Depending on your personality, large gatherings can be exciting or overwhelming. But no problem what happens, they are always impressive to see and the reasons behind them can be fascinating to explore. From festivals to funerals, all kinds of events can come with lots of unexpected contributions! So, how wide can the largest gathering of people be?
Today we’re going to take a look at 10 of the largest peaceful gatherings recorded in human history and rank them by the number of people present. We will also learn interesting facts about the reasons behind each event.
Jamal Abdul Nasser’s funeral :
Number of viewers: 5 million people
Location: Cairo
Date: 1970
Reason: the death of the politician
Burial of Jamal Abdul Naser :
Gamal Abdel Nasser was the second president of Egypt who served from 1954 to 1970. His strong beliefs and leadership methods were a source of controversy, especially his decision to fight Israel twice. His popularity increased by promoting unity among his people.
Did you know?
Gamal Abdel Nasser was the creator of the United Arab Republic, which lasted from 1958 to 1961.
World Youth Day
Number of viewers: 5 million people
Location: Manila
Date: 1995
Reason: religious pilgrimage
International Youth Day 1995 :
World Youth Day allows millions of religious youth to meet the Pope! In addition to being one of the largest gatherings in history, the 1995 World Youth Day event in Manila was also the first time an Asian country hosted the event. Pope John Paul II first started this event in Rome in 1986 and it has been held every year since then.
Number of viewers: 6 million people
Location: Manila
Date: 2015
Reason: religious pilgrimage
Pope_jum_2015_Manila :
The papal visit to the Philippines was well attended, with six million people flocking to see Pope Francis speak in Manila for mass. The weather was rainy and unpleasant, but that didn’t stop people from all over the Philippines from coming with candles to help. Promote the Pope’s message of peace and unity. They also got to see Pope Francis wearing a bright yellow poncho over his formal white robes!
Did you know?
“Mercy and Compassion” or “Habag at Malasakit” in Filipino was the theme of the 2015 visit.
Funeral of Ayatollah Khomeini
Number of viewers: 10 million people
Location: Tehran
Date: 1989
Reason: the death of the politician
Burial of the soul of Allah Khomeini :
This influential political and religious leader of Iran, who was born under the name of Ruhollah Khomeini, later achieved the title of Ayatollah, which is reserved for prominent Shia scholars. Khomeini had a history of political outspokenness and strong will and had previously been arrested for opposing the Shah’s pro-Western views. The ceremony consisted of two separate funeral ceremonies, which included the visitation and pre-burial ceremonies.
Did you know?
Shortly before his death, Khomeini became internationally famous for issuing a “fatwa” and calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, the author of the novel “Evil Verses”.
Arbaeen pilgrimage
Number of viewers: 14 million
Location: Karbala
Date: 2017
Reason: religious festival
Arbaeen_2017 :
The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a long walk that most Muslims do in Karbala every year. This pilgrimage is optional, unlike the Hajj, an obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca that must be undertaken at least once in the lifetime of all able-bodied Muslims. Besides the pilgrims, the Arbaeen pilgrimage also attracts people who provide various services to the travellers on this journey.
Did you know?
Even non-Muslims were invited to join the Arbaeen walk in 2017 to make a statement of faith in humanity.
Funeral of CN Annadurai
Number of viewers: 15 million people
Location: Tamil Nadu
Date: February 4, 1969
Annaduraia :
A Dravidian leader is often referred to as ‘Anna’ meaning ‘elder brother’. Anna was also the first member of a Dravidian party to serve as either the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or the last Chief Minister of Madras. He lived simply and faced much opposition and eventually died after being diagnosed with oral cancer attributed to his habit of chewing tobacco.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage 1395
Number of viewers: 25 million people
Location: Karbala
Date: 2016
Reason: religious festival
Arabeen_2016 :
Many pilgrims who travel to Karbala come from Baghdad or even further away and spend days on foot to visit shrines and other blessed places. People who come to help the pilgrims on the journey offer free food, first aid and even dental services if needed in a spirit of compassion.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage 1394
Number of viewers: 27 million people
Location: Karbala
Date: 2015
Reason: religious festival
Arbaeen_2015 :
Even Hajj It is feeble by the millions upon millions of pilgrims who walk the pilgrimage to Karbala, many of whom come from Baghdad. Security in Iraq was tight in 2015 as compared to previous years, and all the travellers had checked before they could make their way.
Number of viewers that year was record-breaking until it reached 22 million people, and the number increased after that.
Kumbh Mela 2010
Number of participants: 60-80 million people
Location: Haridwar
Date: April 14, 2010
Reason: religious community
Immortality nectar :
The religious gathering at the Kumbh Mela hears the Hindu legend of how the gods and demons battled over the elixir of immortality. They attend the gathering, by entering the holy streams, and believe that they are bathing in the essence of immortality.
Did you know?
Even religious hermits come out of seclusion to attend Kumbh Mela!
Kumbh Mela 2013
Number of viewers: 120 million
Location: Prayagraj
Date: February 10, 2013
Reason: religious community
Kumbh_Mela_2013 Source:
The 2013 Kumbh Mela was the largest peaceful gathering of people ever recorded. this event should be held 12 times every year. The location of each gathering revolves around four rivers that are sacred by the Hindu religion, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate their faith. Among those who participate are sadhus: holy men who undergo severe physical tests and remain naked year-round.
