The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 concluded, blending spiritual significance with challenges of crowd management and environmental concerns
Bhaskar Parichha
The Maha Kumbh, a monumental event in the spiritual calendar of India, unfolded over an impressive span of 45 days, drawing an astonishing crowd of over 65 crore devotees from across the globe. This grand festival served as a spiritual pilgrimage and emerged as a significant economic catalyst, generating an estimated revenue of around Rs. 3 lakh crore.
The culmination of this sacred gathering took place on a Wednesday, coinciding with Mahashivratri when millions of pilgrims flocked to the Triveni Sangam to partake in the holy dip, a ritual believed to cleanse the soul and wash away sins. As the world looked on in awe, India showcased its profound spiritual heritage and cultural influence, reinforcing its status as a land of diverse traditions and deep-rooted beliefs.
The 2025 edition of the Maha Kumbh was particularly noteworthy, as it seamlessly integrated modern technology with age-old customs. One of the standout innovations was the establishment of digital lost-and-found centers, which played a pivotal role in reuniting many missing individuals with their families, highlighting the event’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its attendees. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems were also employed to monitor crowd sizes and track individuals, enhancing the overall management of the event.
The term ‘Digital Snan’ gained popularity during this period, as a start-up offered a unique service for those unable to attend the festival in person. This service involved collecting photos sent via WhatsApp from devotees and immersing them in the holy waters on their behalf, allowing them to partake in the spiritual experience from afar.
Despite the successful integration of technology, managing the vast crowds posed significant challenges. Authorities worked diligently to ensure the safety and organization of the event, and for the most part, they handled the complexities relatively well. However, the festival was marred by a tragic incident on Mauni Amavasya last month, when a sudden surge of pilgrims rushing to take a dip led to a devastating stampede that claimed at least 30 lives, according to police reports.
This heartbreaking event has sparked controversy, with the Opposition accusing the Yogi government of concealing the true number of casualties. In light of this tragedy, it is imperative that the government addresses the situation transparently and reveals the facts, no matter how difficult they may be. The loss of life during such a significant spiritual gathering should not be overlooked, and the authorities must ensure accountability and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
A further setback was the alarming report from the Central Pollution Control Board, which highlighted the presence of dangerously high levels of fecal bacteria in the river water near Sangam. This finding raised serious concerns about public health and safety, as the report indicated that the water quality at several locations fell short of the required bathing standards set by health authorities. Such contamination poses significant risks to the thousands of devotees who gather for the Maha Kumbh, a festival that holds immense spiritual significance for millions.
The key take away from the Maha Kumbh is that the quality of river water, sanitation facilities, and the overall safety of the devotees must never be compromised. The authorities must prioritize these aspects to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all participants. This major religious festival should not only focus on being visually appealing and profitable; it should strive for excellence in every aspect, including environmental sustainability and public health.
To achieve this, concerted efforts must be made to improve water quality through effective pollution control measures, regular monitoring, and the implementation of robust sanitation infrastructure. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate devotees about the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during the festival.
By addressing these critical issues, the Maha Kumbh can truly reflect its values of purity and devotion, ensuring that it remains a safe and sacred space for all who partake in its rituals. Ultimately, the success of such a significant event should be measured not just by the number of attendees or the grandeur of the celebrations, but by the well-being and safety of every individual who comes to honor their faith.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
