As the sacred city of Prayagraj prepares to host the Maha Kumbh 2025, an air of excitement envelops the region, promising a spiritual gathering unparalleled in scale and splendor. This iteration of the Kumbh Mela surpasses the grandeur of 2013, showcasing transformative progress in infrastructure and amenities, making it a hallmark of modern governance and cultural heritage.
The event’s ?5010 crore budget, bolstered by ?2010 crore from the central government, marks a monumental rise from the ?1214 crore allocated for the 2013 Kumbh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, “This year’s Kumbh is not just a religious event but a global spectacle. The increased budget reflects our dedication to creating world-class infrastructure for devotees from around the globe.”
The Maha Kumbh grounds have expanded from 16 square kilometers in 2013 to a sprawling 40 square kilometers, accommodating an estimated 40 crore pilgrims over 45 days. Mahakumbh Nagar, a temporary district with 25 sectors and 56 police stations, exemplifies meticulous planning. “The scale of Maha Kumbh 2025 is unprecedented. This transformation highlights how far we have come in managing such a massive event,” said Dr. Shailendra Singh, a senior official overseeing preparations.
For devotees, the improvements are palpable. The number of toilets has surged from 33,903 to 1.5 lakh, complemented by 300 portable units, while change rooms have increased fourfold to 10,000. “Our aim is to provide not just a spiritual experience but also a safe and hygienic environment for everyone,” said Ramesh Tiwari, sanitation head of Mahakumbh Nagar.
Naval Raghuvanshi, a regular pilgrim from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, shared his experience: “I also came to the Maha Kumbh in 2013. There is a lot of difference between that system and today’s system. Facilities have increased. Earlier, we had three toilets in our camp; this time, we have 11. We used to get two taps; now, we have six taps.”
Transportation facilities have also undergone a remarkable upgrade. Over 7,000 buses, including 200 air-conditioned ones, and more than 200 charter flights will complement regular flights from 23 cities, while 3,000 special trains will ensure seamless connectivity. The infrastructure is geared to handle the daily influx of approximately 5 lakh passengers.
Lighting and energy have seen significant advancements, with ?391 crore allocated to power the Kumbh area. The setup includes 1,532 kilometers of wiring, 67,000 streetlights, and 170 substations. “Illuminating the Kumbh is as symbolic as it is practical, embodying the light of spirituality that guides millions,” observed A.K. Mishra, Chief Engineer for Maha Kumbh 2025.
Technology will play a vital role, with drones, AI-powered cameras, and face-recognition systems ensuring security and efficiency. Visitors can also access real-time assistance via a dedicated Google Chat feature.
The event is expected to break records, with peak attendance on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, anticipated to exceed 4 crore devotees, surpassing the 3 crore recorded in 2013. Swami Anand Giri, a noted spiritual leader, expressed, “Maha Kumbh 2025 is not just an event; it is a phenomenon that unites humanity in faith and devotion.” With its fusion of tradition and modernity, Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to redefine spiritual gatherings, serving as a beacon of India’s rich cultural legacy and innovative capabilities.
