Spirituality meets AI as 45-day Maha Kumbh begins today

The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is set to begin on Monday with the first major bathing ritual, ‘Shahi Snan’, on ‘Paush Purnima’ at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

The present edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, though seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious.

The Uttar Pradesh Government is expecting a record turnout of 35 crore devotees over the course of the event, with a significant early arrival of pilgrims already evident. The government has also introduced modern technology to enhance the experience, dubbing this year’s event as a “Digi-Kumbh”. Officials noted that artificial intelligence (AI) would play a major role in monitoring and managing various aspects of the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the event a testament to India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy, stating, “Maha Kumbh offers people from across the globe a chance to reconnect with their ancient traditions and cultural roots. The latest edition of the Maha Kumbh will be a grand, divine and digitally advanced event.” “Spanning 10,000 acres, the event will set an exemplary standard for cleanliness, security and modernity. To enhance the convenience of devotees, a digital tourist map will facilitate monitoring the cleanliness of toilets, while an AI-powered security system integrated with smartphones will ensure safety,” the CM added.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said more than 1.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit the kumbh.