As India prepares for the upcoming Maha Kumbh, a tradition that has stood the test of time and is evidence of the everlasting strength of devotion and faith, preparations are in full motion to guarantee the seamless operation of this biggest public gathering in the world.
Why Maha Kumbh is a Big Deal for Indians ?
What’s new in the Maha Kumbh this time ?
The Uttar Pradesh government recently included a budget of Rs. 2,500 crore in its yearly budget for 2024–2025 for this major religious fair that would take place over 44 days, from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025.
Taking It Up A Notch , Making it Global
Premium Infrastructure to make it successful
- For the first time ever, VIPs coming from both domestic and international locations, as well as for the state guests will be staying at a temporary circuit house with 55 suites constructed in the fair area. The state government has approved Rs. 17 crore for this purpose.
- In addition to the temporary circuit house, there are plans for a guest house with 25 thousand beds to be constructed in various sectors of the fair area with special facilities for availability of toilets and urinals .
- To make the whole celebration more eco-friendly, introduction of approx. 100-500 electric buses with features like panic buttons and vehicle location tracking systems installed in them is on the cards.
- Cameras with artificial intelligence and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) will be deployed except the usual CCTV cameras for enhancing the security. 40 crore devotees are estimated to travel to Prayagraj this time to take part in this ancient tradition to bathe in the waters of the Sangam.
- For the Maha Kumbh, Indian Railways have also gone for extra mile and planned about 1,200 special trains from various locations across the nation to accommodate devotees who want to attend the massive religious event as opposed to 750 trains in last Maha Kumbh of 2013.
The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is set for significant expansion and enhancement in 2024. The festival area has been expanded from 3,200 hectares to 4,000 hectares, divided into 20 sectors. This expansion aims to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, known as kalpvasis, who camp in the area.
The number of ghats, or riverfront steps where pilgrims take holy dips, has increased from 8 to 12. This increase is crucial as the number of kalpvasis is projected to rise from 25 lakhs to 40 lakhs, indicating a significant surge in participation. The festival, known for its spiritual significance and massive scale, is expected to see around 10,000 organizations participating, showcasing an array of cultural, religious, and social activities.
The infrastructure for the Kumbh Mela is also receiving a substantial upgrade. The number of pontoon bridges, temporary floating bridges made of interconnected pontoons, will increase from 22 to 23. These bridges are essential for managing the movement of millions of pilgrims across the festival area. Additionally, the number of small bridges criss-crossing the river and mela area will increase from 357 in 2019 to 428 in 2024.
These bridges will facilitate better movement and connectivity within the expanded festival grounds. To support this infrastructure development, the Urban Development department plans to purchase 99,000 sal sleepers and 10,874 sal edgings for constructing these bridges. The use of sal wood, known for its durability and strength, will ensure the stability and safety of these temporary structures, which are critical given the large crowds and the need for efficient crowd management.
The government has also approved a New Transfer Policy for the year 2024-25, which will impact the administrative management of the Kumbh Mela. This policy allows transfers for Group A and B officers who have completed three years in a district and seven years in a division.
The aim is to bring in fresh perspectives and experienced personnel to manage the event more effectively. Efficient administration is vital for the smooth operation of such a large-scale event, and the transfer policy is expected to ensure that experienced officers with a good understanding of the local dynamics are in place.
In addition to the accommodations within the Kumbh area, the city is witnessing the construction of luxury hotels to cater to the influx of visitors. These hotels aim to provide comfortable and high-quality lodging options for visitors who prefer more modern amenities than the traditional camps.
The inclusion of luxury accommodations reflects the diverse needs of the attendees, ranging from devout pilgrims to international tourists and dignitaries. This development is not just about meeting accommodation needs but also about enhancing the overall experience of the Kumbh Mela, making it more accessible and comfortable for a wider audience.
The preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2024 highlight a comprehensive approach to managing one of the world’s largest human gatherings. The expansion of the festival area, the increase in the number of ghats and kalpvasis, and the participation of a large number of organizations are all indicators of the scale and significance of this event.
The infrastructural upgrades, particularly the increase in pontoon and small bridges, are crucial for efficient crowd management and ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. The procurement of sal sleepers and edgings underscores the commitment to using durable materials to construct reliable temporary structures.
The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious and cultural event; it is a massive logistical and administrative challenge. The scale of the event, the number of participants, and the range of activities require meticulous planning and execution. The expansion and infrastructural enhancements are designed to address these challenges, ensuring that the event is conducted smoothly and safely. The involvement of 10,000 organizations adds another layer of complexity, as each organization brings its unique set of activities and requirements. Coordinating these activities requires a robust administrative framework, which is where the New Transfer Policy plays a crucial role.
The construction of luxury hotels is a reflection of the changing demographics of the Kumbh Mela attendees. While the traditional kalpvasis will continue to camp in the festival area, there is a growing number of visitors who prefer more comfortable accommodations. These hotels will cater to such visitors, ensuring that the Kumbh Mela remains accessible to a broader audience. This inclusivity is essential for the continued success and growth of the event.
