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Mahakumbh 2025: UP's 1st ‘Digital’ Kumbh Combines Tradition with Technology

December 31, 2024

The government’s focus on technology is evident through the launch of Sah’AI’yak, an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide real-time updates, navigation assistance, and personalized guidance in multiple languages.

In his final Mann ki Baat episode of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the integration of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and digital navigation, into the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Modi’s praise comes as a significant boost to the Yogi Adityanath-led state government, which is investing INR 7,000 Cr to make this Mahakumbh the first fully digitalized event in its history.

From land allotments to crowd management and luxury accommodations, technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing the experience of over 40 Cr devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh in 2025.

AI-Powered Chatbot to Assist Devotees

Launched by PM Modi on 13 December, the chatbot is accessible via the Maha Kumbh 2025 mobile app or WhatsApp, offering a user-friendly interface with clickable options, voice commands, and enriched multimedia content.

Speaking about this initiative, Vijay Kiran Anand, Mela In-Charge, said, “The chatbot supports more than 10 languages, including Hindi and English, ensuring convenience for both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy users.”

Tethered Drones, Robotic Buoys for Safety & Monitoring

For real-time crowd management and monitoring, the government has deployed an AI-driven surveillance system that integrates CCTV cameras and tethered drones, all connected to an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) on the Mela premises.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi explained, “Around 2,700 cameras have been installed across the 4,000-hectare campus. Their feeds will be displayed at four monitoring points, enabling authorities to detect and address crowding issues proactively.”

The drones deployed for monitoring have an extended operational capacity of 8–9 hours, nearly double that of standard drones, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance.

In addition, robotic buoys will be used for river safety. Explaining their functionality, Dwivedi said, “These 12-kg floating devices can be remotely controlled from a distance of 500 meters. If a devotee is drowning, the robotic buoy can stabilize the person above water until a boat rescues them.”

To enhance fire safety, fire curtains and fire gels have been introduced for rapid response to emergencies.

Over 50,000 security personnel, supported by AI tools and drones, will ensure the Mahakumbh premises are a digitally monitored and secure zone.

Pilgrims will be able to access essential services such as water ATMs, sanitation facilities, and lost-and-found centers through digital platforms.

Additional District Magistrate Vivek Chaturvedi, said, “This edition of the Mahakumbh will demonstrate how tradition can evolve alongside technology.”

AI-Driven Crowd Management

With an anticipated record-breaking attendance of 40 crore devotees, the government has deployed AI-powered crowd density calculation tools.

These systems will provide precise attendance figures and generate real-time alerts, enabling authorities to monitor and manage the influx of devotees efficiently.

“This technology will allow us to ensure crowd safety while maintaining smooth movement throughout the event,” Chaturvedi added.

The Mahakumbh’s transformation into a digitally enhanced event is not limited to crowd and safety management.

Luxury tents equipped with smart facilities, along with automated processes for resource allocation, reflect the event’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation.

“By integrating cutting-edge technology into the Mahakumbh, we are setting a precedent for how ancient traditions can adapt to the demands of the modern world,” said Chaturvedi.