Ahead of Maghi Purnima Snan at Maha Kumbh, authorities beef up security, safety measures

Extra precautions are being taken especially after a stampede killed 30 last month during 'Amrit Snan' or holy dip.

Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is taking place, has been turned into a 'no vehicle zone' ahead of the Maghi Purnima Snan.

This will mark the end of the Kalpvas period, a key tradition of the festival which began on January 13.

Kalpvas refers to the ritual of living near a sacred river for a set period while observing fasting, self-discipline, introspection, and spiritual purification.

Performing Kalpvas during the Maha Kumbh is considered auspicious.

This year, more than 10 lakh devotees have undertaken Kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam - the point of confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical river Saraswati.

A total of 133 ambulances have been deployed for the safety of devotees with over 40 hospitals in Mahakumbhnagar being on high alert.

High-tech arrangements from minor operations to major surgeries in every sector have been made at Maha Kumbh and 2,000 medical forces in Mahakumbhnagar and 700 at Swarooprani Nehru Hospital (SRN) are in high alert mode.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 witnessed over 450 million devotees' participation. Photo courtesy: PIB

The state government, in collaboration with various agencies, implemented a multi-tier security and monitoring system.

A network of AI-powered CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and real-time analytics ensured the safe movement of pilgrims across designated sectors.

The administration also introduced a digital token system to streamline access to bathing ghats, reducing overcrowding.

Special provisions were made for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, ensuring that the Kumbh remained an inclusive spiritual experience.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has already become one of the largest religious gatherings in history, with over 450 million (45 crore) devotees participating in the bathing rituals as of February 11, 2025, the Indian government said on Tuesday.

The state government was expecting the number of devotees to reach 45 crore in 45 days but this number has already been achieved within one month, with 15 days still remaining for the Maha Kumbh to conclude.