Mahakumbh is an extraordinary spiritual gathering that takes place in India. The numbers are staggering, and Prayagraj, India, will be drawing an anticipated 400 million pilgrims from across the globe to take a holy dip during the six weeks from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

The significance, however, goes much beyond being the largest gathering of people at one place on earth. Mahakumbh showcases the amazing spiritual traditions that flowered in India over centuries and are flourishing till today.  It showcases the centuries of religious, philosophical quests in India. Mahakumbh showcases the deep-rooted essence of acceptance of diversity in the spiritual traditions in India.

While the sea of humanity at the Mahakumbh is mesmerizing, it is also owe-aspiring to see that sadhus (sages) belonging to various akhadas (religious orders), following distinct traditions that date back centuries, flocking to Mahakumbh to take dip in the sacred convergence of the waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The sight of these ascetics, with their long hairs and ash-covered bodies, is both humbling and amazing. Their journey to the Mahakumbh is a profound act of devotion and marks the timeless union of India’s rich spiritual heritage with the present-day celebration of faith. Thanks to the age of social media and influencers, these visuals are available to us all.

Like almost all the religious festivals in India, Mahakumbh is rooted in mythology and cosmology. Mythological connection relates to the story of Samudra Manthana. The word Kumbh means a pot.  The legend tells that when the pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk, a fight broke out between the gods and demons over this pot. Lord Vishu as Mohini avatar ran with the pot, and the drops of the nectar fell over four places in India. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at those places. Prayagraj, the sacred conjunction of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, is one of the four places.

The cosmological connection links Kumbh to the alignment of the sun, moon, and planet Brihaspati (Jupiter) in specific zodiac signs. In spirituality, the cosmological alignments reflect that nature has endowed the occasion with a special blessing, and scientifically, it shows the mathematical prowess of the ancestors. In Cambodia, we witness the equinox, the sun rising directly over the central lotus tower of Angkor Wat!

Let us come out of the realm of spirituality to the more ordinary yet extraordinary things due to the unprecedented scale of gathering.

Infrastructure designed for millions

To host millions of pilgrims over 45 days, Mahakumbh Nagar has transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, from basic to luxury facilities. The extensive work on roads, bridges, and signage ensures ease of movement throughout the sprawling event site. 30 bridges using 3800 pontoons are laid, hundreds of multi-language signages (Hindi, English, and regional languages) are installed to guide visitors, over 2,69,000 checkered plates are laid out to provide safe walkways, mobile toilets, and robust waste management systems are ensuring hygiene. These facilities are designed to ensure that all attendees can focus on the spiritual journey while comfortably navigating the vast event grounds.

Technology Elevates the Experience

Technology plays a central role in Mahakumbh 2025, transforming it into a well-organized, connected, and accessible event. Through a dedicated mobile app, pilgrims are able to receive real-time updates on accommodation, crowd density, directions, and emergency alerts. The app acts as a virtual guide to enhance the pilgrimage experience. Wi-Fi zones powered by solar energy are keeping pilgrims connected while minimizing the environmental footprint, while innovations such as facial recognition technology at entry points are helping streamline crowd management, ensuring a higher level of security for everyone. Over 2700 AI-powered CCTV cameras and drone surveillance systems are deployed across the venue for real-time monitoring. In a unique addition to Mahakumbh 2025, drones are being deployed not only in the air but also underwater, capable of diving as deep as 100 meters. Robust fire safety avoided any tragedy when a fire recently broke out at Mahakumbh. This multi-layered approach to surveillance guarantees that both the crowd and the sacred waters are monitored with the utmost attention.

Health, Safety, and Sustainability

Ensuring the health and safety of millions of pilgrims is paramount. Temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities are installed. The event features medical facilities such as the "Bhishma Cube," which can treat up to 200 people simultaneously, while dedicated camps can cater to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children. The Netra Kumbh eye care camp aims to break records by offering eye tests to over 500,000 pilgrims, along with the distribution of 300,000 pairs of eyeglasses. An eye donation camp has been set up, where over 11,000 people donated their eyes in 2019, and this year aims to further encourage donors.In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Mahakumbh 2025 has employed 3 temporary sewage treatment plants and eco-friendly initiatives like solar-powered lighting, sewage treatment plants, and the use of reusable materials, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

A Global Celebration of Culture and Unity

While the Mahakumbh is a profoundly spiritual gathering, it is also a celebration of the cultural diversity of India and the world. Special provisions for international visitors include multilingual signage, cultural performances, spiritual exhibitions, and a handicrafts market at the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion. These cultural programs will provide visitors with a deep understanding of India’s rich heritage, offering a chance to experience the nation's spiritual and artistic diversity firsthand.

The Mahakumbh 2025 is a remarkable opportunity for people from all over the world to witness this sacred gathering. Whether in person or virtually, participating in Mahakumbh is an invitation to connect with India’s spiritual essence and embrace its rich cultural traditions. It is a chance to celebrate the power of faith, community, and shared values and to experience firsthand the transformative energy of this ancient spiritual ritual.

Richhpal Singh is counsellor at Embassy of India in Cambodia