The most recent Kumbh Mela, known as the Maha Kumbh Mela, is currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The festival commenced on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan and is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivratri.
The Kumbh Mela is a significant Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years, rotating among four sacred locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is particularly special, as it is held after the completion of 12 Purna Kumbh Melas, marking a 144-year cycle.
The festival is renowned for its Shahi Snan (Royal Baths), during which millions of devotees and ascetics take a ritualistic dip at the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This act is believed to purify the soul and absolve sins. The key bathing dates for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela are:
January 13, 2025 (Paush Purnima): Marks the beginning of the festival.
January 14, 2025 (Makar Sankranti): First Shahi Snan.
January 29, 2025 (Mauni Amavasya): Second Shahi Snan.
February 3, 2025 (Basant Panchami): Third Shahi Snan.
February 12, 2025 (Maghi Purnima): Significant bathing day.
February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri): Concluding bathing day.
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with the central government, has implemented extensive preparations and infrastructure developments.
Infrastructure and Accommodation:
A temporary city spanning 4,000 hectares has been established to accommodate the pilgrims. This includes the construction of 150,000 tents and the installation of 150,000 restrooms to ensure adequate lodging and sanitation facilities. The event area has been divided into 25 sectors, with a total road length exceeding 450 kilometers to improve accessibility. Additionally, 30 pontoon bridges have been constructed to facilitate movement across the riverbanks.
To enhance lodging options, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has established a 300-bed deluxe dormitory within the Mela area. This facility comprises 50 tents equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, double beds, customized interiors, and Wi-Fi. The initiative aims to provide premium accommodations for both domestic and international visitors.
Security and Crowd Management:
Given the anticipated attendance of over 400 million visitors during the six-week festival, robust security measures have been implemented. Approximately 50,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Over 2,500 surveillance cameras, some powered by artificial intelligence, have been installed to monitor crowd movements and density, enabling quick deployment of personnel to prevent overcrowding.
A dedicated mobile application, ‘Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Police,’ has been developed to enhance coordination among police officers. The app features real-time communication, incident reporting, and status updates, serving as a centralized platform for efficient management and emergency response.
Health and Sanitation:
To ensure cleanliness, around 20,000 workers have been tasked with maintaining hygiene across the Mela grounds. The deployment of 150,000 restrooms and the establishment of 11 hospitals within the temporary city aim to provide essential health services to attendees.
Technological Enhancements:
Significant upgrades to the telecom infrastructure have been made to ensure seamless communication for millions of visitors. This includes laying 126 kilometers of optical fiber, installing 328 new towers, and deploying 575 new base transceiver stations (BTS) across all mobile technologies. These efforts aim to provide robust and uninterrupted connectivity throughout the event.
Financial Allocation:
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹2,500 crore for the preparations of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a significant increase from the ₹621.55 crore allocated for the financial year 2022-23. This substantial budget underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a well-organized and safe event for all participants.
Despite these extensive preparations, a tragic incident occurred on January 29, 2025, when a stampede resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and injuries to 60 others. The incident has prompted discussions on crowd management and the need for continuous improvement in handling such massive gatherings.
Overall, the combined efforts of the regional and central governments aim to provide a safe, organized, and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
