Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, fell ill during her visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri, who is hosting her at his camp, shared that Powell Jobs developed allergies due to the crowded and unfamiliar environment.
“She is in my ‘shivir’ (camp). She has never been to such a crowded place and has developed some allergies. She is very simple and is here to experience our tradition,” said Swami Kailashanand on Tuesday.
Despite her illness, Powell Jobs remains determined to take part in the ritual of taking a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Swami Kailashanand mentioned that she is currently resting in his camp to recover before participating in the ritual.
Experiencing the Maha Kumbh Mela
Powell Jobs arrived at Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Prayagraj on Sunday evening to experience the Maha Kumbh, a rare celestial event occurring after 144 years. This spiritual gathering draws millions of devotees from around the world, making it one of the largest religious festivals globally.
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On Monday, the 61-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist participated in the festivities, wearing an orange-coloured dupatta shawl over her head. She was also recently given the Hindu name ‘Kamala’ by the Niranjani Akhara, a revered organisation of saints.
Before her arrival in Prayagraj, Powell Jobs visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on January 11. At the temple, she worshipped Baba Kashi Vishwanath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and performed ‘jalabhishek’ (offering water to a deity), praying for the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Highlights
The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, which began today, is a once-in-144-year spiritual event. Held at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the gathering is expected to attract approximately 450 million devotees. The Maha Kumbh will continue until February 26, with devotees from across the globe arriving to partake in this grand celebration of faith and spirituality.
