Divine Rhapsody

THE MAHA KUMBH MELA IN PRAYAGRAJ, Uttar Pradesh (UP), is the largest religious con­gregation in the world, spread over a sprawling topography covering over 4,000 hectares for close to one-and-a-half month. Hindu pilgrims of all castes and forms of faith, from big cities to small villages, assemble in their crores as a sea of humanity across a maze of tents, millions of lights and smoke from the fires of Vedic rituals. They converge at the confluence of the three rivers they consider sacred—the Ganga, Yamu­na and the mythical Saraswati—to wash off their sins and emerge cleansed and liberated.

While this spiritual and social event has historically been a venue that eliminated dis­criminatory practices of caste and Varna, the Mela, which is taking place this year from Janu­ary 13 to February 26, is more than a symbol of social and spiritual unity. It will showcase the country’s profound spiritual heritage on a global scale as Prayagraj transforms itself into the biggest temporary city in the world to shelter as many as 40 crore people who are expected to turn up over an extended period. India also sees it as an opportunity to generate jobs and spur economic growth, making it a grand convergence of tra­dition and modernity where, as filmmaker and author Edgar Bonnet-Behar said, “pageantry and austerity” coexist.

Visitors to previous instalments of the Kumbh are familiar with the feeling of wading through what seems like an endless temporary city. This time, however, many of the constructions at the site are permanent, according to the state government, to make sure that jobs are generated for a longer period.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that thanks to an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to ₹2 lakh crore in economic growth. His logic was that while the 2019 event in Prayagraj contributed ₹1.2 lakh crore to the state’s economy, this year, which has seen unprecedented preparations and a rise in spending to build in­frastructure, the amount is expected to rise rapidly. Adityanath also said that the city is equipped adequately to accommodate be­tween 50 lakh and one crore pilgrims at any given time. He com­mended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for re-visualising and displaying monumental spiritual events such as these to the international community.

The government has also enlisted the support of the private sector in full measure to make the spiritual congregation a grand success by offering comfort and convenience to the pilgrims.

For instance, the Adani Group and ISKCON have joined hands to offer meals to lakhs of devotees at the Maha Kumbh Mela. A statement from the corporation said “the Maha Prasad Seva” will be offered to nearly one lakh devotees every day, including 18,000 sanitation workers employed in the ephemeral city during the entire duration of the Mela. Meals will be prepared by two big kitchens equipped with advanced facilities and will be distributed at 40 assembly points in the city. The company said 2,500 volun­teers will be involved in the preparation of these meals. Besides, the Adani Group is also providing golf carts to assist differently abled individuals, elderly people and children to reach various temples and the Triveni Sangam (confluence of the three rivers).

The company headed by billionaire Gautam Adani said that it has tied up with the publishing company Geeta Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious texts, for printing nearly one crore copies of Aarti Sangrah, a book on prayers and worship. The Aarti Sangrah includes a collection of devotional hymns dedicated to various deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and others, according to the publisher. These books will be distrib­uted for free at the Mela, which itself finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures.

At the same time, the state government has left nothing to chance in ensuring security and facilities for pilgrims during the Kumbh, besides promising to keep 75 per cent of infrastruc­ture built for the purpose permanent, in a departure from the organisation of the event at the beginning of this century.

As many as 45,000 families have received employment in the run-up to the Maha Kumbh to assist with preparations for the massive religious conclave. In comparison to anticipated gains, the estimated budget for organising the programmes at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26 is pegged at a mere ₹6,382 crore at a time when religious travel in the country has hit record highs.

The key arrangements for this event include installing 67,000 streetlights, building 1,50,000 toilets, hiring 10,000 sanitation workers, setting up 1,50,000 tents, and building over 25,000 rooms. To transport people, more than 7,000 buses have been deployed, according to a statement from the state government.

The need for enhanced infrastructure development in Praya­graj for the Maha Kumbh is necessitated by the growth it has seen over the decade. According to various reports, religious tourism in India has seen an uptick and is expected to grow 16 per cent be­tween 2023 and 2030 thanks also due to the surge in travel after the Covid-19 lockdown. While states such as UP, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttarakhand are seeing more growth than elsewhere thanks to the new temple complexes that have come up, the boom is spread across India, spurring entre­preneurial opportunities countrywide. Another confirmation of this trend is the decision by budget hospitality chain Oyo to launch 400 new properties in major spiritual hotspots of the country.

Specifically in Prayagraj, in line with the post-Covid rise in spiritual journeys, the government has set aside a larger area for the congregation: compared with 1,932 hectares in 2013 and 3,200 hectares in 2019, it has risen to 4,000 hectares this time. Similarly, while the space meant for parking was 577 hectares in 2013 and 1,253 hectares in 2019, this time it is 1,875 hectares. Pontoon bridges set up for the event have also seen a marked rise, from 18 in 2013 and 22 in 2019 to 30 in 2025.

Security measures have also been ramped up over the years. In 2013, when the Kumbh Mela was relatively simpler, 30 police stations were put into action to manage the event. The figure rose to 40 six years ago and is 56 in 2025 while the numbers of police control rooms have witnessed a sharp spike as well. Similarly, fire stations at the venue are currently at 50, rising from 43 six years ago and 30 in 2013.

In line with breakthroughs in technology worldwide, especial­ly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Kumbh Mela has gone digital in a big way. Similarly, gone are the days of sanyasis living in huts made with bamboo stilts. Modern day tents have replaced them thanks to the emphasis on reducing the hardships of devotees. Google and the Mahakumbh Mela Authority have signed an MoU thanks to which the tech giant has integrated the area of the event into its navigation maps. According to official communication, Google’s special navigation system will guide people to locations of ghats, temples and other centres. Besides, the statement said, as many as 328 AI-enabled cameras are installed in the city to provide 24-hour security and surveillance. Alongside, a digital ‘Lost and Found’ centre has been set up in Prayagraj. An official note said that AI cameras at the venue will use facial-recognition technol­ogy for instant identification and the details of missing persons will be shared on platforms like Facebook and X. Likewise, a water-monitoring management system will track water levels and potential flooding. Overall, more than 2,300 CCTV cameras and AI-based surveillance systems will monitor the city near the Sangam, for which IIT Kanpur has been roped in to assist with crowd-management and security plans.

In addition, a computer-based electronic interlocking system has been implemented on 825 routes around Prayagraj Junction for precise train control and passenger safety. Also, Cyberone Pro drones are equipped for high-resolution photos, video recording, live streaming, and crowd monitoring. This meant that the gov­ernment had to spend ₹34 lakh on training 28 personnel, includ­ing forces, for drone operations during the Maha Kumbh which will see 2,000 drones being used to illuminate the night sky and to make announcements. A government statement said that more than 6,000 Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel are deployed to guard the city. Officials also said that 20,000 workers are engaged in maintaining cleanliness, including managing 1.5 lakh temporary toilets.

All these measures entailed development efforts to overhaul Prayagraj’s urban landscape along its riverfront, its medical infra­structure, and transportation networks. Says Amrit Abhijat, princi­pal secretary, Urban Development Department, UP: “We are imple­menting a multi-faceted infrastructure development approach in Prayagraj. The focus is on creating sustainable urban facilities that will serve as a model for other cities. While these developments will support the Mela, they are designed as permanent assets that will modernise the entire region’s infrastructure framework.”

According to officials, “The riverfront development project stands as a cornerstone of this transformation, featuring state-of-the-art inspection paths, advanced lighting systems, and modern ghats along both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. These developments incorporate flood protection measures, sustain­able drainage systems, and environmental conservation features. A significant upgrade to medical infrastructure is underway at Motilal Nehru Medical College, encompassing new medical facilities, emergency response systems, and enhanced security infrastructure. The project demonstrates the city’s commitment to improving essential services for its residents.”

The city’s transportation network has seen substantial im­provements with new connecting roads, bridges, and pathways, a government document said, adding that these developments have strengthened regional connectivity, creating efficient transport corridors linking various parts of the city and neigh­bouring regions. “The infrastructure push has created a robust urban framework. The enhanced connectivity and modern fa­cilities have transformed Prayagraj into a model of urban devel­opment,” Abhijat explains, emphasising that “this integrated infrastructure approach ensures long-term sustainability and sets new standards for urban development in the region”.

Millions throng Prayagraj to experience the inexplicable en­ergy and vastness of the festival. Masses walk through the incense-laden fragrant streets lined with food vendors, sadhus (male and female), men and women and children, amateur acrobats per­forming tricks on ropes and others engaging in robust activities that add spice and colour to the event. This time, the authorities have gone the extra mile, according to officials, to monitor social media to control the spread of fake news and misinformation on the Prayagraj Mela. According to reports, projects towards this purpose are worth ₹53.58 crore. Adding fervour to the festival are the presence of celebrities from India and overseas. For instance, according to several reports, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell Jobs, is attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, highlighting the global appeal of the congregation. What is often stunning about the Mela is the diversity of practices of Hindu gurus who do not hesitate to interact with the devotees and offer them their perspectives about life, its meaning, and so on. They also mesmerise audiences with their magic-like sadhanas (practices), especially the Naga sanyasis who attract large crowds.

Prayagraj has witnessed several upgrades and improvements. For instance, according to an official communiqué, Prayagraj Airport has been upgraded to accommodate more flights for pil­grims expected to flock to the city for various durations. Notably, 13,000 trains will operate during the event period, and nine new railway stations have been established to facilitate smooth plying of trains. The state government has also decided to plant 2.71 lakh saplings under the Green Maha Kumbh project by the forest and other departments.

In 2025, the Kumbh has been tailored for economic gain, includ­ing the growth of the tourism industry, promotion of local busi­nesses, increased revenue collection, international branding, and employment generation. This means it is a model worthy of emu­lation for small or big religious festivals elsewhere in the country.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, besides Prayagraj, tourism in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Vind­hyavasini Dham is expected to receive a boost, generating new employment opportunities in these regions thanks to religious tourism. The state tourism department is training service provid­ers, including tour guides, boatmen, street vendors, and drivers, to enhance the visitor experience. According to an official note, training is being conducted at the Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Agency in Lucknow and Prayagraj.

Going forward, UP aims to generate 10 lakh jobs and attract investments worth ₹20,000 crore in the tourism sector. The Mela has inspired various growth-oriented activities. For instance, a total of 199 projects from 16 government departments have been completed in four phases ahead of the event, including a ₹275 crore six-lane bridge over the Ganga and a four-lane railway overbridge, according to official sources. Authorities expect the tourism flow to Prayagraj to continue post-Maha Kumbh 2025 and help local business grow further and create more employment opportunities to improve the quality of life in the region.

For the time being, the top priority for the state government is to make the Mela a consummate spiritual experience for pilgrims. For proper crowd management, it is using mounted policemen on foreign and Indian-bred horses at places that are typically crowded in Prayagraj. About 130 horses trained specially for deployment in crowded places will be used for law enforcement and crowd management, officials said.

As pilgrims head to Prayagraj with hope and spiritual quest, they are spoilt for choice amidst sadhus with piercing glances, the cold nip in the air, a million lights and fires, temples and the three rivers as old as the mountains. Their pursuit of consciousness and liberation will lead to more earthly gains for India this time round.

Atal AkharaHinduismMahakumbh 2025Naga SadhusPrayagrajreligionSangam