Underwater Drones, AI-Powered Security, and 45 Crore Devotees: Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins

"India's Maha Kumbh 2025 promises spiritual grandeur with state-of-the-art technology and a global turnout."

January 13, 2025: A sea of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13, marking the start of Maha Kumbh 2025. Pilgrims from across the world arrived to perform the sacred 'Shahi Snan' at the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This 45-day spiritual and cultural event, held every 12 years, will continue until February 26 and is expected to host over 45 crore visitors.

Also Read: Devotees From Around the Globe Take Holy Dip at Maha Kumbh 2025

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Massive Security and Tech Integration:

To ensure safety and smooth management, authorities have deployed state-of-the-art technology, including:

• Underwater Drones: These drones, capable of diving up to 100 meters, are monitoring key areas, especially around Sangam.
• AI Surveillance: Around 2,700 AI-enabled cameras provide real-time facial recognition and crowd monitoring.
• Cyber Warriors: A 56-member cyber team is monitoring online threats, complemented by cyber help desks across police stations.
• Drones for Crowd Control: Tethered drones offer aerial views to detect areas needing security or medical attention.

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Infrastructure Highlights:

Also Read: Steve Job's Wife Laurene Visits Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ahead of Maha Kumbh

To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, the city has undergone massive upgrades, including:

• 150,000 tents and additional sanitation facilities.
• 450,000 new electricity connections to meet power demands.
• Electric buses and 98 special trains making 3,300 trips for smooth transportation.
• Renovation of 92 roads, construction of 30 bridges, and 800 multilingual signages for easy navigation.

Temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities ensure healthcare access for all attendees.

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Kumbh Sah'AI'yak Chatbot:

Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: Everything you need to know about cultural events

An AI-powered chatbot, 'Kumbh Sah'AI'yak,' has been launched to assist devotees. Accessible via the Maha Kumbh 2025 app or WhatsApp, it provides multilingual guidance, navigation support, and cultural insights in real time.

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Key Dates and Global Attendance:

Major highlights include:

• January 13: Full Moon marks the festival's start.
• January 29: 'Mauni Amavasya' – a key celestial event for spiritual purification.
• February 26: Festival concludes with a final holy dip.

The event has attracted global attention. Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, renamed 'Kamala' by her guru, will attend and participate in the rituals. Past attendees include Richard Gere, David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama.

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Tags:

Maha Kumbh 2025, Triveni Sangam, AI Security, Spiritual Festival, Underwater Drones, Kumbh SahAIyak, Global Attendance