The 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, is the ongoing iteration of the Kumbh Mela. It is the world’s largest gathering, celebrating a full revolution of Jupiter. It is scheduled to take place from 13 January to 26 February 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. This event marks the completion of a 12-Kumbh Mela cycle and is officially termed a Maha Kumbh Mela, spanning 45 days.[1]
Since the Kumbh Mela has been organized for ages and its commencement date is unknown, calculating the exact 144-year cycle is not certain. However, as per astronomical calculations, the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is unique in itself since its constellation alignment is witnessed once every 144 years. Thus, the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh in the past 144 years is in 2025.[2][3][4][5]
The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolises the victory of Gods over demons.[8] In 2025, the event started on 13 January and is expected to conclude on 26 February.[9][10]
The Maha Kumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful congregation of people.[4] This gathering contains millions of devotees immersing themselves in the Ganges, Yamuna, and the Saraswati, waters of which are considered holy by the Hindus, symbolising a purification of the soul and a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.[11]
Concludes the Maha Kumbh Mela; another important bathing day
Revenue generation
Nighttime view of the Kumbh Mela tents
Maha Kumbh's budget stands at nearly ₹64 billion (₹6,382 crore) and it is estimated that Maha Kumbh 2025 will generate a revenue of more than ₹2 trillion (₹2 lakh crore) for Uttar Pradesh.[18][19]
The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have advanced fire fighting vehicles as for protection against any fire related incidents.[20][21] The Uttar Pradesh State Government will depute 500 dedicated Ganga Praharis to ensure the cleanliness of the river during Maha Kumbh.[22] Total cost of 83 project around mela area is estimated to be 1428.68 crore out of which 47 projects are completed by 15 November and rest are expected to be completed soon.[23] Artificial intelligence tools and chatbots are being used to assist tourists and pilgrims.[24]
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Application
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 App which is available on Google Play Store, has important locations of ghats, temples, and other major religious sites for the support of tourists and pilgrims.[25]
Crowd Management Study
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Police formed two teams to study security arrangements and traffic management in Prayagraj city during the Mahakumbh Mela. A team under the chairmanship of Joint Commissioner Sharda Raut, including Nashikcity Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Chavan visited Prayagraj from 20 January to 22 January. While the second team was under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajiv Jain, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishnakant Upadhyay visited Prayagraj City from 23 January to 25 January.[26]
Environmental Sustainability
Green Maha Kumbh will be held on 31 January 2025, bringing together over 1,000 environmental and water conservation experts. Organized as part of the 'Gyan Maha Kumbh - 2081' series organized by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.[27]
On 19 January 2025, a fire caused by an exploding gas cylinder destroyed at least 18 temporary tents at the festival grounds. No injuries were reported.[30]
On 29 January 2025, a stampede at the festival grounds left 30 people dead and 60 others injured.[32]
Infrastructure
The authorities have set up a temporary city covering 4,000 hectares (40 km2) to accommodate the massive number of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. This city includes 150,000 tents, improved sanitation facilities, and better transportation services. To ensure security, 40,000 police officers and AI-powered surveillance systems have been deployed.
To expand the available land, four dredging machines were used to reclaim 26 additional hectares (0.26 km2), significantly increasing the Sangam’s capacity—three times more than in 2019 Prayag Ardh Kumbh Mela.
The area has been divided into 25 sectors. The total length of the ghats is 12 km (7.5 mi). Parking facilities now cover 1,850 hectares (18.5 km2). The total road length within the Mela area has increased over 450 km (280 mi) to improve accessibility.[3]
Railway Infrastructure
Indian Railways has announced an increase in the number of coaches in key trains, such as the Prayagraj Express and Lucknow Mail, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025.[33]
Indian Railways operated their all-time high of 360 trains to Prayagraj railway stations including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains and 60 MEMU trains to manage the pilgrims who came to take a holy dip on the day of Mauni Amavasya, on 29 January 2025.[34][35]
Sanitation Facilities
The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have established cleaning standards with one sweeper for every 10 toilets and one supervisor monitoring a batch of 10 sweepers.[36] The Prayagraj Mela Authority has engaged nearly 10,000 sanitation workers to ensure a clean Maha Kumbh.
Under the 'Swachh Kumbh initiative', the Prayagraj Mela Committee has set up around 150,000 toilets and urinals in the Maha Kumbh area. Apart from the installation of 150,000 toilets and urinals, a 'QR code-based' monitoring system is being launched to track sanitation levels in toilets. [37]However videos have emerged people defacting openly at mela near the beach areas.
Safety Measures
The 'Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department'[38] has introduced four advanced Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) to enhance fire safety at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. These high-tech towers are specifically designed to handle fire incidents in multi-storey structures and large tents, ensuring quick and effective response.
Each AWT is equipped with video and thermal imaging cameras, allowing real-time monitoring and precise firefighting. These towers can operate up to 35 meters in height and extend 30 meters horizontally, providing a protective shield for firefighters during high-risk operations.
To further strengthen fire safety, the government has allocated ₹131.48 crore for:[3]
351 firefighting vehicles
50+ fire stations
20 fire posts
2,000+ trained personnel
Fire safety equipment for every tent
Lost and Found Centers
The Prayagraj Mela Committee has set up 10 'Khoya-Paya Kendra' across different sectors to help reunite missing individuals with their families. These high-tech centers will use digital registration to keep track of lost persons, making the process faster and more efficient.
Key details about missing individuals will be displayed at all centers, and regular announcements will be made to assist in reunions. Additionally, social media platforms will be leveraged to spread information and help reconnect lost individuals with their loved ones.[39]
A network of over 2,700 cameras will provide round-the-clock monitoring, enhancing surveillance across the Mela area.[citation needed]
Underwater Drones
For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 metres (330 ft) will be used to monitor the Sangam area 24/7, adding an extra layer of security.[citation needed]
