Prayagraj, January 14 — Laurene Powell Jobs, the American businesswoman and philanthropist, has become the center of attention at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela after developing a hand allergy, reportedly due to exposure to the massive crowd. Her condition has raised questions about whether she will participate in the much-awaited Shahi Snan on Makar Sankranti today.
As per reports, Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara said, “Lauren is staying in our camp. She had never been to such a large gathering before, which caused an allergy to her hand. For this reason, she did not join the earlier bath. However, she will take a private dip later.”
Powell Jobs, who wore a yellow salwar suit with a Rakshasutra on her wrist and a Rudraksha rosary around her neck on Sunday night, received a warm and ceremonial welcome at the Niranjani Akhara. She was welcomed by trumpets and was served traditional garam masala tea in a kulhad.
Swami Kailashananda honored her with the Hindu name “Kamala,” describing her as “like a daughter” to the Akhara. This is her second visit to India, and she will stay at the camp until January 15 before returning to the United States to attend Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
This is not the first time Laurene’s visit has stirred conversation. Her earlier trip to Kashi Vishwanath temple raised eyebrows when she could not touch the sacred Shivling. Swami Kailashananda explained, “According to Indian tradition, only Hindus can touch the Shivling. However, Powell Jobs was granted darshan from a distance.”
As the spiritual fervor of the Maha Kumbh peaks, thousands of devotees are taking the holy dip today. The next major bathing dates are Mauni Amavasya on January 29 and Basant Panchami on February 3, with the grand event concluding on February 26.
Despite her temporary health issues, Laurene Powell Jobs’ engagement with Indian spirituality adds a unique global dimension to the world’s largest religious gathering.
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