Kumbh Mela is prefixed with “Maha,” which means great, and is held every twelve years due to its spiritual and cultural significance.
This year Kumbh Mela began in January. The location and the auspicious moment (or Muhurta) established by the Hindu calendar define the precise start date.
Indian Prime Minister and BJP leader Narendra Modi has invited people from around the world to attend the Kumbh Mela, a grand festival that UNESCO recognized in 2017 as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.”
His invitation highlights the significance of the event, not just for India, but for people globally who wish to experience its spiritual and cultural richness.
Authorities have spent millions of dollars on infrastructure to accommodate the rush of tourists to Prayagraj, a city that typically has 6 million residents, and they have invested years of planning into this year’s celebration.
About 160,000 tents, 150,000 restrooms, and a drinking water pipeline spanning 1249 kilometers have been set up at a temporary tent city that spans 4000 hectares, or about 7500 football fields.
Significance of Kumbh Mela
During the Kumbh Mela, pilgrims congregate at the Triveni Sangam to bathe in the holy rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati—believing it to be a potent spiritual occasion.
For many, this ritual is an important step toward purifying their sins and moving closer to “spiritual liberation.”
Hindu mythology, particularly the tale of the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), is linked to the origins of the Kumbh Mela. India hosts the Kumbh Mela in four different locations: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
During the battle for the nectar, a few drops fell at each of these locations. This event symbolizes the heavenly gift of immortality and eternal truth.
The Kumbh Mela is a time for introspection, rejuvenation, and a close relationship with God for many people. Pilgrims frequently make spiritual offerings, ask for blessings, and take vows.
Kumbh Mela: Strict Safety measures followed
Each Kumbh Mela claims the lives of several dozen individuals on average, but estimates vary. Depending on variables like crowd control, the weather, and public health initiatives, the figures may change.
In 2013, a tragic crowd crush at a railway station in the city resulted in dozens of people being killed and injured as pilgrims gathered for the event.
Unfortunately, such deadly incidents at religious gatherings in India are not rare, often drawing attention to the gaps in crowd control and safety measures.
These tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the need for better planning and precautions to ensure the safety of the millions of people who attend these events.
This year, officials have implemented enhanced safety measures in Prayagraj to ensure the protection of visitors. Authorities have set up a security ring with checkpoints around the city, and over 1,000 police officers are manning it.
To enhance security, authorities will install more than 2,700 security cameras powered by artificial intelligence throughout the city. Experts stationed at key locations will monitor these cameras.
In addition, aerial drones will surveil from above, and for the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters will provide continuous coverage, ensuring higher safety for everyone attending the event.
Authorities have added 13,100 train services and 3,000 special trains since they anticipate that many pilgrims would arrive in the area by train.
To enhance connectivity, the Uttar Pradesh state government has also installed 14 new flyovers and underpasses, 11 new road corridors, 7000 buses, 550 shuttle buses, seven new bus stops, and 30 pontoon bridges.
1 Comment