The Maha Kumbh 2025 has transformed the sandy banks of Prayagraj's Sangam into a spectacular tent city, a temporary settlement capable of accommodating more than 20 lakh devotees at a time. With over one lakh tents ranging from basic to luxurious, this extraordinary project represents a harmonious blend of engineering, tradition, and spiritual fervor.
The scale of this undertaking is staggering. Approximately 68 lakh wooden poles have been used, their combined length exceeding 20,000 kilometers-greater than the distance from Prayagraj to Washington, D.C. Additionally, 100 kilometers of fabric and 250 tonnes of CGI sheets were used for roofing. Over 3,000 workers have been laboring in three shifts for months, meticulously converting these raw materials into a vast, functional city. Each tent is crafted with care, employing durable fabrics like cotton and terrycot, often lined with polythene to ensure protection against rain.
A project of this magnitude owes its success largely to the expertise of Lalluji and Sons, a company with a 104-year legacy of managing Kumbh preparations. Known as the "Vishwakarma of Kumbh," the company has constructed 75% of the tent city. According to Deepanshu Agarwal, Managing Partner of Lalluji and Sons, preparations began 18 months ago, encompassing tasks such as crafting new tents, repairing old structures, and executing extensive logistical planning. Despite challenges, including delays caused by prolonged monsoons, the team has worked tirelessly to meet the deadlines.
For many workers, the Kumbh is not just an event but a lifelong calling. Rambachan, a 60-year-old veteran, reminisced about the days when wages were ?10 per day. "Now we earn ?500 daily, but the joy of contributing to something this significant is priceless," he said. Younger workers like Kuldeep echoed his sentiments, describing the pride they feel in their work.
The tent city is a marvel not only in its scale but also in its offerings. While some tents cater to Kalpwasis, who live in simplicity and gather around bonfires for prayers, others provide modern luxuries. Premium accommodations include marble flooring, Wi-Fi, electric blankets, and even televisions, blending comfort with tradition. Pilgrims like Raghunath, a 68-year-old from Rajasthan, and Sushila, a 50-year-old from Varanasi, expressed awe at the modern amenities, describing the experience as unparalleled.
Spanning 3,200 hectares-800 hectares more than in 2019-the Maha Kumbh 2025 tent city is twice the scale of its predecessor. With temporary police stations, administrative offices, and facilities for millions, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity, devotion, and the enduring spirit of one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings.
CM inaugurates 'Kumbhvani'
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Prasar Bharati's FM channel 'Kumbhvani' at the Circuit House on Friday, during the second day of his Prayagraj tour.
Expressing his best wishes for the success of the channel, CM Yogi stated his confidence that 'Kumbhvani' will not only reach new heights of popularity but also extend the spirit of Mahakumbh to remote villages where many people, despite their desire, cannot physically attend the event. He emphasized that the channel would serve as a vital medium to deliver all relevant information about Mahakumbh to these distant communities.
Highlighting the importance of live broadcasting, CM Yogi said, "Such efforts would enable those in far-flung areas to experience and understand the grandeur of Mahakumbh."
He said this would allow them to share the pride of this grand celebration of Sanatan Dharma with future generations. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Prasar Bharati for their efforts in launching Kumbhvani.
"It is a remarkable moment, and Prasar Bharati has beautifully captured its essence through Kumbhvani," he said.
The Kumbhvani FM channel will not only broadcast live coverage of the daily events but will also share religious references and stories related to the Mahakumbh in remote villages, making the spiritual essence of the event accessible to all.
Kumbhvani on 103.5 MHzPrasar Bharati has launched the OTT-based Kumbhvani FM channel to disseminate comprehensive information about the Maha Kumbh. Broadcasting at a frequency of 103.5 MHz, the channel will be on air from January 10 to February 26, operating daily from 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM.
Kala Kumbh' serves as an authentic document of Kumbh's developmental journey
In another development Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Kala Kumbh in Sector 7. After opening the UP State Pavilion, CM Yogi visited the Kala Kumbh, a unique camp created by the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department, located right across from the pavilion..
Chief Minister Yogi proceeded to the exhibition hall, where he admired the distinctive artworks, temple replicas, and thematic exhibitions. Praising the initiative, he described Kala Kumbh as an authentic documentation of the Kumbh's developmental journey. On this occasion, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Meshram, presented the Chief Minister with a memento.
Spanning approximately 5 acres within the fairgrounds, the Kala Kumbh features an exhibition gallery and a stage for cultural performances. The gallery displays photographs, replicas, and exhibits tracing the journey of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, monuments of Uttar Pradesh, protected heritage sites, manuscripts, and artefacts.
A key highlight of the Kala Kumbh is the section dedicated to the historical perspective of Mahakumbh. This eighth segment of the exhibition delves into administrative insights from all Kumbh events held in Prayagraj between 1866 and 1954, presented through government letters, records, and official documents. This section includes reports, correspondences, administrative orders, and other records, offering a comprehensive view of Kumbh over the last 150 years.
