Global Maha Kumbh 2025

Prayagraj, the city that hosts the Maha Kumbh, is a city full of history and spiritual importance. It is called ‘Tirthraj’, which means the King of Pilgrimage Sites, because it is one of the most important places for pilgrims in India.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Key Facts

Event Duration	Start Date: January 13, 2025 (Paush Purnima Snan) End Date: February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri)
Location	Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (Confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers)
Estimated Devotees	40-45 crore pilgrims
Purpose of the Event	Religious pilgrimage for the attainment of salvation (moksha) through holy dips in sacred rivers
Festival Rotation	Held every 12 years at four sacred sites: 1. Haridwar (Ganges) 2. Ujjain (Shipra) 3. Nashik (Godavari) 4. Prayagraj (Ganges, Yamuna, Sarasvati)

Historical Importance of Prayagraj:

1. Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), a Chinese traveler from the 7th century, wrote about Prayagraj as a place of natural beauty, prosperity, and cultural richness. His records about the Triveni Sangam (where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet) are still remembered today.
2. He described big festivals at Prayagraj, where over 500,000 people, including kings and wealthy merchants, took part in the ritual bathing at the Sangam. This tradition is still alive today during the Maha Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh 2025: More Than Just a Religious Event

Maha Kumbh 2025 is going to be much more than just a religious event. It will be an international event that shows India’s culture, spirituality, and heritage to the world. The Uttar Pradesh government is using this event to promote the state as a major place for both tourism and investment.

Goals of Maha Kumbh 2025:

1. Promoting "Brand UP": The Uttar Pradesh government wants to make Maha Kumbh part of their effort to showcase the state as a great place to visit and invest in.
2. Creating Connections: The government is working with businesses and tourism groups to bring more attention to the event and boost the state’s economy.

Success of Kumbh Mela 2019

The Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj was a major success, getting attention from all over the world. It showed not only spiritual devotion but also organizational excellence.

Achievements of Kumbh Mela 2019:

1. The event was praised by governments and ambassadors from over 70 countries.
2. It set 3 Guinness World Records for things like the largest gatherings of people and managing large crowds.
3. The event was recognized for its logistics, security, and for showing India’s ability to host big events.

These successes have made Maha Kumbh 2025 even more important, with expectations of even greater achievements.

Expected World Records at Maha Kumbh 2025

Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to set several world records in different areas.

Expected World Records:

1. Largest Gathering of Devotees: The event is likely to set a record for the largest number of people gathered at a single religious event. The Kumbh Mela is known for its huge crowds, and 2025 will likely break previous records.
2. Netra Kumbh (Eye Fair): A special eye care event called Netra Kumbh will offer eye tests for 5 lakh people and distribute 3 lakh spectacles.
   1. The Netra Kumbh will be held at Sector 5 near Nagvasuki, covering 10 acres of space. This event is expected to break Guinness World Records for the largest eye care event.
   2. The Netra Kumbh in 2019 was already recognized in the Limca Book of Records, and this year’s event aims to break even more records.

International Promotion of Maha Kumbh 2025

To make Maha Kumbh 2025 a global event, the Uttar Pradesh government is promoting it at important international tourism fairs.

International Tourism Fairs:

1. FITUR (International Tourism Fair) in Madrid, Spain: January 24–28, 2025.
2. ITB Berlin (International Tourism Exchange) in Germany: March 4–6, 2025.

At these fairs, Uttar Pradesh will set up special booths to promote the state’s spiritual, cultural, and tourism aspects.

Details of the Booths:

1. Each booth will cover 40 square meters and showcase the culture and heritage of Uttar Pradesh and the Maha Kumbh.
2. There will be B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) sessions held in VVIP lounges to connect with international businesses and tourism groups.
3. Promotional materials in multiple languages will help attract people from all over the world to visit Maha Kumbh and experience the event.

Impact on Pilgrims and Visitors:

1. The Maha Kumbh offers a transformational experience not only for the pilgrims who participate but also for the people who watch and experience the event.
2. The ritual bath in the holy waters of Triveni Sangam is believed to cleanse the soul and remove sins, making it a key part of the pilgrimage.

By inviting people to witness Maha Kumbh 2025, India is inviting the world to experience the universal values of peace, harmony, and unity that the event represents.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Key Digital and Security Measures 1. Cyber Security Measures Cyber Experts: A team of 56 specialists will monitor and protect the online environment, preventing scams and fraud. Maha Kumbh Cyber Police Station: A special police station will be established to handle online fraud, fake websites, and scams on social media platforms. Awareness Campaigns: 40 Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs) will provide warnings about online safety and tips on how to avoid cyber tricks. Cyber Helpline (1920): A 24/7 helpline will be available to assist with cyber-related issues such as fraud or suspicious websites. Monitoring Fake Websites: Cyber experts will monitor platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to identify and block fake websites. Promoting Safe Websites: Pilgrims will be encouraged to use only official government websites for secure online transactions. 2. Immersive Digital Experiences 360-Degree VR Stalls: 10 virtual reality stalls will offer experiences of key events like: The Peshwai (grand procession of Akhadas) Holy bathing days (Snaan) Ganga Aarti and other rituals. Drone Light Show: A spectacular evening show with 2,000 drones will tell stories of "Prayag Mahatmyam" and "Samudra Manthan" (Churning of the Ocean), illustrating the spiritual significance of Prayagraj. 3. Infrastructure and Land Digitalization Online Land & Facility Booking: A website will allow over 10,000 institutions to book land and services online for Kumbh-related activities. Drone Surveys: Drones will conduct surveys before and after the monsoon to assist in planning. Online Application Process: Pilgrims can track their land booking requests online, avoiding long queues and waiting times. GIS-Based Maps: Google Maps will display key locations like: Police stations, hospitals, and emergency services Food courts, toilets, parking, and vending areas Roads, bridges, and key facilities to help people navigate easily. 4. Enhanced Security Arrangements Remote-Controlled Life Buoys: Life-saving buoys will be deployed in the river to assist with rescues during the holy bathing. Underwater Drones: 24/7 monitoring of the river using drones that send live updates to the control center. AI-Powered Cameras: Smart cameras will monitor for unusual behavior and alert authorities to take quick action. Drones & Anti-Drone Technologies: Drones will be used for surveillance, while anti-drone technologies will protect the area from unauthorized drones. 5. Lost and Found Services Digital Registration: Lost pilgrims will be registered in a central system, with their details shared on social media and through public announcements. Police Assistance: If a missing person is not found within 12 hours, police will step in to ensure the person’s safety. 6. Online Stay Booking Booking Platforms: Pilgrims can book their accommodations through platforms like IRCTC, Make My Trip, Go IBIBO, or the official Maha Kumbh app. Booking window: Jan 10 - Feb 28, 2025. Tent City Security: CCTV cameras and first-aid services will ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims staying in the Tent City.

Conclusion

Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to be a huge global event that will bring attention to India’s spirituality, culture, and heritage. It will be a transformational experience for millions of people, both those who attend and those who witness it globally.