The Kumbh Mela is a
celebration of unity, faith, and renewal
Maha Kumbh 2025: Getting
Lost and then Finding Your Way Back at Prayagraj
Yes, it is possible to get physically and spiritually lost in the vastness of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025.
Fortunately, there are adequate
arrangements to ensure that you are united with your loved ones.
As the sun rises over the sacred
Sangam on Day 6 of Maha Kumbh 2025, the confluence of tradition and innovation
takes center stage.
For decades, Bollywood has
romanticized the fear of separation at Kumbh Melas, with iconic movies like Amar
Akbar Anthony immortalizing the phrase "Kumbh me bichdha hua."
However, thanks to technological advancements and meticulous planning, getting
permanently lost at the Maha Kumbh is now a thing of the past.
The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 is not only a spiritual gathering but also a testament to India’s commitment to modernity.
This year, with an anticipated turnout of 40 to 45 crore devotees,
the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented advanced measures, including the
innovative Khoya-Paya centres and a comprehensive map of the Kumbh site,
ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.
Day 6 Dawn: From Lost to Found in the Heart of Maha Kumbh
The Role of
10 Khoya-Paya Centres
Spanning a sprawling 4,000
hectares and divided into 25 sectors, the Kumbh Mela ground is a bustling city
of devotion. The 10 Khoya-Paya centres strategically placed across the site are at the heart of its human-centric infrastructure. These digital lost-and-found
hubs have become a beacon of hope for stranded pilgrims, reuniting thousands
with their families. The largest of these centres, located in Sector 3 near the
Sangam, has been instrumental in creating heartwarming reunion stories.
Take, for instance, the story of
a Delhi-based woman who was separated from her family for over three hours.
Thanks to the efficient systems at the Khoya-Paya centre, she was reunited with
her loved ones despite the challenges of navigating the massive site. Equipped
with 55-inch LED screens, these centres display real-time information about
missing persons and items, ensuring prompt resolutions.
AI and QR Technology: A Digital
Revolution
The inclusion of AI-powered tools
and QR tags has revolutionized the way missing persons and items are tracked.
These technologies work in tandem with the efforts of Uttar Pradesh Police and
civil defense personnel, who provide on-ground support, offering food, drinks,
blankets, and emotional comfort to the distressed.
"An AI-based lost and found
centre has been set up," shared additional mela adhikari Vivek Chaturvedi.
This integration of technology underscores the Maha Kumbh's commitment to
safeguarding the wellbeing of every pilgrim.
Mapping the Vastness of the Kumbh
Grounds
Navigating a 4,000-hectare site with over 50 ghats and multiple zones might
sound daunting, but the detailed map of the Kumbh site has become every
pilgrim's best friend. From the bustling Sangam to the serene Kalpvas area,
each zone is a testament to India’s organizational prowess.
Temporary pontoon bridges link
sections of the mela, while color-coded zones simplify movement. Parking for
1,850 hectares and designated routes for buses and trains ensure efficient
transit for the millions arriving from across the country.
Tech Meets Tradition: AI in
Action
AI and mobile technologies are revolutionizing the way the Kumbh operates.
Real-time analytics systems assist in crowd management and disease
surveillance, ensuring safety and health remain top priorities. The integration
of mobile platforms for public health tracking echoes lessons learned from past
Kumbh Melas and other global gatherings.
Navigating the Maha Kumbh: India
Today Digital’s Map
For those who wish to explore the
vastness of the Kumbh Mela site, an extensive map created by India Today
Digital serves as an invaluable tool. Divided into four main sections—Parade
Ground, Sangam, Jhusi, and Kalpvas—the site is interconnected by approximately
30 temporary pontoon bridges. These pathways, constructed by the UP Public
Works Department, ensure smooth transit between sectors.
Key highlights of the sectors
include:
- Sector 04: The Main Centre,
serving as the operational hub.
- Sector 03: Home to the
Akshayvat Pandal and the iconic Sangam Nose.
- Sector 18: Featuring the
Airavat Gate, a significant entry point.
- Sector 23: Housing Tent City
and the Arail Pakka Ghat for accommodations.
- Sector 06 & Sector 14:
Major ghats, including Bada Jhusi Ghat, ensuring convenient bathing areas.
- Sector 17: Covering the
expansive Sangam Area.
- Sector 08: Dedicated to the
Main Bathing Area for a seamless spiritual experience.
Parking facilities spread across
1,850 hectares cater to pilgrims arriving by car, while rail travelers benefit
from the proximity of Prayagraj Junction, Chheoki Station, and Prayag Sangam
Station.
Human-Centric Facilities: Beyond
Reunions
The Khoya-Paya centres go beyond
reuniting separated individuals. Each centre is equipped with waiting rooms,
medical facilities, and refreshment areas tailored for women and children.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are also being
leveraged to disseminate critical information about missing individuals and
items, further bridging the gap between the lost and found.
A Symbol of Unity and Safety
The Maha Kumbh 2025 exemplifies
the power of unity and safety. It redefines the experience of pilgrimage by
combining ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. The once-daunting
fear of being "lost at Kumbh" has been replaced with the reassurance
of digital solutions and the dedication of countless volunteers and officials.
As millions gather at the sacred Sangam, the spirit of collaboration and
innovation shines as brightly as the morning sun over Prayagraj.
Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts only.
The only Joy is ‘World Safe ePay Day’, and
‘World Blouse
Day’.
Safe and Stylish:
Unveiling World SafeePay and Blouse Day Delights
The need for observing World
SafeePay Day and World Blouse Day arises from the absence of dedicated global
celebrations for these concepts.
World SafeePay Day aims to
celebrate the joy of safe electronic payments in all financial transactions,
representing an abstract celebration that highlights the significance of secure
and efficient digital financial interactions. As the world increasingly relies
on electronic payment systems, having a designated day for SafeePay emphasizes
the importance of secure and reliable digital financial transactions.
On the other hand, World Blouse
Day seeks to celebrate the joys of wearing blouses in a more lively and
visually impactful manner. The concept involves a powerful display of
togetherness, with millions of people stepping out wearing blouses based on a
chosen theme. This display celebration not only promotes a sense of unity but
also serves as a unique and creative expression of shared identity through
clothing.
Day 6 Morning Chronicles: Reunions, Ghats, and Navigational
Triumphs with Khoya – Paya centres
Read the original article at https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maha-kumbh-2025-navigations-map-directions-lost-and-found-how-to-explained-trains-car-bus-2666238-2025-01-17#mahakumbh1
Image Courtesy – India Today Group
