The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, is currently underway in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. This year, the festival holds special significance as it marks the completion of 12 Kumbh Mela cycles, making it a once-in-144 years event.
Yesterday, on February 12, during the Maghi Purnima Snan, over 7.3 million devotees participated in the sacred bathing rituals at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
The event has been dubbed the ‘Digital Maha Kumbh’, with the deployment of AI-driven software, 2,760 CCTV cameras, and underwater drones to monitor the 4,000-hectare site, detect emergencies and assist in reuniting lost individuals.
Despite this, on January 29, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred at the Sangam area, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and 60 injuries. This incident has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures and greater transparency in reporting.