1) The Kumbh Mela, India in 2013. (30 Million people)
The largest human gatherings: Kumbh Mela is the gathering after every 12 years according to the Hindu religion on the banks of the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Godavri. The last time the Kumbh Mela happened was in 2013 that is still the biggest human gathering in India and world. It also said that this gathering was evident from the space too. By this we can imagine the on ground numbers. The festival is marked by a dip in the holy river and feeding the monks or the poor and with massive fairs and entertainment means.
2) Arba’een Festival, Iraq in 2016. (20 Millionpeople)
The largest human gatherings: Arba’een Festival is the annual gathering in the city of Karbala in Iraq. It is held after the 40 days of mourning period following Ashura. Ashura is the religious ritual that marks the commemoration of Martyrdom of the Grandson of Prophet Mohammad and the third Shia Imam. The main participants of this festival are the Shia Muslims but it also includes some Sunnis, Christians and Yazidis.
3) Funeral of CN Annadurai, India in 1969- 15 Million
The largest human gatherings: Popularly known as the ‘Anna’ which means the bigger brother, Annadurai was the first chief minister of the Tamil Nadu state in India. In his first term he served for only 20 days in 1969 and fifth and the last chief minister of Madras from 1967 till 1969 before the state was named Tamil Nadu. He was a largely followed writer, poet and performer before he entered politics. In 1969 he died of cancer within two years in office. But till date, 15 million gathering is the largest gathering for a funeral anywhere in the world.
4) Funeral of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran in 1989- 10 Million
The largest human gatherings: Ayatollah Khomeini was the supreme leader of the Iranian Revolution and also the Islamic Republic of Iran.He was the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and the end of the 2,500 year old Persian monarchy.He died in 1989 aging 86 due to repeated five heart attacks in 10 days. After death, he was buried at Behesht-e Zahra in Tehran, Iran.
5) Papal gathering, Philippines in 2015- 7 Million.
The largest human gatherings: In 2015, Pope Francis made a visit to Philippines from January 15 to 19. He was only the third pontiff to visit the Philippines after Paul VI and John Paul II. This was also the first in the 21st Century. Around 6 to 7 million people attended the gathering with pope surpassing the crowd at World Youth Day 1995 in the same venue. The visit was themed as “Mercy and Compassion”.