Maha Kumbh Mela

Maha Kumbh 2025 to offer unique digital experience with AI chatbot

The Maha Kumbh-2025 will offer a unique digital experience to people across the globe, allowing them to get a memorable token of the event. The Maha Kumbh-2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. This initiative, part of the Digital Maha Kumbh vision led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, introduces AI Generative Chatbot technology for the first time, officials said on Monday. By simply scanning the QR code, users can receive a personalised Maha Kumbh certificate with their photo on it, which can also be saved digitally or printed. The AI chatbot also provides complete details about every event and major programme of the Maha Kumbh. Regional Tourism Officer, Prayagraj, Aparajita Singh, said under the chief minister's guidance, preparations are underway on war-footing to make the Maha Kumbh a grand, spiritually elevating and hi-tech event. In line with this vision, officials from the Tourism Department, along wit

Indian Railways to elevate tracks for smooth traffic during Maha Kumbh 2025

Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation, has undertaken a project to elevate railway tracks to remove level crossings before next year's Maha Kumbh, officials said on Sunday. The initiative is set to ease traffic congestion, save travel time, and provide significant relief to city residents, they added. Celebrated in a cycle of 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Rail under bridges (RUBs) and rail over bridges (ROBs) are ready on almost all the level crossings in Prayagraj where movement will start fully before the mega event, officials said. Alongside the spiritual festivities, the Maha Kumbh has accelerated industrial growth and commercial development across the region. A major highlight of this transformation is the removal of level crossings, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Indian Railways and the State Bridge Corporation. Amit Malviya, senior public relations officer, .

AI firm Krutrim to power Kumbh Sahayak App for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak app is designed to serve crores of pilgrims and ensures real-time, uninterrupted responses.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Know how and where to book your accommodation

Maha Kumbh is going to be held from Jan 13, 2025. If you also want to take a dip in spiritual journey, then know what is the arrangement for staying there, prices and much more

Maha Kumbh 2025 a 'mahayagya' of unity, culture, spiritual identity: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday termed the Maha Kumbh 2025 a "mahayagya of unity" which would take the country's cultural and spiritual identity to new heights. Addressing a public meeting here while inaugurating various developmental projects , the prime minister said the differences of castes and sects disappear at the Maha Kumbh. "The Maha Kumbh is a mahayagya of unity," Modi said. "It will take the country's cultural and spiritual identity to new heights." The prime minister inaugurated 167 key development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, aimed at improving the city's infrastructure for the 2025 Maha Kumbh mela. The projects also included Sah'AI'yak Chatbot -- an Artificial Intelligence-based platform to streamline communication for devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. Before attending the public meeting, the PM began the visit with the ceremonial puja and darshan at the holy Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. Modi undertook a river crui

PM Modi to inaugurate projects worth Rs 5,500 crore in Prayagraj today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday launch key development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore that aim to improve amenities for the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and bolster the city's infrastructure. According to an official statement, the prime minister will arrive in Prayagraj around 12:15 pm. His visit will begin with a ceremonial pooja and darshan at the holy Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati rivers. He will then perform pooja at the historic Akshay Vata Vriksh, followed by visits to the Hanuman mandir and the Saraswati Koop. Modi will also tour the Maha Kumbh exhibition site. He will launch projects such as road overbridges, ghats, riverfront roads, and sewage treatment systems to enhance connectivity and prevent untreated waste from entering the Ganga. He will also inaugurate major temple corridors, including the Bharadwaj Ashram corridor, Shringverpur Dham corridor, Akshayvat corridor and the Hanuman Mandir corridor. These corridors will ens

Culture Ministry to showcase India's heritage at Maha Kumbh with 'Kalagram'

The Ministry of Culture has planned to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj to showcase the rich, spiritual and cultural heritage of the country during the upcoming Maha Kumbh in the holy city, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday. The Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Interacting with mediapersons at his residence here, Shekhawat, who holds the culture and tourism portfolios, said the Ministry of Culture aims to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj for which an area measuring 10.24 acres has been allocated at Nagvasuki. "A Ganga Pandal with a capacity of 10,000 people will be set up by the Mela authority where celebrity performances would be held," the ministry said in a statement. Three stage pandals with a 4,000 audience capacity each at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil as well as a 1,000 capacity amphitheatre at Kalagram will showcase the emerging Sangeet Natak Akademi awarde

Railways to run 13,000 trains for Maha Kumbh, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said the Railways would run about 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special ones, for the convenience of devotees during the Maha Kumbh. The Union minister, who reached Prayagraj by train from Varanasi to review the Railways' preparations for the mega event, expects about 1.5 to 2 crore passengers to reach the city by train during the mela. The Maha Kumbh will commence on January 13 on the occasion of Paush Purnima and conclude on February 26 on Mahashivratri. After inspecting several stations under the Northeast Railway, Northern Railway and the North Central Railway in Prayagraj, the minister told reporters, "I also inspected the new bridge built over the Ganga, which will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A new bridge has been built over the Ganga here after 100 years." "I personally inspected five stations. The holding areas at these stations, where the devotees will be able to sit till their trains arrive, are very good.

PM Modi to review Maha Kumbh preparations, inaugurate projects on Dec 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mahakumbhnagar and Prayagraj on December 13 to review the preparations for the 2025 Mahakumbh and inaugurate various projects here, officials said on Thursday. The area on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj, where the upcoming Maha Kumbh will be held in January and February has been named Mahakumbhnagar and notified as a new district by the state government. Ahead of PM Modi's visit, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the arrangements on December 7 to ensure all preparations are on track for the grand spiritual event. "In anticipation of PM Modi's visit, Mahakumbhnagar and Prayagraj will be decorated in festive grandeur... Departments have been directed to beautify their offices and buildings with plans for illuminating government structures with facade lighting. Key intersections, roads, and parks will also be adorned elaborately," a statement said. Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has instructe

Centre releases 1st instalment of Rs 1,050 cr for Maha Kumbh: CM Adityanath

The Centre on Tuesday released the first instalment of Rs 1,050 crore of its Rs 2,100 crore grant for the upcoming Maha Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said and extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Adityanath said that under the successful guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the "double-engine" government is determined to make the world's largest cultural and spiritual gathering 'Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025' divine and grand. "In this series, a special grant assistance of Rs 2,100 crore was approved by the Central government, out of which the first instalment of Rs 1,050 crore has been released today. This support from the Central government will help in realizing a clean, safe and well-organized Mahakumbh for the devotees," he said in a post on X. "Heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for this gift which is helpful in realizing the concept of divine-grand-digital Mahakumbh," he added. Organised after a gap of every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be

Railways set to run 992 special trains to manage Kumbh Mela rush in 2025

Apart from special trains, the Indian Railways earmarked Rs 933 crore for developing and upgrading different infrastructure and facilities for passengers during Kumbh Mela 2025

Uttar Pradesh govt designates Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as new district

In a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district.

Robotic fire tenders to be deployed at Mahakumbh 2025 to boost fire safety

For the first time, robotic fire tenders will be deployed at Mahakumbh 2025 to enhance fire safety at the world's largest spiritual gathering, according to officials. Alongside these cutting-edge machines, 200 specially trained fire commandos will be stationed to manage emergencies and protect visitors. Additional Director General (Fire Services) Padmaja Chauhan said that three robotic fire tenders, weighing 20-25 kilograms each, will be used to reach areas inaccessible to personnel. These robots are capable of climbing stairs and extinguishing fires with precision, ensuring faster and safer responses, he said. "The inclusion of robotic fire tenders marks a technological leap in fire management. They can be easily carried and deployed in sensitive zones," Chauhan said. Additionally, Mahakumbh will feature an articulating water tower capable of spraying water from a height of 35 meters. The tower is equipped with a high-tech camera to monitor fire-prone areas from above, he said.

UP Police on veg diet, alcohol abstinence, training for pleasant Maha Kumbh

A strict vegetarian diet, alcohol abstinence and behavioural training are among the steps the Uttar Pradesh Police is taking to ensure its personnel act as "servants of faith" and create a pleasant experience for the devotees gathering in this holy city for the Maha Kumbh. The Maha Kumbh will commence on January 13 on the occasion of Paush Purnima and conclude on February 26 on Mahashivratri. Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh) Rajesh Dwivedi emphasised that the primary focus of the police, alongside maintaining security, would be to foster a welcoming environment for the pilgrims. He said, "Our aim is to ensure that the devotees have a pleasant experience, and the police behave with warmth -- not just as enforcers of the law but as servants of faith." Police personnel to be deployed for the Maha Kumbh are undergoing behaviour-focused training at a designated facility within the mela area. External trainers are also being invited to impart lessons in etiquette and public ...

IRCTC to set up tent city at Prayagraj for upcoming Mahakumbh 2025

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited is all set to develop a tent city at Prayagraj coinciding with next year's Mahakumbh Mela. Sanjay Kumar Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCTC, said the 'Maha Kumbh Gram' will be a transformative addition to the pilgrimage and tourism landscape combining luxury accommodation and a cultural immersive experience in a way that celebrates India's spiritual diversity. "Our Objective is to provide an accessible, comfortable and enriching experience for all visitors", Jain said in a statement. The company, a public sector undertaking of the Railway Ministry, said it has expertise in mass-scale pilgrimage tourism and extensive hospitality services over a nationwide rail network with domain experience of successfully managing 6.5 lakh plus customers to date on the Aastha and Bharat Gaurav Trains. "IRCTC is uniquely positioned to make Kumbh Gram an unparalleled spiritual and cultural destination," the company said. It added

UP govt allots over 100 bigha land to all 13 akharas for Maha Kumbh 2025

Land allotment to all 13 'akharas' for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 area was on Tuesday completed, an official said here. Additional Mela Officer Vivek Chaturvedi said under the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Kumbh Mela administration has allocated land for setting up camps for all 13 akharas with the consent of their saints. Three Vaishnav akharas Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara, Shri Digambar Ani Akhara and Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara were allotted land in the Akhara sector of the Kumbh area. Senior officials and saints from these akharas were present during the process. Mahant Murli Das, president of Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara, confirmed that the allocation was done amicably and preparations to secure the land with tin enclosures would begin soon, paving the way for further arrangements. Chaturvedi said land was allotted to Sanyasi and Udasin Akharas on Monday. Over 100 bighas of land have been allocated to various akharas with their approval, he said. T

Mahakumbh 2025: Facial recognition cameras to come up at railway stations

With around 10 crore people expected to travel to Prayagraj by train for Mahakumbh early next year, several measures, including installation of face recognition cameras, are being taken to enhance security at the nine railway stations here. For the first time, the Prayagraj Railway Division will install face recognition (FR) cameras alongside CCTV at railway stations, specifically for the Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement. These FR cameras, powered by AI, will be instrumental in monitoring suspicious activities and identifying potential troublemakers, it added. With approximately 10 crore people expected to travel by train for the Mahakumbh, the railway authorities are implementing comprehensive security measures, the release said. Prayagraj Railway Division PRO Amit Singh said for the Mahakumbh, around 650 CCTV and 100 facial recognition cameras will be installed at the railway stations in Prayagraj. He further added that the surveillance will cover rout

Mahakumbh 2025 to be 'more divine, grand' than all previous Kumbhs: UP CM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday emphasised that the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj would be "more divine and grand" than all previous Kumbhs. This "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" will showcase the rich traditions of Sanatan Indian culture, its diverse social fabric, and people's deep-rooted faith, Adityanath said. The chief minister and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conducted a review of the ongoing and proposed tourism development projects for the Mahakumbh, Ayodhya Dham, and Naimisharanya Dham in Lucknow on Tuesday, the state government said. Adityanath apprised the Union minister about the ongoing development projects at various holy sites in Prayagraj. He also directed officials to ensure that these projects were completed by November 30 while affirming the state government's commitment to providing every devotee the opportunity to bathe in the Ganga during the Mahakumbh. Zero discharge into the river is being .

Hi-tech lost-and-found centres at Mahakumbh to help trace missing people

Prayagraj authorities are working on a hi-tech registration system with digital 'Khoya-paya' centres to reunite persons who go missing in the Kumbh Fair with their families or group, officials said on Wednesday. The Prayagraj Mela Authority and the Police Department are collaborating on establishing this innovative pilgrim registration system to curb missing cases in the fair, they said. Digital 'Khoya-paya' (lost-and-found) centres will be set up at Mahakumbh-2025, ensuring that all visitors -- especially children and the elderly -- are safe, and no one gets separated from their family or group, an officer said here. The initiative is a seamless blend of security, responsibility, and technology, promising to make the Maha Kumbh Mela a safe and memorable experience, the officer said. The high-tech lost-and-found centres will have digital registration for anyone who goes missing, allowing families and friends to locate them more easily. "Announcements will also be made at the centr

75 quick response vehicles to tackle fires at Maha Kumbh Mela: Official

Seventy five quick response vehicles, with fire-extinguishing capacities 20 times more effective than normal vehicles, will be used for the first time to tackle fire incidents during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2025. Director General of Police (DGP) (Fire) Avinash Chandra said these small-sized vehicles, with a capacity of one ton, can easily access narrow areas. Though equipped with a 100 litre tank, it can extinguish a raging fire that would normally require 2,000 litres of water, Chandra said. Additionally, the vehicles will be equipped with tools for breaking, cutting, lifting, drilling and first aid, he said. The DGP said that fire fighting boats, stationed in the Sangam area, will also be deployed for the first time. These boats can extinguish fires up to 300 to 400 metres using river water, especially if there is a fire in the tents located along the river bank, Candra said. "The department is purchasing six such boats. Along with this, all-terrain fire fighting vehicle