In India, millions of devotees are flocking to Prayagraj city in Uttar Pradesh, to celebrate MahaKumbh, a duodecennial festival set on the banks of river Ganges, holding great significance for Hindus. With 450 million devotees expected to visit MahaKumbh 2025 festival, it is the largest religious convention being held anywhere across the world, since ancient times.
To ensure such a massive gathering concludes without hiccups, India is using artificial intelligence (AI) to not just manage the crowd but to also provide an immersive experience to the devotees flocking to Prayagraj. India has been pro-actively adopting AI technology, not just in defense and national security, but also day to day governance and other utilities.
Digi MahaKumbh: Where spirituality meets technology
As per the Hindu mythology MahaKumbh festival, occurs after every 12 years and holds profound meaning for Hindus, serving as a journey of self-realization, purification and the eternal quest of spiritual enlightenment. The 45 day event that started from 13th January 2025, is ending on 26th February 2025.
This year, Prayagraj is all set for a “Digital MahaKumbh”, a unique convergence of spirituality and technology where AI will be used to provide immersive experience to devotees. Yes, right from the travel till the holy dip into water UP government took an initiative to incorporate AI in every step possible.
According to officials of Uttar Pradesh government, more than INR 7000 Crore ($809 Million) have been allotted for the security arrangements that include 2700Â AI enabled cameras have been installed that will provide real time monitoring and facial recognition features. The AI cameras will also be equipped with vehicle number plate detection feature while some cameras will also have AI-Powered Video analytic cameras will monitor crowd movement.
Additionally, 240 AI based video analytics systems will count vehicles, ensuring traffic and parking management at the festival and 113 underwater drones with a diving capacity of 100 meters and AI enabled cameras have also been deployed. Likewise, Tethered drones with reaching capacity up to 120 meters will help into aerial surveillance to monitor crowds and to manage in emergency if any.
A senior UP Police official reportedly told TOI “ We’ve implemented a robust seven-tier security circle, including Mela (outer, inner & isolation cordon) district checking, neighboring/buffer district, interstate checking, and security circle at city’s prominent public places.”
MahaKumbh 2025: AI as your Guide
An app named as “Kumbh Sah’AI’yak “ chatbot has been launched as a digital guide for all the pilgrims participating in a mega event. This app will help in providing real-time information, personalized assistance, navigation support, cultural insights including event updates in 11 Indian languages including English.
Conclusion
Overall, AI being incorporated into MahaKumbh Mela is quite a revolutionary move towards the transformation of world’s largest sacred religious event. Apps such as Kumbh SahAIyak have also been launched, which gives devotees, a personalized touch of spirituality. India is setting an example by adopting AI technology and turning MahaKumbh Mela into a lifetime experience for millions.
Also Read: Indian Railways To Issue NFT Tickets for MahaKumbh
