This year, Kumbh is a Mahakumbh—a rare event occurring after 144 years. There will be millions of devotees making their way to Prayagraj to participate in one of the most ancient civilization gatherings. In 2017, UNESCO recognized Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, transforming it into a global phenomenon with a large influx of pilgrims across the globe.
With the changing times, the flavours of such pious gatherings are also changing. This time, Mahakumbh 2025 is heavily driven by technology and AI ensuring a safe, accessible, and sustainable event for everyone.
Here are some of the technological integrations at Mahakumbh this year across these frontiers:
Crowd Management
Approximately 40 crore visitors are expected at the Maha Kumbh held between January 13 and February 26. To manage a crowd this huge, the government will use AI-driven surveillance systems. 328 out of 2700 cameras are equipped with AI to monitor the ground.
These AI-driven cameras can help authorities prevent overcrowding by studying the crowd movement pattern in real-time and analyzing the crowd density.
Safety
The pilgrims will be given Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wristbands that will help track the individuals to locate missing people. Aerial Surveillance will be done through drones to make the event more secure and manage the crowd.
Accessibility with Multi-Lingual Chatbot and App
Experience Maha Kumbh, the technological way with the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 App. The app is filled with endless options to give you a smooth spiritual tour. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 App includes tour packages, how to reach map, where to stay suggestions, tour operator’s details, directions to the ghats, major attractions of Maha Kumbh, bathing dates, details of delicasies in Prayagraj, key announcements, photo gallery, studies, research, publications and an AI chatbot.
The government of Uttar Pradesh has launched “Kumbh Sah’AI’yak” which is an AI powered chatbot. This chatbot is available to users on WhatsApp and Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 App in 11 languages, which keeps the users informed with real-time information like directions, event schedules, historical data, and much more.
Virtual Experiences
A drone show will be organized with the help of 2000 drones. The show will narrate stories of Hindu Mythology and outline the significance of Prayagraj, illuminating the sky.
For the non-attendees, the government has taken the help of Virtual Reality. The VR stalls will let the pilgrims see the iconic events like Ganga Aarti and the Peshwai procession from anywhere in the world.
Sustainability Actions
To make the Maha Kumbh 2025 sustainable, the government has banned single-use plastic in the ground. To reduce environmental damage, sustainable products made with bamboo and jute are being introduced.
For waste management, the government has introduced AI-powered waste segregation units to segregate the waste into different categories with the help of sensors and Artificial Intelligence.
Transportation
Keeping sustainability in mind, the government is positioning 40 electric buses for Maha Kumbh 2025. These buses are a great initiative to avoid any major impact on the environment. The electric buses are equipped with air conditioning, tracking devices, panic buttons, and CCTV cameras.
Immersive Experience
As a ground-breaking initiative, the Digital Mahakumbh Experience incorporates advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), as well as digital projections to ensure pilgrims and visitors have an immersive and transformative experience. With users can virtually step into the sacred atmosphere of the Mahakumbh, witnessing iconic rituals like the Snan Parv (Royal Bath) and exploring the spiritual grandeur of the Triveni Sangam in breathtaking detail. Furthermore, this technology will be used to recreate historical moments from past Kumbh Melas, allowing visitors to become acquainted with the festival’s centuries-old legacy as well.
The tech integration at Mahakumbh showcases India’s rapid progress in leveraging advanced technological solutions to enhance the spiritual journey, all while preserving its rich heritage and traditional values. The timeless legacy of Mahakumbh and Prayagraj is conveyed to a global and modern audience and promotes a deeper appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage.
