Sangam of Souls, Tangle of Tolls: Maha Kumbh's Heavenly Gathering Faces Earthly Challenges

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj came to an end on February 26, 2025, with 650 million people attending, more than the initial estimated number of 400 million. The event began on January 13; on the last day, 14.4 million people took a holy dip. The Maha Kumbh Mela was marred with controversies, including a tragic stampede, that killed at least 30 people, on January 29. The National Green Tribunal took an objection to the UP Pollution Control Board allowing people to bathe in polluted water. UP government estimated that there would be a 3 lakh crore economic impact, although these figures were somehow challenged. The event also set forth discussion about its historic significance and its challenges in crowd management. 
Source: Business Standard, Mathrubhumi