India is set to host the world’s largest gathering – Maha Kumbh Mela – a Hindu sacred event held once in 12 years. A six-week Maha Kumbh Mela will start on January 13 and continue until February 25. This world’s largest event expects more than 400 million people to reach Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to take a holy dip at the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati.
The sacred water of these three rivers is believed to wash away all sins, and during the Kumbh Mela, it also brings salvation from the cycle of life and death. The festival has its roots in Hindu tradition, which says God Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons.
In a 12-day fight for possession, four drops fell on the earth in the four cities, namely Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. All these cities host Maha Kumbh every four years by rotation.
These Kumbhs are the best time for India to showcase its ability to organise and manage the world’s largest gathering. Since millions of people worldwide reach these cities during the Kumbh, it becomes a challenge for the nation, especially the state, to make proper arrangements and finish the event peacefully.
What AreSpecial Arrangements For Maha Kumbh
- 4,000 hectares of open land are converted into a temporary city.
- 150,000 tents equipped with 3,000 kitchens, 1,450,000 restrooms, and 99 parking lots.
- Authorities have also installed 450,000 new electricity connections.
- Indian railway has introduced 98 special trains that connect Prayagraj and decided to make 3,000 trips during the festival.
- Almost 40,000 police personnel and cybercrime experts have been deployed for utmost safety.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered surveillance to protect and help navigate the sea of humanity at the site.
- There are around 125 roads and 7 river & air ambulances for swift medical assistance.
“I am fortunate to host one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals in my state,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told a renowned TV channel Aajtak.
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According to the officials, the state government has allocated 64 billion rupees ($765 million) for this year’s event. The government has also promoted the Kumbh Mela internationally and invited foreign representatives.
