing seeking help, and providing accessible mental health services are essential steps toward addressing this issue. Early intervention and proper mental health support are crucial for young people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Establishing school-based mental health programs, counseling services, and helplines can provide accessible avenues for seeking help. Collaborative efforts between mental health professionals, educators, and parents can facilitate early identification and intervention, offering necessary support and treatment options tailored to the needs of each individual: Building resilience and promoting emotional well-being are key factors in preventing youth suicide. Empowering young individuals with coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and social-emotional skills can equip them with the tools needed to navigate life's challenges. Encouraging open conversations about mental health, fostering supportive relationships, and promoting self-care practices can create a nurturing environment that reduces the risk of suicide and supports overall well-being. Summing up, addressing the impact of mental health and depression on youth suicide requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, families, communities, and policymakers. By prioritizing mental health education, early intervention, destigmatization, and providing accessible support systems, we can work toward preventing youth suicide. Together, we can create a society that values and protects the mental well-being of our youth, offering them hope, support, and the opportunity to thrive.

‘The Playful World of Mushrooms’ by Ashish Ghimire and Prem Pandey is all about mushrooms, which the authors say are the ‘magical creations of nature’. The shapes, forms, colors, and several other attributes of mushrooms, explained beautifully through the text and illustrated clearly through photos in the book, would make anyone believe that they are indeed the magical creations of nature. When we say ‘fungus’, most people immediately think of mushrooms. However, mushrooms are only a form of fungi with pronounced and easily noticeable fruiting bodies. From the brewing of beer to the modern antibiotics that save our lives, all involve fungi. Fungi make our world more habitable but a lot is yet to be understood about these mysterious creatures. Studying fungi could lead to unraveling the mysterious threads of nature, hitherto hidden from us. The book takes readers on an exciting ride—through the author’s personal joyous interactions and encounters with mushrooms. The first chapter of the book is a personal account of Ghimire’s first-hand experiences with fungi and covers topics such as ecological relationships of fungi with the environment, occurrence and distribution, mushroom biology, life cycle, mushroom foraging, identification, edibility, and poisoning among several others. The chapter also sheds light on the relationship between people and mushrooms, and the different ways in which fungi can be used. The second chapter by Ghimire discusses the rich diversity of mushrooms that Nepal possesses. The third chapter by Pandey tries to make readers acquainted with the standard practices in the cultivation of several mushrooms from around the world. Also, included is a beautiful poem by Ghimire that inspires every one of us to live like mushrooms—calm, grounded, progressive, and resilient. I think the book has been able to deliver what it has tried to with the set of knowledge and experiences of the authors, made better by the expertise of the editors, renowned in the field of mycology. Simple and understandable language, short narratives and first-hand stories fitting the context of the book, and colorful pictures of mushrooms gathered by the authors from different mushroom expeditions are among a few things that make this book a unique work of art. The authors are plant pathologists with several years of experience working with fungi. Years of experience in teaching at several institutions have also probably come in handy in presenting the book in a form that could be easily understood even by readers who are not mycology students. It has been mentioned in the book that over 1,200 species of mushrooms are found in Nepal. The book, however, includes descriptions of around 120 mushrooms. The book also talks about sensitive topics such as psychedelic mushrooms, mushroom poisoning, and the prospects of mushroom foraging traditions. As the title suggests, the book aims to be a fun introduction to mushrooms. The use of diagrammatic representations indeed makes it an enjoyable book to go through. There’s definitely a lot to unpack in this book. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea but those who want a deeper understanding of nature, and in particular mushrooms, will find this to be a treasure trove.