The Mahakumbh 2025 has not only been a landmark religious event but also a triumph of meticulous planning and efficient administration. Held after 144 years on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, the congregation witnessed an unparalleled gathering of over 66 crore devotees.
Among the multitude, thousands found themselves separated from their families in the overwhelming throng.
However, due to the concerted efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government, 54,357 individuals were successfully reunited with their loved ones, according to an official release.
A significant number of those separated were women, with the police playing a crucial role in reuniting them with their families from different states of India and Nepal.
A key highlight of the administration’s efforts was the establishment of the Digital Khoya Paya Kendra, which harnessed artificial intelligence-based facial recognition, machine learning, and multilingual support to ensure swift reunions.
By the conclusion of Mahakumbh, the initiative had successfully facilitated the return of more than 35,000 separated devotees to their families.
Also read: PM Modi on Maha Kumbh: 'Forgive any lapses in service'
During the Amrit Snan Parv on Makar Sankranti (13-15 January), 598 individuals were reunited, while Mauni Amavasya (28-30 January) saw the reconnection of 8,725 devotees.
Similarly, 864 were brought back to their families during Basant Panchami (2-4 February). On other bathing days and regular occasions, 24,896 individuals were reunited, bringing the cumulative total to 35,083, the release added.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spearheaded the initiative, setting up ten digital Khoya Paya centres across the Mahakumbh area.
These high-tech facilities provided an organised and systematic approach to tracking lost individuals and facilitating their safe return.
Non-governmental organisations also played an instrumental role, particularly Bharat Seva Kendra and Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Smriti Samiti.
According to Umesh Chandra Tiwari, Director of Bharat Seva Kendra’s Bhoole Bhatke camp, their unit alone successfully reunited 19,274 individuals with their families by the event’s end.
Additionally, all 18 children reported lost were safely returned to their guardians.
The centres operated tirelessly until the final day of Mahakumbh, ensuring that individuals such as Krishna Devi from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and Jangi Devi from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, were safely reunited with their families.
Similar instances were reported for Jagjannan Dharu from Banke district, Nepal, and Bindi, wife of Sitaram Shah from Saptari, Nepal, the release stated.
Devotees expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging the Yogi government’s diligence in ensuring safety and security at the massive congregation.
With its well-crowd management and humanitarian efforts, Mahakumbh 2025 has set a benchmark for future religious gatherings.
Also read: Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh ends, yet thousands flock for holy dip
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