For centuries, devout Indians have congregated at the Sangam in Allahabad for a holy dip during the Kumbh festival. But Mahakumbh 2001 can be described as a historic event with a rare celestial planetary configuration occurring on this occasion. Millions from India’s countryside and urban metropolises, as also 100,000 foreigners, contributed in their own ways in making the many splendoured Mela an international event. The author, who was the Mela Officer, provides a first hand account and takes us on a memorable journey narrating the joys and sorrows of organising the first Mahakumbh festival of the new millennium.