Prayagraj gears up for world’s largest religious gathering: Mahakumbh Mela
Extensive preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 are already underway
In less than four weeks, Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, in Uttar Pradesh, will once again become the site of one of the world’s largest and most important religious gatherings, the Mahakumbh Mela.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the 45-day event, starting on January 13, 2025, is expected to attract 400 million devotees, with preparations being made to accommodate as many as 1 billion people over the course of the festival.
The akharas will set up their temporary camps in Prayagraj
Extensive preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 are already underway and festivities have begun with the arrival of delegations from 13 akharas, ancient monastic orders, that have been at the heart of the event for centuries in Prayagraj. These akharas represent different sects within Hinduism, and their members, known as sadhus, holy men, often lead grand processions through the city.
The akharas will set up their temporary camps in Prayagraj, ready to engage in rituals, spiritual discussions, and prayers throughout the Mela.
Preparations for the Mahakumbh
To ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all, the authorities say they are making comprehensive arrangements across various sectors.
To assist the millions of visitors, tourism information centres will be established both within and around the Kumbh Mela area. These centres will provide essential information, including tourist guides and maps in both Hindi and English, helping visitors navigate the event and learn about the key attractions in Prayagraj.
In addition to physical booklets, these resources will be available in digital format for easy access, ensuring that pilgrims can stay informed throughout their journey. Recognising the large number of attendees and the need for immediate medical support, the authorities have set up a comprehensive healthcare system.
A 100-bed hospital will operate in Prayagraj specifically for the Kumbh Mela, along with two additional hospitals, each with 20 beds, to address medical emergencies. Smaller healthcare units, each equipped with 8 beds, will be distributed across key areas of the event to provide immediate care.
Around 30 pontoon bridges have been constructed across the rivers to facilitate the safe movement of pilgrims, especially during the key bathing days. In addition, 96 power substations have been set up to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for the vast crowd. To maintain order and ensure safety, over 2,700 CCTV cameras will be deployed across the Kumbh Mela area, providing constant surveillance.
Security is a top priority, with over 37,000 police personnel expected to be deployed during the event. In addition to ground security, 20 drones will be used for aerial surveillance, and 2 floating rescue teams will be stationed at the Sangam (confluence) to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
A 50-seater call centre with a dedicated helpline (1920) will be available to address any queries or issues faced by pilgrims. To accommodate the millions of visitors, thousands of tents and makeshift homes are being set up across the Kumbh Mela site.
These temporary shelters will provide basic amenities, ensuring that pilgrims have a place to stay during their visit. Additionally, significant improvements have been made to roads and transport facilities, with special arrangements for buses, trains, and local transport to handle the massive influx of people.
Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will run special buses to ferry travellers and pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and adjoining states to Prayagraj.
A line-up of soulful performances
Celebrated artists from Bollywood are all set to perform at the grand event and the line-up includes acclaimed singers like Shankar Mahadevan, Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam amongst others.
BJP MP and veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini will also present a dance drama ‘Ganga Avtaran’ and actor and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan will perform the ‘Shiv Tandav’ during the Maha Kumbh.
The monumental gathering
The Mahakumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering, but a momentous blend of faith, tradition and culture. For Hindus, the Mela offers an opportunity for spiritual purification. The most significant ritual is the holy dip in the sacred rivers at the Triveni Sangam, believed to wash away sins and offer a fresh start in life.
Aside from the religious significance, the Mela is also a massive cultural event. The atmosphere is alive with colours, sounds, and celebrations. There are pujas (prayers), aartis (ceremonial rituals), spiritual discourses, and even cultural performances that fill the air, make it not just a religious pilgrimage but a festival of unity, diversity, and faith.
