Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is set to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The iconic spiritual gathering, which draws millions from across the globe, will commence on January 13. Powell Jobs will stay at the Niranjani Akhara's camp under the guidance of Kailashanand Giri Maharaj and engage in meditation. During her visit, she was bestowed with the Hindu name 'Kamala' by Kailashanand Giri Maharaj. "She is coming to visit her guru here. We have named her Kamala and she is like a daughter to us. This is the second time she is coming to India. Everyone is welcome in Kumbh," news agency ANI quoted Kailashanand as saying. #WATCH | Varanasi, UP | Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/TMv1W3t4iw — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025 Powell Jobs also visited the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where she adhered to temple customs and prayed for the event's success. The Maha Kumbh Mela, recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is celebrated at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It features six significant bathing dates, or Shahi Snan, where devotees take holy dips to cleanse sins and seek salvation. Powell Jobs' itinerary includes participating in rituals at the Sangam and possibly taking a dip in the Ganga. Maharaj Kailashanand Giri mentioned that her inclusion in the Akhara’s Peshwai procession is under consideration. "We will try to include her in the Peshwai. We will leave it to her to decide. She will tour this Kumbh and meet the seers here. She will also feel good. we will also feel good that those who don't know much about our traditions want to learn," he told ANI. The event also coincides with the Niranjani Akhara's induction of Maharshi Vyasanand, a U.S.-based disciple, as a Mahamandaleshwar, ANI reported.
