Omkar Dattatray
Kumb, Ardha Kumb and Maha Kumb has a special significance in Sanatan Dharma.It has been going on since centuries and the Maha Kumb 2025 will be clean and green .The Maha Kumb this year will go digital and it is the novel initiative of the UT government of Yogi Adatyanath.Prayagraj is expected to host Maha Kumb Mela which will be participated by about 40 crore people. 2025 Prayagraj Maha Kumb will begin on January 13 and will last to February 26.It is the world’s largest gathering as people from India and other parts of the globe visit Prayagraj for participation in Maha Kumb and will take holy dip at the confluence of Rivers Ganga,Yammuna and mystical Sarswati. The Uttar Pradesh government is rolling out a digitalization plan.AI technology ,mobile apps,Chatbots ,a digital lost and found centre and even Google navigation will guide the millions gathered for the Maha Kumbh. UP government lays out ‘Digital Kumbh’experience for the visitors.Initiative will involve AI-Powered cameras,Google-assisted navigation & a chatbot ,digital lost and found centre to be set up.To tackle a concern among people that has been long associated with the Kumbh Mela -that of getting lost during one of the largest religious gatherings ,expected to be attended by around 40 crore people in January 2025 in Prayagraj.The primary goal of digitizing is to help the largest number of the people participating in this years Maha Kumbh Mela so that they feel ease at the Prayagraj.Kumbh Mela 2025 for the first time The Rigveda speaks of a divine event called the ”Sagar Manthan”or churning of cosmic ocean ,which is considered the genesis of the Maha Kumbh Mela.Legend has it that during this cosmic churning a pot-Kumbh containing the elixir {Amrita”] appeared.The Maha Kumbh Mela ,is a timeless tapestry of faith and fervor ,unfolds like a sacred epic ,weaving together the threads of history,spirituality and cultural heritage.This grand pilgrimage held cyclically at four sacred riverbanks of the Ganges ,Yamuna,and Sarsawati ,Haridwar along the Ganges,Nashik on Godavari ,and Ujjain on the Shipra-is not merely a contemporary spectacle but a tradition steeped in profound historical significance.As we embark on a journey through time,we unravel the layers of history that have shaped the sanctity and prominence of the Kumbh Mela.The roots of the Maha Kumbh Mela can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythological narratives.The ancient references to a similar pilgrimage are found in the Rigveda ,one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.The Rigveda speaks of a divine event called the ”Sagar Manthan”or churning of the cosmic ocean ,which is considered as the genesis of the Maha Kumbh.Legend has it that during the cosmic churning a pot -kumbh emerged .The celestial struggle for possession ofthis divine nectar ensued,leading to a celestial battle that spanned twelve divine days ,equivalent to twelve human years.Drops of nectar fell on four locations on earth ,marking the sites where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated today.The Kumbh mela finds its first historical references during the Maurya and Gupta periods ,approximately from the 4th century BCE to 6th century CE.During this period ,the great Indian emperor Ashoka is said to have played a pivotal role in the establishment & promotion of Buddhism. .Historical records suggest that the Maha Kumbh Mela in its nascent form attracted pilgrims from various corners of the Indian sub-continent.In the contemporary era ,the Kumbh Mela has transformed into a global phenomenon ,drawing not only millions of domestic pilgrims but also attracting international attention.The UNESCO recognition of the Kumbh Mela as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2017 further underscored its historical and cultural significance.The Kumbh Mela today is a manifestation of India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.It serves as a testament to the resilience of ancient traditions in the face of modernity.The historical evolution of the Maha Kumbh Mela from ancient scriptures to the present day ,reflects its ability to adapt and thrive ,preserving its sanctity and spiritual essence.The main objectives of digitalization of Maha Kumbh are to improve security,increase visibility,monitor activities ,and ensure efficient service delivery.The UP government has introduced a digital plan to help people navigate the Kumb Mela 2025 with ease.This initiative ,supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister UP Yogi Adityanath ,aims to provide a modern digital experience for both attendees and those unable to visit in person.The chief minister has also launched a new website and app, offering detailed information on key areas such as ghats,akharas,religious sites,and travel options to enhance the overall experience.In an interview with the Times of India,Kumbh Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand stated,”Work is being done for the chatbot .Through this,devotees will easily reach the camp where they want to go.They will not have to wander anywhere.”For the first time ,advanced technologies like artificial intelligence will be implemented during the Maha Kumbh.The Prayagraj Mela authority will also be able to track services provided at the event,including the Ganga Aarti Puja,through online platforms.For added convenience ,3D images of all camps will be uploaded to the official website,offering visitors a clear view of facilities and accommodation.To ensure security and cleanliness during the Maha Kumb2025,100AI cameras will be installed at the mela.These cameras will monitor activities and alert the police to any issue.Scanners will also be installed in all toilets to track their cleanliness and maintenance in real time.During chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit to Prayagraj ,an agreement was signed between the UP government and Google.This partnership will enable Google to offer an online view of the entire tent city.Visitors will also be able to access detailed information about attractions such as laser shows,water sports,and more through the official website.For the first time,cutting -edge technologies ,including chatbots,Google navigation,and artificial intelligence AI ,will be used during the Maha Kumbh .Through internet platforms,the Prayagraj Mela authorities will also be able to monitor services offered throughout the event ,such as the Ganga Aarti Puja.All camps will have 3D photo posted to the official website for visitors convenience ,providing a clear glimpse of the amenities and lodging.One hundred artificial intelligence cameras will be set up in the mela to guarantee cleanliness and security during the Maha Kumbh 2025.These cameras will monitor the situationand notify the police of any problems.Additionally ,scanners will be fitted in every toilet to monitor upkeep and cleanliness in real time.Maha Kumbh 2025 will give UP chance to showcase its tourism potential.The starte tourism department will set up a Digital Kumbh Museum to showcase the cultural heritage of India and offer insight into the mythological and historical significance of the Kumbh.To leverage its religious and spiritual tourism potential ,the UP government is pitching for global branding of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025,one of the world’s largest congregations of pilgrims.”Maha Kumbh 2025 will represent India and UP before domestic and international tourists.It is therefore imperative that visitors carry back a bouquet of pleasant memories of their stay.Therefore we are going all out in our preparations.”Although Kumbh is essentially a and the religious event,it has a major socioeconomic footprint and the state is going to promote maha kumbh to harness its religious,spiritual,and cultural tourism potential for job creation ,socioeconomic growth and cultivating a positive image for UP,which is aspiring to become India’s first one trillion dollar economy.To host an enormous congregation of devotees ,a gargantuan 4,000-hectare tent city is being set up in Prayagraj.It will be illuminatd with 67,000 streetlights,and comprise 2,000 tents and 25,000 public accommodations for different categories of tourists.About 23,000 CCTV cameras and AI -based surveillance will complement the security paraphernalia of the tent city at the bank of Sangam,the confluence of Ganga,Yamuna and mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj.The state budget for Kumbh has jumped 78% from Rs 4,200 crore in Kumbh Mela 2019 to Rs 7,500 crore for Maha Kumbh 2025.Main religious ritual is a holy dip in the waters at the Sangam -the confluence of the three sacred rivers.Prayagraj is considered as the holiest of the holy pilgrimages in Hinduism and a holy dip there is believed to give salvation to devotees.In short the Maha Kumbh Mela has been digitized and let us pass on our cultural ,spiritual and religious legacy to the future generations and keep ourselves aware of our rich cultural and religious roots.Kumbh Mela in fact symbolizes the spiritual,cultural and religious legacy of India.
(The author is a columnist, social and KP activist)
