The Maha Kumbh 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj, is poised to make history as the Uttar Pradesh government prepares to conduct the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven headcount.
With an estimated 40 to 45 crore devotees expected to attend the grand religious gathering and take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, state-of-the-art technology is being deployed to monitor and manage the massive influx of people.
For centuries, the Kumbh Mela has been a cornerstone of spiritual gatherings, drawing millions of pilgrims seeking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. However, estimating attendance at such events has traditionally relied on approximations. This time, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to change that by leveraging AI to deliver precise headcounts, revolutionizing how large-scale events are managed.
AI Technology Revolutionizing the Maha Kumbh
At the heart of this initiative lies a state-of-the-art monitoring system powered by AI-enabled cameras, advanced data analytics, and real-time updates. Over 2,500 cameras are already installed across the city and fairgrounds, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Key highlights of the deployment include:
- Temporary Cameras: 744 CCTV cameras installed at 200 key locations within the fairgrounds.
- Permanent Monitoring: 1,107 cameras placed at 268 strategic points across Prayagraj.
- Parking Zones: 720 cameras tracking movements in over 100 vehicle parking areas.
All surveillance data will feed into the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC), which will work alongside viewing hubs in Aral and Jhunsi to deliver real-time insights. Updates will flow every minute during peak hours from 3 AM to 7 PM, allowing authorities to monitor crowd density and movement with unparalleled precision.
To ensure accuracy and avoid duplications, the government will deploy a combination of innovative methods:
- AI-Based Attribute Recognition: Cameras will analyze physical characteristics of individuals to track movements without overlap.
- RFID Wristbands: Pilgrims will receive wristbands embedded with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, enabling seamless monitoring of entry, exit, and movement.
- GPS-Enabled Mobile App: With user consent, a specialized app will provide real-time location data for precise crowd tracking.
Additionally, AI algorithms will calculate the average time a devotee spends at the ghats, known as the “turnaround cycle.” This method, tested successfully during the Magh Mela, ensures accurate counts even during re-entry by pilgrims.
The Maha Kumbh will span from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with three significant bathing dates—January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami)—expected to draw the largest crowds.
