Steve Jobs' wife falls ill at Maha Kumbh: 'Not used to crowded places'

Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, encountered some allergies during her second day at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Despite this, she remains committed to taking part in the sacred ritual of bathing in the Ganga river.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: On former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' wife Laurene Powell Jobs, Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri says, "She is in my 'shivir'. She has never been to such a crowded place. She has got some allergies. She is very simple...All those people who… pic.twitter.com/1bQXP2lId7

— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri shared with ANI, "She will join the ritual of the holy dip at Sangam. She is currently resting in my camp due to some allergies. This is her first time in such a large crowd, and she is a very humble person. She stayed with us during the pooja. Our tradition encourages everyone to participate, especially those who haven't experienced it before."

Laurene Jobs arrived in Prayagraj on Monday to witness the Maha Kumbh, a rare celestial event occurring once every 144 years. Referred to as 'Kamala' by Giri, she is staying at the Niranjini Akhara camp within the Kumbh tent city until January 15.

Following this, she will return to the United States to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20.

On Tuesday, during the first Amrit Snan (sacred dip), millions gathered at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It was estimated that 3 to 4 crore people took part in this significant ritual.

Sadhus from the 13 Akhadas of Sanatan Dharma performed their holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in sequence. These Akhadas are divided into three categories: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen. Some prominent Shaivite Akhadas include Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, and Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most important religious gatherings globally, is held once every 12 years at one of four designated sites in India.

The 2025 Poorna Kumbh will run until February 26, with key dates for the sacred dips (snans) including January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).