How Technology is Revolutionizing Maha Kumbh 2025: A Deep Dive by Digital Watch Observatory

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, is the largest gathering in the world, attracting around 400 million people. To manage this crowd, officials are using tools like facial recognition and AI. For example, Sarita Singh was quickly reunited with her family after being separated, thanks to facial recognition linked to over 2,700 CCTV cameras.

Authorities rely on AI to monitor crowd sizes, spot potential dangers, and avoid stampedes on the vast 4,000-hectare site. In just the first nine days of the festival, nearly 93 million visitors were counted. The AI systems also keep an eye out for fire risks and unauthorized entries, alerting personnel in real-time. In addition, underwater drones work in the rivers to ensure safety during ceremonial dips, alerting teams about any incidents. Multilingual chatbots on the official Kumbh app help visitors navigate the event, accommodating diverse languages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised this blend of technology and tradition, calling it a ‘union of data and technology.’ This digital approach showcases how the Maha Kumbh Mela is evolving, celebrating its rich history while incorporating modern innovations for millions of devotees.