Overview of Kumbh Mela

  • One of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
  • Held every 12 years at four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
  • Maha Kumbh Mela occurs every 144 years (12 cycles of 12 years).
  • Associated with Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
  • The event is marked by the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) in sacred rivers.

Kumbh Mela 2025 – Technological Innovations

  • AI & Surveillance: 2,750 CCTV cameras, 328 AI-enabled for crowd monitoring.
  • Drones: Surveillance, underwater monitoring at Triveni Sangam, anti-drone systems.
  • Kumbh Sah’AI’yak Chatbot: Multilingual digital assistant for navigation and event info.
  • QR Code System: Digital passes for pilgrims and vehicles.
  • AI Lost-and-Found System: Quick tracking and reunion of missing people.
  • GIS Mapping & Google Maps Integration: Helps in navigating within the Mela area.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Booths: Allows remote devotees to experience rituals.
  • Blockchain-based NFTs: Digital collectibles related to Kumbh Mela.
  • Health-Tech: AI-driven health monitoring and sanitation tracking.

Economic & Commercial Aspects

  • Marketing Hub: Big brands using the event for mass outreach (Dabur, ITC, Blinkit, etc.).
  • Consumer Demand Boost: Increased economic activity in hospitality, retail, and logistics.
  • Digital Commerce: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) facilitating prasad delivery.
  • Religious Tourism Growth: Replication of marketing strategies at Ayodhya, other sites.

Expected Questions

Prelims (MCQs)

1. Kumbh Mela is held at which of the following locations?
  1. Varanasi, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Rameswaram
  2. Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik
  3. Puri, Somnath, Kashi, Ayodhya
  4. Dwarka, Badrinath, Kanyakumari, Ujjain
2. Consider the following statements about the Maha Kumbh Mela:
  1. It occurs every 144 years.
  2. It is associated with the legend of Samudra Manthan.
  3. The event is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
  4. AI and drone surveillance were introduced in the 2013 Maha Kumbh.
Which of the above statements are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2, and 3 only
  3. 2, 3, and 4 only
  4. All of the above
3. With reference to the 2025 Kumbh Mela, consider the following:
  1. AI-enabled surveillance cameras are being used.
  2. Virtual Reality (VR) booths are set up for digital darshan.
  3. ONDC is enabling prasad delivery across India.
Which of the above statements are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. All of the above
4. Which of the following technological innovations were introduced at Kumbh Mela 2025?
  1. Blockchain-based NFTs
  2. AI-powered lost-and-found system
  3. Drone surveillance
  4. All of the above

Mains

  1. Discuss the cultural, social, and economic significance of the Kumbh Mela in India.
  2. Examine the role of technology in managing large religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela.
  3. How has digital transformation impacted the pilgrimage experience in India? Discuss with reference to recent innovations at Kumbh Mela 2025.
  4. Religious tourism is emerging as a major driver of India’s economy. Analyze its impact with examples from the Kumbh Mela and other pilgrimages.
  5. Evaluate the role of public-private partnerships in the organization of large-scale religious festivals in India.