A handwritten letter by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, expressing his desire to visit India and attend the Kumbh Mela, has been auctioned for an astounding $500,312.50 (INR 4.32 crore). Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell, is currently in India attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.
The letter, written on Jobs’ 19th birthday, February 23, 1974, was addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown. In it, Jobs reflects on Zen Buddhism and his aspiration to attend the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage and festival. Jobs wrote, “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, not really certain yet.”
The letter provides a rare glimpse into Jobs’ spiritual side, heavily influenced by Hinduism, as he signs off with “Shanti, Steve Jobs.” He also mentions having “cried many times.”
According to the letter, Jobs planned to visit the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand. However, upon reaching Nainital, he learned that Neem Karoli Baba had passed away the previous year. Despite this, Jobs stayed at the ashram in Kainchi Dham, finding solace in the Baba’s teachings.
During his seven-month stay in India, Jobs immersed himself in Indian culture. Upon returning home, his parents barely recognized him due to his transformed appearance. Jobs said, “My head had been shaved, I was wearing Indian cotton robes, and my skin had turned a deep, chocolate brown-red from the sun.” He was also seen wearing the orange robes of a Sadhu.
The letter, written exactly 51 years ago, was auctioned by Bonhams, a private international auction house, for $500,312.50 (INR 4.32 crore), as said on its website.
Wife fulfills Steve’s wish
Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. While Jobs never attended the Kumbh Mela, his wife Laurene Powell Jobs fulfilled his long-held wish by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, India. Laurene, given the Hindu name “Kamala” by her guru Swami Kailashanand Giri, arrived with a 40-member team and has been participating in spiritual practices, including meditation, Kriya Yoga, and Pranayama.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees worldwide, celebrating India’s rich spiritual heritage.
