Yogi bills Maha Kumbh as Digital Kumbh

Hyderabad:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, a historic event that occurs after a 144-year cycle, with 40 crore pilgrims expected to participate, represents faith, modernity, and India's aspirations. “This is a spiritual and economic milestone," he said.

The Maha Kumbh, from January 10 to February 26, marks the culmination of a cycle of 12 Kumbh Melas, each of which occurs once in 12 years.

Addressing his first press conference on Maha Kumbh, while inaugurating the newly established media centre in Prayagraj on Thursday, Adityanath noted that the event will span 10,000 acres across 25 sectors.

The Chief Minister highlighted the massive logistical operations underway, with 30 pontoon bridges completed and 1.5 lakh toilets installed.

Prayagraj has also developed advanced transport facilities. Special trains have increased to over 3,000, 14 new flights connect Prayagraj to other cities, and 550 shuttle buses, which include 300 electric ones. Parking arrangements covering 5,000 acres have been finalised within a 5-km radius of the venue.

"We have made sure that devotees, whether they come by air, rail, or road, face no inconvenience. The focus is on both ease and safety," Adityanath said.

Safety and organisation are paramount this year, with 56 police stations, an integrated surveillance system, and extensive AI-enabled CCTV coverage established across the Kumbh area.

A mobile app developed in partnership with Google and a multilingual chatbot offers visitors digital access to maps, sector details, and real-time updates.

Calling it the "Digital Kumbh," Adityanath said, "Through technology, every pilgrim will have access to services that make this a seamless and memorable experience."

The administration has also prioritised environmental and social sustainability. The use of Swachh Bharat principles continues, with additional focus on waste management and clean water for the Sangam area. Temporary accommodations have been expanded to 1.5 lakh units, and efforts to integrate facilities for 13 Akharas and other religious groups have been carefully planned.

Major bathing days like Makar Sankranti, Mouni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami are expected to attract a million visitors. On Mouni Amavasya alone, the state anticipates a turnout of 8-10 crore people.

Speaking on the economic impact, Adityanath explained that Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to generate `2 lakh crore in revenue for the state.

Additionally, on Friday, Adityanath is set to inaugurate All India Radio’s special ‘Kumbhvani’ channel ‘Kumbh Mangal Dhwani’. Operative from January 10 to February 26, this will broadcast live updates, cultural programmes, and essential information for devotees and listeners worldwide. It will feature real-time coverage of major bathing festivals, daily reports, health consultations, and heritage presentations.

Organised every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is the most important religious event at Prayagraj, which is the larger version of the annual Magh Mela and six-yearly Ardh Kumbh Mela. The last Ardh Kumbh Mela was organised in 2019. The Maha Kumbh is celebrated at the end of 12 Kumbh Melas, the period spanning 144 years.