Steve Jobs' 1974 handwritten letter about ‘wish to visit Kumbh Mela’ auctioned for ₹4.32 crore – Details revealed

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): A handwritten letter by late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, expressing his wish to visit the Kumbh Mela in 1974 was recently auctioned for ₹4.32 crore. Although Jobs never attended the Kumbh Mela his wife Laurene Jobs is currently participating in the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. The letter, auctioned by Bonhams was addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown. In it, Jobs spoke about his desire to visit India for the Kumbh Mela which was scheduled to begin in April 1974 in Haridwar.

Below are excerpts from the letter:

Tim,

I have read your letter many times.

I do not know what to say.

Many mornings have come and gone; people have come and gone.

I have loved and I have cried many times.

Somehow, though beneath it all, it doesn’t change – do you understand?

I am now living on a farm in the mountains between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz. I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, though I am not certain yet.

If you desire, and I am still here when you arrive, we can come up here in the mountains together. You can tell me your thoughts and feelings, which I did not fully understand from your letter.

There is a fire in the other room, and I am getting cold here. I will end by saying I do not even know where to begin.

Shanti,

Steve Jobs

While Steve Jobs never made it to the Kumbh Mela his wife Laurene Jobs attended the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 which began on January 13 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. During the event she participated in various rituals, including a ceremonial ‘pattabhishek’ for spiritual leader Vyasanand Giri Maharaj, where she was given the Hindu name ‘Kamala.’ Dressed in a long white dress and an orange shawl, Laurene performed prayers but reportedly fell ill on the second day due to allergies. Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri provided an update, stating, “She is resting in my ‘shivir.’ She will participate in the ritual of taking a dip at the Sangam. She is not accustomed to such crowded places and has developed some allergies. However, she stayed with us during the pooja. Our tradition is so unique that everyone, especially those who have never witnessed it, feels drawn to join.”