­­Introduction

The Maha Kumbh festivalstands as a testament to the grandeur and spiritual vibrancy of India. This year, the Maha Kumbh festivalhas successfully drawnmore than10 croredevotees and visitors to Prayagraj, as of 23 January 2025. The festival of Makar Sankranti (14 January 2025) alone, witnessed 3.5 crore devotees in a single day, taking a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam and a total number of 45 crore devotees are expectedin the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.A 21-member delegation from 10 countries also took a sacred dip at the Sangam on January 16, 2025. The delegation, representing Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UAE, experienced the heritage and spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh.Arrangements for the delegation’s stay were made at the Tent City in Arail.

The State government has made meticulous arrangements to welcome and manage such a huge crowd of pilgrims. With an unprecedented scale of preparation involving cutting-edge technology, infrastructure enhancements, and sustainable planning, this edition of Maha Kumbh sets a benchmark in event management and global cultural exchange. From the sacred Shahi Snans to the vibrant Akhara processions, from digital innovations to large-scale sustainability initiatives, Maha Kumbh 2025 represents a harmonious fusion of the past and the future.

Major Attractions at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj is a vibrant tapestry of faith, culture, and innovation. A striking centerpiece is the "Tejas Pandal," a majestic 85-foot-tall structure modeled after the HAL Tejas fighter jet. The Kumbh Mela also pays homage to the rich heritage of India through the Akharas, which are considered the custodians of both spiritual and martial traditions. The event is providing a platform for artisans to showcase their talents through the "One District, One Product" exhibition, while Kalagram is offering a living museum of Indian crafts, cuisines, and culture.

A mesmerizing drone show is captivating the hearts of audiences by depicting the legendary "Prayag Mahatmyam" and "Samudra Manthan." Further, there is a cultural extravaganza being organised, featuring renowned artists like Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, Kailash Kher, and many more, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere for devotees till February 24th, 2025.

Major Bathing Dates and Their Significance

The heart of the Maha Kumbh lies in its sacred bathing rituals (Shahi Snans). The upcoming Shahi Snans at Maha Kumbh 2025 are:

Infrastructure and Arrangements for Maha Kumbh 2025

Government agencies have collaborated to provide world-class facilities, encompassing:

• Security and Crowd Management: Advanced surveillance, drone monitoring, and a well-coordinated law enforcement presence.Security measures have been ramped up, with over 50,000 policemen (including para military), 14,000 home guards, and 2,750 AI-based CCTV cameras deployed. A state-of-the-art Multi-Disaster Response vehicle has also been deployed to enhance safety and disaster readiness.
• Public Infrastructure:Key projects include 14 new flyovers, 9 permanent ghats, 7 new bus stations, and 12 kilometers of temporary ghats. Over 200 roads have been newly constructed or upgraded.
• Navigation:Around 800 multi-language signageshave been installed to guide visitors.A dedicatedapp provides real-timeupdates on crowddensity, emergency alerts, directions, and accommodation details.
• Health and Sanitation: Health services feature 6,000 beds, 43 hospitals, and lances.Additionally, 10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut are deployed to maintain cleanliness during the event.
• Accommodation: Maha Kumbh Nagar has been transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, including super deluxe accommodations.
• Akash Vani’s Kumbhvani:In a significant initiative to keep devotees and pilgrims informed, Akashvani'sKumbhvani News Bulletins are now being broadcast live through the public address system in Maha Kumbh Nagar.
• New electric buses: 10-15 electric buses deployed before the event; 30 more before Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025). Each bus is 12 meters long and can run for more than 200 kilometers on a single charge.
• Double Decker Buses: A total of 120 electric buses are expected in the second phase, including 20 double-decker buses and 100 buses of 9-meter and 12-meter lengths.
• Expanded train services: In view of Kumbh Mela, the Railways has now introduced the facility to book railway tickets 15 days in advance.Indian Railways has launched a toll-free helpline, dedicated website, and Maha Kumbh Mela App for transportation information.

Ensuring Food Availability and Safety at Maha Kumbh 2025

Nearly 20,000 people, daily, are enjoying free meals at the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Uttar Pradesh government has made 25 thousand new ration cards for the convenience of the devotees in Maha Kumbh. This time special arrangements have been made for the devotees in Maha Kumbh. More than 35 thousand gas cylinders have been refilled and 3500 new connections have also been issued. The work of refilling5000 gas cylinders per day is being done in the fair.Food items are being provided primarily for the Akharas and Kalpvasis in the organization of Maha Kumbh.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also implemented stringent food safety measures across five zones and 25 sectors. Food safety officers monitor hygiene at hotels, dhabas, and stalls, while mobile "Food Safety on Wheels" laboratories conduct on-the-spot testing to prevent adulteration.10 mobile food labs are ensuring every meal being distributed and sold is safe to consume and hygienic.

Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has set new records in participation, infrastructure, and global attention. With 10 crore visitors, the event has not only reaffirmed its religious significance but also demonstrated India's capability to host a mega-event with unparalleled planning and execution. As the sacred waters continue to draw millions, the Maha Kumbh remains a beacon of faith, unity, and cultural grandeur.

For more information about Maha Kumbh 2025, please visit: https://pib.gov.in/EventDetail.aspx?ID=1197&reg=3&lang=1

References

Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

https://mahakumbhmediaregistration.in/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEWqEeAooMM/?igsh=MXkwc2NvcG13ZmhpZA

https://indianculture.gov.in/intangible-cultural-heritage/social-practices-rituals-and-festive-events/kumbh-mela-0

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2094051

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2094267

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2088675

https://x.com/MahaKumbh_2025

https://www.instagram.com/mib_india/p/DFFHJ6eJNXv/?img_index=1

https://x.com/MahaKumbh_2025/status/1882236306392060159/photo/1

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIQm64yOrD/?igsh=anR5ZHJhdDRuOTB0

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Maha Kumbh Series: 20/Explainer

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Rishita Aggarwal