A 21-member delegation from 10 countries — including Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UAE — participated in the ritual dip on January 16, 2025, highlighting the worldwide reverence for Indian traditions.
The Maha Kumbh festival stands as a testament to India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, bringing millions together in devotion, faith, and unity. Maha Kumbh 2025, held in Prayagraj, has attracted over 10 crore devotees and visitors as of January 23, 2025. The event reached a peak on Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2025), witnessing 3.5 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam in a single day. By the end of the festival, the total number of pilgrims is expected to cross 45 crore, making it the largest religious congregation in history.
Adding to its global significance, a 21-member delegation from 10 countries — including Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UAE — participated in the ritual dip on January 16, 2025, highlighting the worldwide reverence for Indian traditions. The Tent City in Arail hosted the delegation, offering them a first-hand experience of the grand arrangements of Maha Kumbh.
Infrastructure and Arrangements for Maha Kumbh 2025
To accommodate the unprecedented scale of Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with central agencies, has undertaken extensive infrastructure development and technological innovations to ensure seamless arrangements for pilgrims.
1. Security and Crowd Management
- Over 50,000 police personnel, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed.
- 14,000 home guards and 2,750 AI-powered CCTV cameras ensure real-time surveillance and safety.
- Multi-Disaster Response Vehicles have been introduced to enhance emergency preparedness.
- Drone surveillance and an AI-powered crowd control system monitor crowd density and movements.
2. Public Infrastructure and Transportation
- 14 new flyovers, 9 permanent ghats, and 7 new bus stations have been constructed.
- 12 kilometers of temporary ghats facilitate safe and organized bathing for devotees.
- Over 200 roads have been newly constructed or upgraded to improve connectivity.
- 800 multi-language signboards help guide visitors throughout the Kumbh area.
- A dedicated Maha Kumbh App provides real-time crowd updates, emergency alerts, directions, and accommodation details.
- Expanded train services with a dedicated toll-free helpline and website assist in smooth transportation. Railways now allow pilgrims to book tickets 15 days in advance for added convenience.
3. Health and Sanitation
- 43 hospitals and 6,000 beds have been set up to provide medical assistance.
- 10,200 sanitation workers and 1,800 Ganga Sevadut volunteers maintain cleanliness across the venue.
- Ambulance services are stationed at key points for medical emergencies.
- Strict food safety measures have been implemented across five zones and 25 sectors, with mobile “Food Safety on Wheels” labs conducting on-the-spot food testing to prevent adulteration.
4. Sustainable and Smart Energy Initiatives
- Electric Buses: 10–15 electric buses were deployed before the event, with 30 more set to join by Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025). Each bus runs over 200 km on a single charge.
- Double-Decker Buses: A second phase of deployment will include 120 electric buses, including 20 double-decker buses and 100 single-decker buses of various lengths.
5. Accommodation Facilities
- The Maha Kumbh Nagar has been transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, including super deluxe accommodations for visitors.
- Akashvani’s Kumbhvani News Bulletins provide live updates via the public address system across Maha Kumbh Nagar.
Ensuring Food Availability and Safety at Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh has made special provisions to ensure food availability and safety for pilgrims:
- Over 20,000 people receive free meals daily at the festival.
- The Uttar Pradesh government issued 25,000 new ration cards to support devotees.
- 35,000+ gas cylinders have been refilled and 3,500 new connections issued for meal preparations.
- The government is refilling 5,000 gas cylinders per day to ensure uninterrupted food services.
- Food items are primarily provided to Akharas and Kalpvasis, preserving the traditional Maha Kumbh experience.
- 10 mobile food labs conduct food quality inspections across hotels, dhabas, and food stalls, ensuring all meals meet hygiene and safety standards.
Major Attractions at Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious gathering but also a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the key attractions include:
1. Cultural and Artistic Showcases
- The “One District, One Product” exhibition promotes local artisans and handicrafts.
- Kalagram, a unique cultural village, showcases Indian crafts, cuisines, and heritage.
2. Innovative Exhibitions
- The “Tejas Pandal”, an 85-foot-tall structure modeled after the HAL Tejas fighter jet, symbolizes India’s technological and defense advancements.
- A 60-foot-long painting illustrates key moments from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s life.
3. Digital and AR/VR Experiences
- A drone show depicting Prayag Mahatmyam and Samudra Manthan has mesmerized audiences.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) exhibitions offer immersive experiences of India’s spiritual and historical legacy.
4. Musical and Theatrical Performances
- Cultural programs featuring renowned artists like Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan, and Kailash Kher have enhanced the devotional ambiance.
- Film screenings on Maha Kumbh and Hindu spirituality offer deeper insights into the festival’s significance.
5. Extended Celebrations
- Originally planned for three days, the festival has now been extended till January 26, 2025, due to overwhelming public enthusiasm.
Maha Kumbh 2025 is a remarkable blend of faith, cultural expression, and modern innovation. With record-breaking participation and world-class infrastructure, this festival has once again cemented its place as the largest spiritual gathering on the planet. The meticulous planning and execution have demonstrated India’s ability to host a mega-event on an unparalleled scale.
As millions continue to take the sacred dip in the holy waters, Maha Kumbh 2025 remains a symbol of unity, devotion, and the timeless traditions of Bharat.
