Maha Kumbh goes all digital

Uttar Pradesh's "Digi Kumbh" initiative transforms the Maha Kumbh Mela with advanced AI, digital infrastructure, and online services, ensuring safety and efficiency for 40 crore pilgrims

Uttar Pradesh is setting a new benchmark for large-scale event management with its ambitious Digi Kumbh initiative at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. As part of the Digital India vision, the state has integrated advanced technology into the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, to ensure safety, streamline operations, and enhance the experience for the anticipated 40 crore pilgrims.

At the heart of this technological leap is the deployment of an extensive surveillance system, with over 2,750 CCTV cameras spread across the Mela grounds. Among these, 328 cameras are AI-enabled, marking a significant step forward in utilizing AI in Kumbh. These cameras are equipped with facial recognition technology, creating the largest such exercise in India. This AI in Kumbh system helps monitor the movement of pilgrims, detect any potential security threats, and respond in real-time, ensuring that safety is prioritized without compromising on the sacred atmosphere of the event.

The Digital Kumbh initiative also involves the use of drones—anti-drones and tethered drones—to monitor airspace and provide aerial surveillance. These drones play a key role in crowd management and security, ensuring that pilgrims can move around the vast Mela grounds with ease and safety.

Tech-powered Kumbh Mela redefines pilgrim experience

In a major move to streamline the experience for pilgrims, the government has introduced RFID-enabled wristbands. These wristbands provide real-time tracking, making it easier to locate individuals in case of emergencies and enhancing crowd control. Online services in Kumbh have been ramped up as well, with a dedicated website and an AI-powered chatbot offering 11 regional languages to ensure that pilgrims can access information promptly and accurately.

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Further enhancing the digital infrastructure in Kumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced QR-based passes for both pilgrims and vehicles, easing entry and movement within the Mela area. These digital solutions help manage the massive crowds and reduce human intervention, making the experience smoother and more efficient.

As the technology in Kumbh continues to evolve, underwater drones are also being deployed to monitor the river confluence, ensuring that devotees can perform their ritual baths safely. These drones monitor water levels and check for any hazards, contributing to the safety of pilgrims.

This initiative not only marks a milestone in the application of technology to manage such large-scale events but also stands as a testament to Uttar Pradesh's commitment to embracing Digital India. By combining AI in Kumbh, RFID, drones, and online services in Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh is setting the stage for future events to integrate technology seamlessly with cultural and religious traditions, making the Maha Kumbh Mela a model of modern, secure, and efficient event management.