Tag: Maha Kumbh 2025 Arrangements

‘Was Kumbh Admin Waiting For A Stampede To Set Their House In Order?’

By LokMarg

Gyan Prakash Sharma, a Prayagraj resident and a witness to the stampede at Maha Kumbh, says crowd mismanagement and lack of coordination claimed precious lives. His account:

I was resting in my tent, about 200 meters from the spot where the tragedy occurred, when I heard a commotion during the early hours of Amrit Snan day (January 29). I rushed out only to witness a flood of pilgrims rushing in all directions causing an uncontrollable stampede. The crowd was in such frenzy that it was literally impossible for the police and other security personnel to control them.

My question at that hour was how the Mela administration not foresee such a situation ahead of an auspicious day. Clearly, the poor crowd management was the reason behind this unfortunate incident that resulted in the loss of dozens of lives and many injured.

Though the administration has now woken up late and cancelled the VIP passes, my assumption is that the VIP culture was one of the main reasons behind the deaths of the pilgrims. Most of the routes heading towards the Sangam Nose had been restricted for the general public to ensure a smooth Snan for the Akharas and VIPs, on the auspicious day of Mauni Amawasya. Many pilgrims who reached the Nose well in advance to take bath on the Muhurat (2 am onwards) were sleeping under the skies and were among the first victims.

The Pontoon Bridge leading to the nose was also closed well in advance and the increasing pressure from behind forced the pilgrims to jump off and break the barricading. This caused a rush towards the Nose, and in the melee that ensued, many people sleeping there were crushed. As the handful of cops present there literally became helpless, the crowd was at its own mercy for the next couple of hours running in all possible directions for help and safety.

ALSO READ: ‘Kumbh Mela Is Also A Reminder of River Mismanagement’

Although, cops and other enforcement teams were rushed from the entire Mela City to the spot, it took them another two-three hours to finally control the stampede. But by then the damage was done, leaving an ugly scar of the much hyped historic Hindu congregation.

I also came to know through some of my friends in the district administration that there was little or no communication between the Mela and the district administration officials. Seeing the inflow of countless numbers of pilgrims from all directions of the Mela city, it was clear that no effort was made by the district administration to stop people outside the Mela. It also appears that the city borders had also been left unchecked and vehicles kept pouring in until each and every possible road leading to the Mela city was choked to the brim.

Such was the rush in Prayagraj ahead of Mauni Amawasya that not just the city roads, but even by-lanes and every corner of the town were chock-a-block with no walking or breathing space. The district witnessed traffic jam for as long as over 50 km from the Sangam. But the administration was probably waiting for a tragedy to take place before waking up.

Now that the religious event is defaced, all your efforts – cancelling VIP passes, enhanced traffic & border management, increased forces, replacing officials, forming a judicial probe team, etc. – are merely face-saving tactics. And now when things are smoothly moving in and around the Mela city, I wonder why the same administration could not place such efforts before the tragedy. If therse measures had been put in place from day one, we could have saved precious lives and Mela reputation.

As told to Rajat Rajat

‘Micromanagement At Maha Kumbh Is Incredible, Unprecedented’

By LokMarg

Santosh Goyal, a retired teacher from Delhi who has toured all the shaktipeeths and jyotirlings in India, shares his recent experience at Maha Kumbh.

The journey to Prayagraj and the snan at Maha Kumbh has been the easiest and smoothest religious trip that I could ever have envisaged. Despite the humongous numbers in terms of pilgrims and all the crowds that we were seeing in the news and social media, I was pleasantly surprised to see that everything in this little town created for this festival was extremely well managed.

About 6 km from the Sangam parking, an e-rickshaw took us to Sangam. The rates were reasonable, the transport easily available. No haggling, no fleecing. The roads were super clean. Iron sheets were spread out on the entire route to keep off dust, and water tankers kept sprinkling the road every 200 yards to keep them clean.

About half a kilometre from Sangam, is Paltan Bridge. There are 25 such bridges and there are odd-even numbers designated for entry and exit points to and from each of these bridges. I felt this was a superb way of managing and easing the traffic and crowds. No vehicles are allowed on the bridges.

The bathing area was clean. Dry grass or paraali had been spread out on the entire area adjoining the bathing spots so that there is no slush when people come out with wet clothes and feet after the snan. Also, it keeps the body warm in winter.

ALSO READ: ‘The Sheer Scale of Maha Kumbh is Soul-Stirring’

Sand bags were arranged all along the Sangam so that after the dip you directly step onto these and they soak the falling droplets. Again, no muddy water accumulates anywhere. Railings have been set up so that no visitor slips off. Boats with life-saving jackets patrol the entire water body.

The security arrangements are to be seen to believe. The police, the military and the NDRF are on their toes to help 24×7. In fact, they were more alert than the pilgrims were. The women who were with us were changing after the dip and there was a man sitting there and watching. We did not even notice until the police personnel warded him off sharply.

Paralis are laid on ground to avoid sludge near water bodies

The entire huge area is CCTV-manned. The entire town was well lit. Drinking water was available everywhere. The security personal would immediately ward off any sellers if they tried to pester or harass the pilgrims. Every few meters there were people to guide and help. For example, people were telling us to not use soap while taking a dip, not wash clothes etc. No one was bothering anyone. People could sit and pray wherever they liked.

The pandals of sadhus and other saints and gurus were offering fresh and hygienic food all day and night. Another thing that struck me was that at the Maha Kumbh people from every strata were there because of affordability. Even lodging started at Rs 100 to the maximum with even floating housing that I am sure costs much.

And it was so easy for wheelchair bound people to go for snan as well. Wheelchairs were available and could be easily wheeled in to the designated ghats. Despite the fact that devotees descended at Maha Kumbh in unprecedented numbers, there was no commotion or chaos.

Arrangements were exactly in keeping with the necessities, requirements and expectations of the devotees. To organise an event of such a huge magnitude and with such immense perfection speaks a lot about the Yogi Adityanath governance.

As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Maha Kumbh Is A Divine, Unforgettable Journey; Its Sheer Scale Is Soul-Stirring’

By LokMarg

Harinam Das, a spiritual preacher of the Bhagavad Gita, says it was heartening to see the unwavering faith and deep cultural roots that Maha Kumbh represents.

Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a festival; it is a spiritual phenomenon that brings millions together in the quest for divine blessings and purification. My recent experience at the religious congregation was nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of leading around 80 devotees on this sacred pilgrimage, and each of us was deeply moved by the sheer scale, devotion, and meticulous organization of this grand event.

One of the most striking aspects of this Kumbh event was the outstanding arrangements made by the government. It is unimaginable how such a vast area was divided into well-planned sectors, ensuring that every akhara, organization, and pilgrim had designated spaces. The efforts put in by the administration, police, and volunteers were truly commendable.

Essential services such as water and electricity were supplied seamlessly to every camp, with on-demand services available when needed. This level of infrastructure management in a temporary city that hosts millions is nothing short of a miracle. The roads leading to the Sangam were well-constructed, and the temporary bridges built over the Ganga and Yamuna facilitated smooth movement, allowing devotees to reach their destination with ease.

It was a testament to Vedic culture and faith. What touched my heart the most was the unwavering faith and deep cultural roots that Kumbh Mela represents. It was incredible to witness lakhs of sadhus taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, purifying not just themselves but also uplifting the sanctity of the sacred waters. It is often said that the general public leaves their sins in the Triveni Sangam, and the pure-hearted sadhus absorb these impurities, cleansing the river through their devotion. Witnessing this profound act of selfless service was truly awe-inspiring.

The unwavering dedication of devotees who take time off from their daily lives to participate in this spiritual gathering reaffirms the deep trust people have in our Vedic Sanskriti. It was a heart-warming sight to see people from all walks of life, from across India and beyond, coming together for this divine occasion.

ALSO READ: ‘A Spiritual Experience And A Reminder For Better River Management’

Of course, there is always a scope for improvement. While the arrangements were outstanding, there are always opportunities for improvement. One key lesson could be drawn from the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, where crowd management and security protocols are meticulously executed. Increasing the presence of police and other uniform forces and more helping booths at key junctions would further enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

Additionally, there should be an official social media and YouTube channel managed by the government. This would ensure the spread of authentic news related to the Kumbh Mela, preventing misinformation and unnecessary panic. With millions relying on digital platforms for updates, having a reliable source for official announcements would help pilgrims plan their visit smoothly.

Over all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maha Kumbh is an experience like no other. The spiritual energy, the devotion, and the divine atmosphere make it a truly transformative journey. If you are hesitant about visiting due to concerns about the crowd, you may consider coming after February 15, when the rush settles.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this grand spiritual congregation. Kumbh Mela is not just an event—it is a living testament to Sanatana Dharma, reminding us of our timeless spiritual heritage and the unity it fosters among devotees worldwide.

Jai Ganga Maiya! Har Har Mahadev!

(The narrator, popularly called Harinam Prabhuji, has been preaching the Bhagavad Gita for over 12 years. A B.Tech graduate, he blends modern education with the teachings of Lord Krishna)

As told to Deepa Gupta

‘Kumbh is Both a Spiritual Experience & a Reminder of Shoddy River Management’

By LokMarg

Aruna Trivedi, who took a holy dip at Maha Kumbh, left the Sangam with a mixed bag of experiences – soothing for the soul but worrisome for ecological conservation. Her views

The air was thick with devotion as I stepped onto the holy grounds of Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. At 58, I had dreamt of this spiritual journey for decades, a pilgrimage my ancestors spoke of with reverence. The Maha Kumbh, held every 144 years, is no ordinary event—it is the epitome of faith, drawing millions of seekers to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Arriving at the sprawling mela site was awe-inspiring. A sea of humanity stretched as far as the eye could see, united in faith and purpose. The atmosphere was electric with chants, bhajans, and the aroma of incense wafting through the air. Despite the energy, a sense of calm enveloped me, as if the rivers themselves were welcoming us to cleanse our souls.

The arrangement for bathing, the pinnacle of the Kumbh experience, was a mix of efficiency and challenges. On one hand, the designated ghats were clearly marked, and volunteers tirelessly guided pilgrims to ensure orderliness. I was heartened to see dedicated lanes for the elderly and differently-abled, an effort that reflected a well-thought-out administrative approach. However, the sheer magnitude of attendees tested the system to its limits.

Many complained about the long waiting hours and occasional lapses in crowd control. Some ghats did appear neglected, with limited access to basic amenities like clean changing rooms. In contrast, other sections, likely the VIP-designated areas, boasted far better arrangements, leaving one to wonder about the equity of resource allocation.

Trivedi feels Administration could have done better with less VIP culture

The water itself, the spiritual centerpiece of this event, left much to be desired. While taking the sacred dip, I couldn’t ignore the murky waters—a far cry from the pristine imagery I had envisioned. The Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati may be eternal symbols of purity, but the stark reality of pollution raised concerns about the health implications for pilgrims. Nevertheless, faith triumphed over doubt as I immersed myself, surrendering to the divine.

ALSO READ: ‘Char Dham Project Is An Ecological Disaster’

Despite the occasional hiccups, the administration deserves credit for managing an event of this magnitude. The sheer logistics of housing, feeding, and directing millions is daunting, yet they managed to keep the spirit of the Kumbh alive. Makeshift tents provided temporary shelter, and langars served food with unmatched generosity. However, waste management remained an unresolved issue, with overflowing bins and litter marrying parts of the sacred landscape.

The Maha Kumbh is more than an event—it is an awakening. As I sat by the Sangam after my bath, watching the rivers converge under a rising sun, I felt a deep connection to something far greater than myself. The myths and legends surrounding this confluence felt tangible, as if centuries of devotion had sanctified the air itself.

Leaving Kumbh, I carried mixed emotions: gratitude for experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime gathering, coupled with a hope for better preservation of our sacred rivers. The Maha Kumbh 2025 was a testament to humanity’s enduring faith, but it also reminded me of our responsibility to honor the very elements that sustain it.

As told to Deepti Sharma

‘Maha Kumbh A Divine Experience, Made Pleasant By Meticulous Arrangements’

By LokMarg

Vikas Bhagat, a businessman from UP who attended Maha Kumbh with his parents, is all praise for the well-organised congregation at Prayagraj. His views:

I have been awestruck by the planning and arrangements made by the authorities concerned at Maha Kumbh 2025. The level of competence on display by the state government and security agencies has set a new precedent in organising a huge religious congregation for professional organisers across the world. Be it traffic or transportation, food supplies, lodging-boarding or crowd & grievance management, every aspect of the festival was meticulously taken care of.

In addition, safety-security of the devotees as well as environment concerns related to the cleanliness of the holy rivers had been taken care of like a well-oiled machine. It will be no exaggeration to say that this Maha Kumbh will go into the annals of history as one of the most professionally organised assembly in the years to come.

My claims can be substantiated by the number of devotees who have taken a holy dip in the Sangam (confluence) till now. As per the official records, more than 80 million people have taken a holy dip till January 20th and the number is expected to touch over 40 crore by the end of the event.

There is assistance of all kind at every step whether you are on the ground or in the waters. I saw policemen describing and briefing to devotees on how to reach the Sangam Nose (the confluence tip of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati) to hundreds of pilgrims at a go and with a smile on his face.

Glimpses of Maha Kumbh 2025

I even witnessed an elderly lady, who appeared to be from the southern part of India, hugging a policeman as a mark of gratitude for his help. The policeman had patiently waited for translators to come and answer her queries before addressing the problems. She had separated from her group and was promptly reunited, which left her emotional.

ALSO READ: ‘Maha Kumb Will Be A Gem In The Crown Of Sanatan’

Exceptional arrangements are in place for ferrying pilgrims and vehicular movements – both inside the Mela city and the Prayagraj district. On the holy days (of the snaan), one can easily reach the parking slots erected all around the city by taxi or personal vehicles and after parking the vehicles, one can move around in the city in the electric vehicles ferrying all around.

Though vehicles other than the registration number of Prayagraj are not allowed to enter on three days, arrangements are made on all the borders and entry points of the districts for smooth movement of pilgrims to the Mela city. The venue has been divided into sectors for easy management and the residential areas are provided with a lot of space around them to tackle emergency situations.

I was also witness to the fire incident that took place on January 19th; it happened in the kitchen of a residential tent. Although it engulfed about 100-odd tents as over 50 LPG cylinders exploded, the fire brigade and other security staff extinguished the fire in not more than an hour. Not even a single injury, let alone a life casualty, was reported.

This Mela has been once in a lifetime experience not only for one religious faith but for everyone who wishes to experience the spirituality and the sanctity which has filling the atmosphere of the holy place; the divine energy here is simply unmatched.

As told to Rajat Rai