These Maha Kumbhas have been happening a bit too frequently...
A "Maha Kumbh" is something that should happen only once every 12 regular kumbhas (ie 144 years).
The 2001 Prayag Kumbh was labelled as a MahaKumbh.
Ok, if 2001 was a year of the "Maha Kumbh" we wouldn't have another till 2145, right?
WRONG.
The 2013 Kumbh was again marketed as "Maha Kumbh"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Prayag_Kumbh_Mela_stampede
And now we have yet another "Maha Kumbh" in 2025? WTF!??
After some digging, I found out this (Source)
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said it was a matter of pride that the UNESCO had recognised the Kumbh as a world heritage. He promised that the State government would ensure that Kumbh 2019 is celebrated with grandeur. Claiming that there was “nothing half in the Sanatan Hindu culture”, the CM said that the Ardh Kumbh, held every six years, will be referred to as ‘Kumbh’ and the Kumbh, held every 12 years, as ‘Maha Kumbh’.
This explains the 2025 Maha Kumbh (which is just a regular 12yr Kumbh??) but what about the previous Maha Kumbhs (in 2013 and 2001)??? Which one is which? Is anyone really keeping a check?
These people are taking advantage of the fact that people forget after 12yrs...2037 might see another "Maha Kumbh" smh