Once-in-a-Lifetime Wonders

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 09 February 2025

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

The MahaKumbh Mela of 2025 marks 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. Based on Hindu astrology, 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 an unparalleled opportunity for devotees.

Prayagraj, at the confluence of three sacred rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—transforms into a bustling city of faith. Temporary settlements house crores of people, creating one of the largest gatherings on Earth. It’s estimated that over 40 crore people will visit Prayagraj during the MahaKumbh 2025, with over 3 crore pilgrims gathering on peak bathing days like Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami.

The MahaKumbh is not just for the faithful. It draws sadhus, scholars, tourists, and photographers, all seeking to capture its grandeur. 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 remind us of rare and extraordinary phenomena that unite people across time and place. Such occurrences—rooted in nature, culture, or history—offer a profound sense of connection and awe. So, let’s journey beyond Prayagraj to explore other once-in-a-century or similarly rare wonders around the world.

Once-in-a-Century Natural Phenomena

Nature surprises us with grand spectacles that occur so rarely they become once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These events, shaped by the rhythms of the Earth and cosmos, capture the wonder of our world.

One of the most iconic 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 inspired 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 frequently, but rare ones like the Great American Solar Eclipse—visible coast-to-coast in the U.S.—happen only once every 100 years. The next, in 2045, will unite thousands under the Moon’s shadow.

For those looking beyond Earth, the Transit of Venus is an awe-inspiring event occurring in pairs over a century apart. During this phenomenon, Venus passes directly between 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.

Rare Natural Wonders and Phenomena

Some natural wonders are so rare they feel almost mythical.

The Titan Arum, or Corpse Flower, blooms only once every several years. Native to Sumatra’s rainforests, this gigantic flower emits a pungent odour resembling rotting flesh 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, symbolizes renewal and is celebrated by communities and travellers alike.

Cultural and Historical Rarities

Throughout history, certain events happen so infrequently they define generations.

One such event is the Centenary Olympics, marking every hundred years of the modern Olympic Games. These centennial Games are not just about competition but a tribute to human perseverance. The last, in 1996, celebrated historic milestones, and the next in 2096 will undoubtedly leave its own legacy.

The coronation of a monarch is another rare event. 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 storied past.

Rare Scientific and Technological Achievements

Human ingenuity has given rise to extraordinary milestones, many occurring once in a century—or even less frequently.

One fascinating example 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, is set to be opened in 8113, over 6,000 years later. Containing artefacts representing 20th-century life, such as microfilm texts, everyday objects, political speech recordings, and a motion picture projector, it offers a glimpse into humanity’s desire to preserve its legacy.

Similarly, Japan’s Expo ’70 Time Capsule, created during the Osaka World Exposition in 1970, contains two identical capsules—one to be opened in 5,000 years and the other reviewed every 500 years. Buried beneath Osaka Castle, these capsules hold over 2,000 artefacts, from seeds and microorganisms to household items like a rice cooker, reflecting their era’s culture and technology.

Global Centennials and Millennial Events

Some events transcend a single lifetime, serving as markers of humanity’s progress and resilience.

The turn of the year 2000 was a global moment of reflection and celebration. Cities worldwide welcomed the new millennium with grandeur, from Sydney’s fireworks over the Harbour Bridge to Paris’ sparkling Eiffel Tower. Such events, happening once every thousand years, connect humanity in shared hope. The next millennium may feel distant, but it reminds us of 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, built into a Texas mountain, symbolizes humanity’s enduring foresight. It chimes once a century, marking time on a scale few will ever witness in their entirety.

The Wonder of Rare Events

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

They encourage us to pause, marvel at the world’s beauty, and understand our place within it. So, what once-in-a-lifetime event will you seek out? The world is waiting, and its rare wonders are calling.

Until next time, keep Celebrating Life!