Nat Geo brings the exclusive story of 'INSIDE THE MAHAKUMBH'

 Imagine a crowd so massive, it is visible from space. A crowd, likely 100 million strong intent on just one thing: bathing in a sacred river to wash away sins and gain a chance at a new beginning. Once every 12 years, Hindus from around the world converge at Sangam in Allahabad, at the convergence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The Maha Kumbh Mela, and it is not only the world’s largest religious festival, it is also believed to be the largest gathering of humans in one  place, at one time on earth. Now, on March 4, at 10 pm, National Geographic Channel takes you inside this amazing event in the new world premiere special ‘Inside the Mahakumbh’.

NGC will bring a dazzling spectacle of spiritual fervour and collective diversity into the living rooms of people all over the world.   This year, up to 100 million people are expected to attend the festival and award-winning investigative journalist Diego Buñuel is determined to uncover the heart and soul of this extraordinary event as it is happening. National Geographic Channel has obtained extensive access to the event’s organizers, so Diego will not only explore the spiritual allure of this gathering, he will also reveal what it takes to create and maintain the behind-the-scenes infrastructure needed for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

As host of National Geographic Channel’s series ‘Don’t Tell My Mother’ and former war correspondent, Buñuel has embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps and been shot at in Colombia. For Diego, covering the Mahakumbh will be one of his more intense and unpredictable assignments. “India is steeped in ancient traditions, Hinduism is an ancient religion, it is 5,000 years old, but India is also at the forefront of technological innovation. I’m curious to see how the super modern and the ancient collide at the Maha Kumbh Mela,” said Bunuel of his upcoming attendance at the spiritual gathering, “70 to 100 million people in one place? That’s mind-blowing! That definitely puts things into perspective.”

The culmination of Diego’s attendance at the World’s Biggest Festival: Kumbh Mela will be whether the Juna Akhada, one of the biggest groups of naga sadhus, accepts Diego as one of their own and include him their “royal procession” into the waters of the Ganges. Will the sadhus accept Diego? Will Diego take the rites of a sadhu after twenty-four days of total spiritual immersion?

With ‘Inside the MahaKumbh’, be a part of this exclusive spectacle on National Geographic Channel on Monday, March 4th, at 10 pm