Beating Retreat ceremony 2025

This article is about 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela. For all Kumbh events around India, see Kumbh Mela.

The 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, is the ongoing iteration of the Kumbh Mela. It is the world’s largest gathering, celebrating a full revolution of Jupiter. It is scheduled to take place from 13 January to 26 February 2025, at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. This event marks the completion of a 12-Kumbh Mela cycle and is officially termed a Maha Kumbh Mela, spanning 45 days.[1]

2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela

Pilgrims at Triveni Sangam

Since the Kumbh Mela has been organized for ages and its commencement date is unknown, calculating the exact 144-year cycle is not certain. However, as per astronomical calculations, the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela is unique in itself since its constellation alignment is witnessed once every 144 years. Thus, the most auspicious of all the Maha Kumbh in the past 144 years is in 2025.[2][3][4][5]

The site of each Kumbh Mela is decided by the astrological alignment of Jupiter (Guru), Sun (Surya), and Moon (Chandra).[6][7]

 *Significance

The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolises the victory of Gods over demons.[8] In 2025, the event started on 13 January and is expected to conclude on 26 February.[9][10]

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful congregation of people.[4] This gathering contains millions of devotees immersing themselves in the Ganges, Yamuna, and the Saraswati, waters of which are considered holy by the Hindus, symbolising a purification of the soul and a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.[11]

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela has made preparations for the attendance of up to 40 crores (400 million) visitors.[12] Many tourists and pilgrims come from various countries such as Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States. 

*Revenue generation

Maha Kumbh's budget stands at nearly ₹64 billion (₹6,382 crore) and it is estimated that Maha Kumbh 2025 will generate a revenue of more than ₹2 trillion (₹2 lakh crore) for Uttar Pradesh.[18][19]

The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have advanced fire fighting vehicles as for protection against any fire related incidents.[20][21] The Uttar Pradesh State Government will depute 500 dedicated Ganga Praharis to ensure the cleanliness of the river during Maha Kumbh.[22] Total cost of 83 project around mela area is estimated to be 1428.68 crore out of which 47 projects are completed by 15 November and rest are expected to be completed soon.[23] Artificial intelligence tools and chatbots are being used to assist tourists and pilgrims.[24] 

*Infrastructure

The authorities have set up a temporary city covering 4,000 hectares (40 km2) to accommodate the massive number of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. This city includes 150,000 tents, improved sanitation facilities, and better transportation services. To ensure security, 40,000 police officers and AI-powered surveillance systems have been deployed.

To expand the available land, four dredging machines were used to reclaim 26 additional hectares (0.26 km2), significantly increasing the Sangam’s capacity—three times more than in 2019 Prayag Ardh Kumbh Mela.

The area has been divided into 25 sectors. The total length of the ghats is 12 km (7.5 mi). Parking facilities now cover 1,850 hectares (18.5 km2). The total road length within the Mela area has increased over 450 km (280 mi) to improve accessibility.[3]

Railway Infrastructure

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Indian Railways has announced an increase in the number of coaches in key trains, such as the Prayagraj Express and Lucknow Mail, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025.[31]

Indian Railways operated their all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Junction Railway Station including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains and 60 MEMU trains to manage the pilgrims who came to take a holy dip on the day of Mauni Amavasya, on 29 jan

*Sanitation Facilities

The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have established cleaning standards with one sweeper for every 10 toilets and one supervisor monitoring a batch of 10 sweepers.[34] The Prayagraj Mela Authority has engaged nearly 10,000 sanitation workers to ensure a clean Maha Kumbh.

Under the 'Swachh Kumbh initiative', the Prayagraj Mela Committee has set up around 150,000 toilets and urinals in the Maha Kumbh area. Apart from the installation of 150,000 toilets and urinals, a 'QR code-based' monitoring system is being launched to track sanitation levels in toilets. [35]However videos have emerged people defacting openly at mela near the beach areas.

*Safety Measures

The 'Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department'[36] has introduced four advanced Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) to enhance fire safety at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. These high-tech towers are specifically designed to handle fire incidents in multi-storey structures and large tents, ensuring quick and effective response.

Each AWT is equipped with video and thermal imaging cameras, allowing real-time monitoring and precise firefighting. These towers can operate up to 35 meters in height and extend 30 meters horizontally, providing a protective shield for firefighters during high-risk operations.

To further strengthen fire safety, the government has allocated ₹131.48 crore for:[3]

    351 firefighting vehicles

    50+ fire stations

    20 fire posts

    2,000+ trained personnel

    Fire safety equipment for every tent