Once-in-a-Lifetime Wonders

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 26 January 2025

A Journey from the MahaKumbh to Some of the World’s Rarest Wonders

The MahaKumbh Mela of 2025 is underway, marking an extraordinary moment in history. This once-in-a-lifetime event, is linked to a unique celestial alignment that occurs approximately once every 140 years. The event is based on Hindu astrology, where the positioning of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in specific zodiac constellations determines the timing. This astronomical alignment is considered highly auspicious for spiritual cleansing and salvation, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many devotees.

Prayagraj, located at the confluence of three sacred rivers the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, transforms into a bustling city of faith during the MahaKumbh. Temporary settlements are set up to accommodate crores of people, creating one of the largest gatherings of humanity on Earth. It’s estimated that over 40 crore people will visit Prayagraj during the course of the MahaKumbh Mela in 2025, with over 3 crore pilgrims expected to gather on peak bathing days, such as Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami.

The MahaKumbh is not just about the faithful. It draws a diverse array of participants, including sadhus (holy men) from different sects, scholars, tourists, and photographers, all seeking to capture the essence of this grand event. The Akharas (monastic orders) play a significant role, showcasing their spiritual and martial traditions during the colourful Shahi Snans (royal baths).

Events like the MahaKumbh Mela of 2025 serve as a reminder of the rare and extraordinary events that capture the imagination and unite people across time and place. Such occurrences, whether rooted in nature, culture, or history, offer a profound sense of connection and awe. So today, let’s journey beyond the banks of Prayagraj to explore other once-in-a-century or similarly rare phenomena from around the world.

Once-in-a-Century Natural Phenomena

Nature has a way of surprising us with its grand spectacles, many of which occur so rarely that they become once-in-a-lifetime experiences for those lucky enough to witness them. These events, shaped by the rhythms of the Earth and cosmos, capture the wonder of the natural world in ways that leave us humbled and inspired.

One of the most iconic examples is Halley’s Comet, which graces the Earth’s skies approximately once every 76 years. First recorded by Chinese astronomers in 240 BCE, this comet has been a source of fascination for centuries, inspiring myths and scientific discoveries alike. The next sighting in 2061 will offer a fleeting yet unforgettable glimpse into the celestial dance of our universe.

Similarly, total solar eclipses occur with a frequency and precision that astound astronomers and enthusiasts. While eclipses happen every 18 months somewhere in the world, rare occurrences like the Great American Solar Eclipse - visible coast-to-coast in the United States - happen only about once every 100 years. The next, in 2045, promises to unite thousands of people under the shadow of the Moon.

For those who look beyond Earth, the Transit of Venus is an awe-inspiring event that occurs in pairs separated by over a century. During this phenomenon, Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, appearing as a small black dot against the solar disc. The last occurred in 2012, and the next won’t be visible until 2117, a true reminder of the vastness of cosmic time.

Rare Natural Wonders and Phenomena

Nature’s wonders have a way of leaving us awestruck, especially those that occur so rarely they feel almost mythical.

One such marvel is the blooming of the Titan Arum, also known as the Corpse Flower, which occurs only once every several years. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, this gigantic flower emits a pungent odour resembling rotting flesh, a strategy to attract pollinators. Its rare and dramatic bloom draws crowds to botanical gardens worldwide.

In India’s Western Ghats, the Neelakurinji Flowers transform the hills into a sea of blue only once every 12 years. This stunning spectacle, deeply rooted in local culture, symbolises renewal and is celebrated by communities and travellers alike.

Cultural and Historical Rarities

Throughout history, certain cultural and historical events stand out as monumental, happening so infrequently that they become defining moments for generations.

One such event is the Centenary Olympics, a rare celebration of the legacy of the modern Olympic Games, which began in Athens in 1896. Marking every hundred years, these centennial Games are not just about competition but a global tribute to human spirit and perseverance. The last centenary Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta were marked by historic milestones, and the next in 2096 will undoubtedly carry its own legacy.

The coronation of a monarch is another event of immense historical significance, particularly in countries with long-standing royal traditions. For example, the recent coronation of King Charles III in 2023 marked the first British coronation in 70 years, with many royal coronations separated by decades or even a century. Each is a moment of continuity, tying the present to a rich and storied past.

Rare Scientific and Technological Achievements

Human ingenuity has given rise to extraordinary scientific and technological milestones, many of which occur only once in a century - or even less frequently. One of the most intriguing examples is the creation and preservation of time capsules, designed to connect generations across centuries.

The Crypt of Civilization, sealed in 1940 at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, USA, is one example. Designed by historian Thornwell Jacobs, it is set to be opened in the year 8113, over 6,000 years after its sealing. The crypt contains artefacts representing 20th-century life, including microfilm of important texts, everyday objects like a toothbrush and can-opener, recordings of political speeches, and even a motion picture projector. This ambitious project offers a glimpse into humanity’s desire to preserve its legacy and connect with distant future generations.

Similarly, created during the Osaka World Exposition in 1970, Japan’s Expo ’70 Time Capsule contains two identical capsules - one to be opened in 5,000 years and the other reviewed every 500 years to ensure its preservation. The capsules, buried beneath Osaka Castle, include over 2,000 artefacts, from seeds and microorganisms to toys and household items like a rice cooker, showcasing the era’s culture and technology.

Global Centennials and Millennial Events

Some events are so rare that they transcend a single lifetime, linking generations and serving as markers of humanity’s progress and resilience.

The turn of the year 2000 marked a global moment of reflection and celebration. Across the world, cities welcomed the new millennium with grandeur, from Sydney’s iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge to Paris’ sparkling Eiffel Tower. Such events happen only once in a thousand years, connecting humanity in shared hope for the future. The next millennium may feel distant, but it’s a reminder to how we pass traditions and aspirations across generations.

Another example is the Long Now Project. Designed to tick for 10,000 years, the Long Now Clock is a symbol of humanity’s enduring foresight. Built into a mountain in Texas, this clock is a statement about long-term thinking, challenging us to consider not just decades but millennia when shaping our world. It chimes once a century, marking time on a scale few will ever witness in their entirety.

What draws us to these rare and extraordinary events - whether they occur once a century, a millennium, or even longer - is the way they connect us to something larger than ourselves. These events bridge the gap between past, present, and future, linking us to generations who came before and those who will follow.

They encourage us to pause, to marvel at the beauty of the world around us, and to understand our place within it. So, what once-in-a-lifetime event will you seek out, and how will you celebrate the extraordinary moments of our shared journey? The world is waiting, and its rare wonders are calling. Until next time, keep Celebrating Life!