Laurence Powell, wife of late Steve Jobs, to attend Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, renamed ‘Kamala’

Laurence Powell, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, will attend the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Swami Kailashnand Ji Maharaj confirmed Powell's visit and revealed that she has been given a Hindu name, ‘Kamala,’ as part of her spiritual journey. This will be Powell's second visit to India, and she plans to focus on meditation and spiritual growth during the event. Swami Kailashnand described her as being like a daughter to the spiritual community and noted that her participation will be in line with her personal religious practices.

Regarding Powell’s participation in the Akhara’s Peshwai procession, Swami Kailashnand mentioned that efforts would be made to include her, but the decision would ultimately depend on Powell’s preferences. He emphasized that she would have the opportunity to meet and interact with seers at the Kumbh and would be touring the event. He also pointed out that the Maha Kumbh is a religious gathering that welcomes people from all parts of the world to seek blessings and engage with the spiritual practices of Hinduism.

Preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025 are now complete, with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirming that all arrangements for the event have been finalized. Pathak outlined that the government’s focus has been on ensuring the smooth organization of the festival, making sure that both saints and devotees can participate without facing any difficulties. He acknowledged the presence of numerous saints, seers, and sages who have already arrived in Prayagraj for the occasion and expressed gratitude for their participation.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assured that the event would be a grand and divinely enriching experience, with the government taking all necessary steps to ensure safety and comfort for the millions of expected devotees. Maurya pointed out the improvements in organization since the 2013 Kumbh, referencing the positive feedback from the Ardh Kumbh held in 2019. He highlighted that special arrangements have been made for devotees, especially for the key bathing dates of Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and Basant Panchami on February 3. These dates are considered especially auspicious for taking a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke about the launch of ‘Kumbhvani,’ a dedicated radio channel created by Prasar Bharti to provide live updates and coverage of the Maha Kumbh. The channel is intended to reach audiences in remote areas of India who may have limited access to media, ensuring that the religious experience is accessible to all. The Maha Kumbh is expected to draw over 45 crore devotees from across the country and abroad, marking one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The event will conclude on February 26, with the primary ritual of taking a holy dip set to take place on several key dates throughout the event.