The Maha Kumbh of faith is also a logistical marvel

The spectacle reflects India's ability to honour its ancient traditions while embracing modern advancements

- Amitabh Kant

The Kumbh Mela symbolises faith, unity, and humanity's timeless connection to the divine. It commemorates the spilling of the nectar of immortality (amrit) at four sacred sites - Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik - during a cosmic struggle, with its timing dictated by celestial alignments. Over time, Kumbh Mela has evolved, blending ancient traditions with modern innovations.

On February 4, 2019, Kumbh Mela witnessed the largest peaceful gathering of humanity ever recorded. This extraordinary event is a celebration of faith, community, and commerce. With fairs, educational events, religious discourses by saints, mass gatherings of monks and diverse entertainment, the Kumbh exemplifies the vibrant ethos of Indian society.

The 2019 edition in Prayagraj was particularly remarkable, hosting an estimated 240 million visitors over 50 days, with 30 million attending on February 4 alone. Held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the fabled Saraswati rivers, preparations included a sprawling tent city across 3,200 hectares with 440 km of temporary roads, 22 pontoon bridges, nearly 50,000 LED streetlights, and extensive sanitation infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Kumbh Mela in 2019 was a gesture of gratitude to the organisers and workers who made the event a global success. The 2019 Kumbh set new benchmarks for cleanliness and public sanitation. Compared to just 5,000 community toilets in 2013, the 2019 event saw 122,500 toilets, complemented by 20,000 dustbins and 160 waste transport vehicles. Innovative measures, such as water jet spray machines for cleaning, significantly reduced water wastage and eased sanitation work.