The Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering, is set to begin in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with an estimated 400 million attendees. Despite being an atheist, Justice Katju supports religious freedom but objects to the substantial government funding for the event, questioning the secular nature of India. He criticizes the expenditure on religious events like the Ram Temple and Kumbh Mela, arguing that such funds should aid public welfare. He also challenges the superstitious belief that bathing at the confluence of rivers can cleanse sins, suggesting it conflicts with the constitutional duty to promote scientific temper.