Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to give a unique digital experience to devotees and marketers all over the world as AI Generative Chatbot technology will be used for the first time for the mega event. On the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath, the iconic Mahakumbh fair is being organized digitally. The Kumbh Mela will commence on January 13 in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj and conclude on on February 26.
Mahakumbh 2025, which is being celebrated as part of the ‘Amrit Mahotsav Mahakumbh’ in the Amrit Kaal era, is expected to attract more than 40 crore devotees to Prayagraj from across the country and elsewhere in the world. The devotees will come to Prayagraj for a sacred dip and lakhs for Kalpavas. However, authorities decided to go digital to make the mega event a big success. Corporates, Marketing and Advertising agencies are working overtime to generate billions of rupees from online services.
Religion, Spirituality & Marketing
Experts said that religion and spirituality will gain prominence in marketing. This event will set the tone for the year, as brands incorporate faith and cultural values into their campaigns. Expect marketing strategies that tap into the emotional and communal aspects of spirituality, resonating deeply with Indian audiences, stated the Exchange4media.com. For marketers including digital marketers, Maha Kumbh 2025 is going to be a game changing event, said experts on digital affairs.
Use of AI technology, apps, chatbots and Google navigation
Spanning over 4,000 hectares, the event is looking to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), advanced surveillance systems and a host of digital tools to ensure smooth operations.Infact the Uttar Pradesh Government is working overtime to use technology to manage what will be one of the world’s largest religious congregations.
According to available information, the portal ‘Mahakumbh Land and Facility Allocation’ , land and services can now be accessed with just a click. Historically, this process involved manual coordination , leading to delays and inefficiency. But the Prayagraj Mela Authority has taken several important steps. The Authority used GIS-based mapping and high-resolution drone surveys to prepare layouts for the 25 sectors of the mela.
According to Press Information Bureau statement, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to utilize every platform, including print, digital, and social media so that devotees are well-informed. Cyber experts are actively monitoring online threats and investigating gangs exploiting platforms such as AI, Facebook, X, and Instagram. A mobile cyber team is also deployed for large-scale public awareness campaigns. Currently, the state’s team of experts has identified around 50 suspicious websites, and action is underway against them.
Inspired by Kumbh 2019, ten stalls facilitating the pilgrims with this experience were specially set up at prime locations in the Kumbh Mela area. These stalls will show videos of major events such as Peshwai (Grand procession of Akhadas), auspicious bathing days (snaan), Ganga aarti, and multiple special footage from this grand festival of faith and harmony.
Google and UP Govt sign MoU
in fact, Kumbh-2019 was made grand, divine, clean, safe, and well-organised. Inspired by the success of 2019 grand event, the authorities have decided to make Mahakumbh 2025 into a grand, divine, and digital celebration. The Prayagraj Mela Authority and Google, recently signed an Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) marking the first-ever integration of a temporary city—Mahakumbh 2025—into Google Maps. This specialised navigation system will help devotees locate key sites, ghats, akhadas, and notable saints within the Mela area. The special feature which is a first of its kind for Google, offers navigation for temporary events.The feature has established how digital technology will enhance the Mahakumbh experience, and ensure seamless navigation for devotees using their mobile devices.
Kumbh App & QR Services
According to India Today Website, the Kumbh app and website simplify the experience with features like a multilingual chatbot that supports 11 languages to address visitor queries. Additionally, QR code-based services for ticketing, navigation and emergency assistance promise to ensure seamless logistics, allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey.
Parking has also been reimagined with the deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems across 102 parking lots spanning 1,850 hectares, accommodating up to 550,000 vehicles. This system reduces congestion and ensures quick entry and exit, significantly improving visitor experience.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Cyber Security measures
To safeguard devotees from all over the world, the UP government has made special cyber security arrangements, stated the PIB release. Among many, key features are deployment of 56 dedicated cyber warriors and experts for cyber patrolling and establishment of a Maha Kumbh cyber police station to counter cyber threats like fraudulent websites, social media scams, and fake links. As per the information, 40 Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs) will be installed in both the fair area and the commissionerates for raising awareness about cyber threats. A dedicated helpline number, 1920, and promotion of verified government websites.
About 45 crore devotees are expected to visit Maha Kumbh Nagar. To ensure that such a large number of devotees are well-informed, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to utilize every platform, including print, digital, and social media. Cyber experts are actively monitoring online threats and investigating gangs exploiting platforms such as AI, Facebook, X, and Instagram. A mobile cyber team is also deployed for large-scale public awareness campaigns. Currently, the state’s team of experts has identified around 50 suspicious websites, and action is underway against them.
Uttar Pradesh’s newest district, Maha Kumbh Nagar, is being established with state-of-the-art facilities in record time.
Lost and Found Centre
Besides this, the UP police department has established high-tech Lost and Found registration centers that will help to reunite lost pilgrims with their families through:
Digital registration of missing individuals.
Public address announcements and updates across social media platforms, like Facebook and X.
Police assistance for unclaimed individuals after 12 hours.
Conclusion
All eyes will be on Maha Kumbh 2025 because the mega event will get a never before seen digital treatment this year for 45 plus crore devotees .
