By : Dr. Satchidananda Tripathy
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a sacred confluence of faith, where saints, sages, and devotees from across the world gather to seek spiritual awakening. Rooted in ancient tradition, it is believed that a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges washes away one’s sins, purifying the soul. According to an old legend, the Ganges once expressed her sorrow to the Divine, saying, “O Lord, countless people come to me, washing away their sins in my waters. But in doing so, I bear the burden of their impurities. What shall become of me?” In response, the Almighty reassured her, “Fear not, for once every twelve years, the great saints and sages will descend upon your waters. When their pure bodies touch you, their divine presence will cleanse you, restoring your sacred essence.” Thus, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a pilgrimage for mortals and a celestial event where the sacred rivers are blessed and renewed. It is a divine cycle where faith, devotion, and purity flow eternally, connecting the heavens with the earth. The Kumbh Mela is a significant Hindu pilgrimage every twelve years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, held from January 13 to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj, attracted an unprecedented 400 million visitors over six weeks, marking it the most prominent human gathering in history. Accommodating such a massive crowd within a limited space demands meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and efficient management. The sheer scale of the event requires strategic infrastructure, advanced technology, and a well-orchestrated approach to ensure smooth operations. The harmonious blend of tradition and modern innovation reflects the unparalleled expertise behind managing one of the world’s largest gatherings.
Infrastructure and Logistics
The grand spectacle of the mega event has expanded significantly, with the total area now spanning 40,000 square meters—an increase from the 32,000 square meters utilized in 2019. The venue has been meticulously divided into 25 sectors to enhance crowd management, up from 20 in the previous edition. According to the director of Lalu Ji & Sons, the esteemed organizers of the sprawling tent city, an expansive settlement covering 625 square Km has been erected. This temporary city comprises a wide range of tent accommodations, from the basic Gena Shaya tents to the opulent VVIP luxury suites. As the number of visitors has surged dramatically, authorities have faced significant challenges in accommodating the influx. To manage the high-profile attendees, the government has designated sectors 20 to 23 exclusively for VVIP guests. To accommodate the massive gathering, a sprawling temporary city covering 4,000 hectares has been established, featuring an astounding 500,000 tents and an equal number of toilets. The venue is illuminated by an impressive 69,000 LED and solar lights, ensuring visibility and security throughout the area. A dedicated workforce of 15,000 sanitation workers has been deployed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
For efficient solid waste management, 120 trippers and 40 compactors are in operation, complemented by a centralized waste processing plant in Basvar, 16 Km from the Mela Kshetra. To ensure an uninterrupted water supply, authorities have installed a 56-kilometer-long temporary water distribution network. Additionally, water ATMs and tanks have been placed every 200 meters in crowded areas to provide safe drinking water to visitors. Infrastructure enhancements have further boosted the event’s capacity. Bathing ghats now extend over 12 Km, up from the previous 8 Km, allowing more pilgrims to participate in sacred rituals. Parking facilities have been significantly expanded to cover 1,850 hectares, while the internal road network has been extended to over 450 Km, ensuring smooth movement within the Mela area. With these large-scale developments, the event continues to grow in grandeur, efficiency, and sustainability, providing a seamless experience for millions of attendees.
Security Measures
Security was paramount, with over 50,000 personnel deployed, including 56 temporary police stations and advanced surveillance systems. 2,760 CCTV cameras and drones provided real-time monitoring, while anti-drone measures ensured aerial security. Fire safety was addressed with equipment in every tent, 351 firefighting vehicles, and 2,000 trained personnel. Lost-and-found centres utilized facial recognition technology to reunite separated individuals. Advanced AI-driven surveillance has been introduced to manage crowds, though it is still in its early stages. The system integrates AI-powered monitoring with real-time interventions. The authorities have deployed the ‘112 Seva’ initiative, which efficiently handles all public emergencies. Security measures have been significantly enhanced by deploying 200 Police Response Vehicles (PRVs), including 170 two-wheelers and 25 four-wheelers. These vehicles were strategically stationed across 1,000 Points of Interest (PoIs) for effective location tracking. Additionally, 10% of these vehicles are equipped with PTZ cameras, and officers have been provided with body-worn cameras to monitor crowds and traffic more effectively.
For optimized traffic management and location tracking, two dedicated GPS-based systems—Route Periphery and Event Handling—have been implemented in collaboration with MapMyIndia. These systems ensure seamless navigation and response coordination. Authorities have achieved an impressive standard response time of just 10 minutes. A dynamic user intervention system has been integrated into a centralized dashboard at the monitoring office to enhance efficiency further. This dashboard enables real-time tracking of cases and response times, ensuring swift and effective decision-making.
Technological Innovations
Branded as the ‘Digital Maha Kumbh,’ the 2025 event integrated cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, security, and management. AI-powered software and high-tech drones monitored crowd movements in real time, preventing potential stampedes and ensuring smooth pedestrian flow. The official Kumbh app featured multilingual chatbots, providing instant assistance and guidance to millions of visitors. For the first time, underwater drones were deployed to oversee river activities, adding an extra layer of safety for pilgrims during their sacred ritual baths. A dedicated Tech PMO (Project Management Office) was established to centralize and streamline digital operations. This specialized unit managed all digital activities, including:
- Facial Recognition System (FRS): Efficient lost-and-found services to reunite separated individuals.
- Location Mapping: A real-time digital layout to help visitors navigate the vast venue effortlessly.
- Digital Screens: Strategically placed displays providing crucial event updates and emergency alerts.
- Digital Seva: A one-stop platform for information, emergency services, and public assistance.
- Pass Management: Digitized entry passes to regulate access and enhance security.
- Drone Services: AI-driven aerial surveillance to monitor large gatherings and ensure rapid response to incidents.
Challenges and Incidents
Despite meticulous planning, hosting an event of this scale presents numerous challenges. Managing millions of visitors within a limited timeframe requires seamless coordination, and unexpected incidents test the authorities’ preparedness.
Crowd Control Issues: The sheer magnitude of pilgrims arriving simultaneously creates congestion at key entry points, bathing ghats, and main pathways. AI-driven monitoring has helped alleviate bottlenecks, but ensuring the free flow of movement remains a continuous effort.
Medical Emergencies: Large gatherings often lead to health concerns such as dehydration, heatstroke, and stampede risks. Many medical camps were set up with 24/7 emergency response teams, while mobile ambulances ensured immediate medical attention to those in need.
Fire and Safety Concerns: With temporary structures and high footfall, the risk of fires is ever-present. Though firefighting teams and equipment were placed throughout the venue, small fire outbreaks in tent areas posed challenges that required swift intervention.
Lost and Found: The event sees thousands of people separated from their families, especially children and older people. The lost-and-found centers, powered by facial recognition technology, played a crucial role in reuniting individuals efficiently.
Traffic Congestion: Managing the influx of vehicles within and around the venue has been a significant hurdle. Despite extensive parking zones and designated routes, traffic snarls remained a concern, requiring constant surveillance and dynamic adjustments.
Despite meticulous planning, the event faced challenges. On January 29, a tragic stampede occurred during a peak bathing day, resulting in at least 40 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident highlighted the difficulties in managing such massive gatherings despite the extensive security and monitoring measures.
Conclusion
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela exemplified the challenges and successes of organizing an event of such magnitude. While the integration of advanced technologies and extensive infrastructure facilitated the accommodation of millions of pilgrims, the tragic stampede underscored the need for continual improvements in crowd management, proper location and layout planning, and safety protocols. The event’s significant economic impact further highlighted its importance beyond religious and cultural dimensions. The Uttar Pradesh government allocated approximately $800 million for the event’s preparations. The festival is projected to boost the economy by $30 billion to $35 billion, benefiting local businesses and tourism. While challenges like crowd surges, medical emergencies, and traffic congestion persisted, the event demonstrated how effective governance, strategic foresight, and digital advancements can transform large-scale event management worldwide. Future editions will benefit from enhanced AI applications, sustainable infrastructure, and proactive crisis response mechanisms, ensuring a safer, more organized, and enriching experience for millions of pilgrims.
