The Maha Kumbh 2025 has become one of the largest religious gatherings in history, with over 45 crore devotees participating in the holy bathing rituals as of February 11, 2025. Initially, the state government expected to reach this number in 45 days, but the milestone has been achieved within just a month, with 15 days still remaining for the event to conclude. This year’s Maha Kumbh has set new benchmarks in crowd management, sanitation, and digital facilitation, making it a historic religious and cultural event.
Upcoming Magh Purnima Snan and crowd control measures
The next major bathing ritual, Amrit Snan on Magh Purnima (February 12, 2025), is expected to attract millions of pilgrims. To ensure seamless movement, the state government has declared the entire mela area a ‘no vehicle zone’ starting from February 11, allowing only essential and emergency services.
Indian Railways is also playing a crucial role in managing the massive influx of devotees. On February 9, around 330 trains transported 12.5 lakh pilgrims, and by February 10 afternoon, another 130 trains had departed to accommodate the surge in visitors. Authorities have confirmed that all eight railway stations in Prayagraj are fully functional, while the Prayagraj Sangam station remains closed around major bathing dates for better crowd management.
AI-powered security and digital initiatives
A multi-tier security system has been implemented at the Kumbh grounds, with AI-powered CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and real-time analytics monitoring the movement of devotees. A digital token system has been introduced to regulate access to bathing ghats and prevent overcrowding. Special arrangements have also been made for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Dignitaries and celebrities participate in the Maha Kumbh
Adding to the spiritual grandeur, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, took part in the Maha Kumbh celebrations on February 10, 2025, performing a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam. She also visited religious sites and interacted with saints and devotees. Other prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have also taken a holy dip. The event has also seen the participation of Bollywood celebrities, sports personalities, and spiritual leaders, further amplifying its significance.
Spiritual significance of Kalpavas
The tradition of Kalpavas, a period of fasting, meditation, and religious discipline, holds great spiritual value during the Maha Kumbh. Over 10 lakh devotees observed Kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam, culminating on Magh Purnima with a final holy dip, pujan, and daan (charity). Devotees follow rituals such as Satyanarayan Katha, Havan Puja, and donations to their Tirthpurohits. The barley sown at the start of Kalpavas is traditionally immersed in the Ganga, while the Tulsi plant is taken home as a sacred blessing.
Healthcare services for pilgrims
Extensive medical infrastructure has been set up for the Maha Kumbh, ensuring healthcare accessibility to the pilgrims. So far, over 7 lakh people have received medical care, including:
- 4.5 lakh individuals treated at 23 allopathic hospitals.
- 3.71 lakh underwent pathology tests.
- 3,800 minor and 12 major surgeries were successfully conducted.
- 20 AYUSH hospitals provided treatments in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy to over 2.18 lakh pilgrims.
- Specialists from AIIMS Delhi, IMS BHU, and international experts from Canada, Germany, and Russia contributed to the medical efforts.
- Wellness services, including Panchakarma, yoga therapy, and health awareness programs, have also been made available.
Sanitation and eco-friendly measures
Authorities have undertaken stringent waste management initiatives to maintain cleanliness throughout the Kumbh area. Over 22,000 sanitation workers have been deployed, and a large-scale water treatment program has been implemented to keep the river clean and suitable for sacred dips. Measures such as a plastic ban, use of biodegradable cutlery, and thousands of bio-toilets and automated garbage disposal units have reinforced Swachh Bharat Mission’s influence at the event.
Cultural programs and artistic showcases
Beyond religious rituals, Maha Kumbh 2025 has transformed into a cultural extravaganza with classical dance performances, folk music, and spiritual discourses. Acclaimed Padma awardees and folk troupes are showcasing Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Lavani, Bihu, and other traditional art forms. Scholars are engaging in literary gatherings, discussing Vedic philosophy, ancient scriptures, and the relevance of Sanatan Dharma. Additionally, artisans from across India have set up handloom and handicraft stalls, making the Kumbh a vibrant cultural and spiritual confluence.
