Maha Kumbh and a historic flight: How aviation history was created in Prayagraj

Prayagraj is hosting the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings. This event is drawing millions of devotees and attracting many foreign visitors. The grand festival has made headlines for various reasons, including record-breaking events. One such record was the landing of an international flight at Prayagraj after 93 years.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ visit to Mahakumbh

Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently visited Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. Her visit gained widespread attention, although she was unable to take a ceremonial dip in the Ganga on the first day due to health reasons. Despite this, her spiritual journey became even more significant due to a historic moment associated with her departure from the city.

A historic flight after 93 years

Laurene Powell Jobs’ flight from Prayagraj created history in the city’s aviation records. She arrived in a Bhutan Airways aircraft and later flew back to Bhutan after attending the Maha Kumbh Mela. This flight was a milestone for Prayagraj airport, marking the first international flight to operate from the city in nearly a century.

Prayagraj has a deep-rooted connection to aviation history. In 1911, French pilot Henri Piquet made history by flying the first commercial airmail service in India from Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to Naini. Later, in 1931, the city’s airport began international operations, offering flights to London until 1932. Laurene Powell Jobs’ departure on an international flight revived this long-dormant legacy, making her visit even more special.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela is closely linked to her late husband Steve Jobs’ spiritual journey. In a letter dated February 23, 1974, Jobs wrote to his childhood friend Tim Brown about his deep desire to attend the Kumbh Mela in India. He mentioned, “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, not really certain yet.” This letter was recently auctioned for a whopping $500,321.50 (around Rs 4.32 crore), highlighting his spiritual connection to India.

Steve Jobs’ spiritual journey in India

Steve Jobs’ fascination with India’s spiritual traditions brought him to the country in the 1970s. He visited the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Uttarakhand, seeking guidance from the renowned saint. Although the saint had passed away before Jobs’ arrival, his teachings deeply influenced the future tech visionary. Laurene Powell Jobs’ presence at the Kumbh Mela serves as a tribute to her husband’s admiration for India’s spiritual heritage, adding an emotional significance to her visit.