A staggering 45 crore devotees are expected to converge at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on 13 January and concludes on 26 February.
The festival, held every 12 years, combines India's timeless spiritual traditions with cutting-edge technology to ensure safety, efficiency, and comfort for pilgrims.
Massive arrangements to ensure safety
The Uttar Pradesh Police have implemented extensive security measures across the city.
Notably, underwater drones, capable of diving up to 100 metres, are deployed for round-the-clock surveillance of the Sangam area, while tethered drones provide aerial oversight to monitor crowd densities and pinpoint areas requiring intervention.
A network of 2,700 artificial intelligence (AI) cameras equipped with facial recognition technology ensures real-time monitoring at entry points.
Furthermore, a dedicated team of 56 cyber experts monitors online threats, with cyber help desks operational at every police station.
Accommodation and infrastructure
Authorities have erected 150,000 tents to accommodate the vast influx of devotees, supplemented by extensive sanitation facilities.
The event has necessitated 450,000 new electricity connections, reportedly consuming more power than 100,000 urban apartments in the region.
To ease transport, the Indian Railways has introduced 98 special trains, providing 3,300 trips. Additionally, the renovation of 92 roads, the construction of 30 bridges, and the installation of 800 multilingual signages have enhanced city infrastructure.
Tech-enabled services
The "Kumbh Sah'AI'yak" chatbot offers multilingual support, interactive navigation, and real-time updates through the Maha Kumbh 2025 mobile app and WhatsApp. This AI-driven tool acts as a virtual guide, assisting pilgrims with personal navigation and cultural insights.
Key dates and rituals
The festival began on 13 January, coinciding with the full moon. Notable dates include 29 January, "Mauni Amavasya," celebrated as an auspicious day for a purifying dip, and 26 February, marking the festival's conclusion with a holy bath.
The event features elaborate rituals, including processions with elephants, horseback parades, and chariot-led gatherings, alongside prayer ceremonies.
Notable attendees
The festival has drawn international figures. Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple founder Steve Jobs, named "Kamala" by Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, is attending the event and plans to take a dip in the sacred Ganga.
In the past, dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, actor Richard Gere, and filmmaker David Lynch have also participated in the Kumbh Mela.
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