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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.

One of the four Uzbek nationals recently arrested with about four kilograms of gold had visited Nepal 11 times, according to preliminary police investigations. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Sardar Tursunov, has been found to have multiple connections in Nepal, prompting further investigation, police said.

According to immigration sources, Tursunov had entered Nepal on 11 previous occasions. This time, he reportedly used three Uzbek women to smuggle gold. The arrested women—49-year-old Saodat Faiziva Israilovna, 48-year-old Umida Akhmedov Ghulamovna, and 54-year-old Dilfuza Marifalib Akhmadjanovna—claimed in their statements to police that the gold did not belong to them and that they were merely following Tursunov’s instructions. Sources indicate they were lured by financial incentives and the opportunity to visit Nepal.

Tursunov escorted the women to Kathmandu, and upon arrival via FlyDubai flight FZ 575, they proceeded directly to the immigration arrival hall. After obtaining immigration clearance, they were directed to the security screening area where police conduct thorough checks on luggage, shoes, and bodies of passengers. They passed through security checks without suspicion and were allowed to exit.

However, as they reached the terminal gate, authorities noticed suspicious behavior and took them into custody. Further investigation led to the discovery of the concealed gold. It remains unclear whether security personnel had any prior indication of the gold or if it was an oversight.

Sources said that after passing through security, the suspects proceeded to collect their luggage. Customs officials also conducted checks but found nothing. However, as the group was about to leave the airport, their unusual behavior raised further suspicion, leading to their arrest.

Upon conducting a body search, police recovered 3.745 kg of gold concealed in their rectums. The gold had been melted and shaped into small round pellets, which were then smuggled from Dubai to Kathmandu. A total of 24 such pellets were found on the four suspects. Authorities suspect that the gold was intended for a third country, using India as a transit point. SSP Somendra Singh Rathore of the Airport Security Office confirmed the seizure, stating, “We are investigating the case further. The suspects have been handed over to the Customs Office for further legal action.”

Following repeated gold seizures at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the government had assigned security responsibilities at customs to the Armed Police Force (APF). However, this large-scale smuggling attempt has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of airport security measures.

An earthquake measuring 6. 1 on the Richter scale struck Sindhupalchowk in the wee hours of Friday, with its epicenter at Bhairab Kunda of the district.

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, the quake was recorded at 2. 51 am.

The tremor was also felt in Kathmandu Valley.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.

A strong tremor was felt in Kathmandu at 2. 52 am on Friday.

Magnitude and epicenter are immediately unknown.