Biggest religious gatherings in the world

Thousands of people gather at Rizal Park to attend a mass by Pope Francis in Manila on Sunday. (Reuters)

January 18, 2015 18:32 IST

A record 6 million people filled Manila’s main park and surrounding areas for Pope Francis’ final Mass in the Philippines on Sunday. Here are some of the biggest religious gatherings in the world:

India

Once in every 12 years, tens of millions of Hindus gather in Allahabad for what is thought to be the largest religious meeting in the world — the Maha Kumbh Mela.

In 2013, the 55-day gathering drew from 30 million to 80 million people, depending on various estimates, who camped on the river banks in makeshift shanties and tents.

The smaller Kumbh Mela gatherings elsewhere in the country also draw millions.



In 2013, the Maha Kumbh Mela gathering drew from 30 million to 80 million people. Photo: PTI

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/biggest-religious-gatherings-in-the-world/article6799109.ece