KUMBH MELA 2019: Important Dates, Key Highlights & Special Facilities for Pilgrims

The Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world this year will be spread over an area of 45 kilometer from the previous 20 kilometer radius.

Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over a course of 12 years. The Mela rotates at four places in India, which is based on certain celestial position of the planets. Millions of worshippers take holy dip in the sacred rivers with the faith that it purifies their souls and leads to salvation.

Pilgrims, who will be visiting the holy city this year, will get to see the Akshay Vat, a banyan tree held sacred by Hindus and the Saraswati Koop, a ‘well’ considered to be the source of the mythical Saraswati River.

A new road, which will lead to the Akshay Vat tree, is also being built to facilitate people.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during his visit to the city said people will be able to offer prayers at the Akhsay Vat, which has been closed for more than 450 years - during Ardha Kumbh.

Kumbh Mela 2019 important dates

• The Kumbh Mela 2019 will start tomorrow i.e. 5^th January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the first bathing day.

• Paush Purnima is on 21^st

• Mauni Amavasya – the main Royal Bath - 2nd Shahi Snan – is on 4^th

• 3rd shahi Snan is on Basant Panchami – 10^th February

• Maghi Poornima is on 19^th

• The last bathing day will be on Mahashivratri i.e. 4^th

Key highlights of Kumbh Mela 2019

Here are the key highlights of this year’s Kumbh Mela:

1. This year, a new and temporary city has been set up along Prayagraj - with 250-km long roads and 22 pontoon bridges. ANI told that this is the largest temporary city in the entire world.

2. An Integrated Control Command and Centre has been made in the Kumbh area for the very first time. This will help in controlling and keeping the traffic movement and crowd coming to mela safe.

3. More than 40,000 LED bulbs have been installed in the Kumbh mela 2019 – and this has already been included by the UNESCO in the list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.'

4. Kumbh Mela will also witness the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for crowd management.

5. There will be 2 Control and Command Centres under a scheme of about Rs 247 crore in Prayagraj.

6. AI will be used by the Integrated Command and Control Centre police wherein the security personnel will monitor the visuals of crowd movement and check the crowd size. This way they will be able to monitor anything which is suspicious.

7. The police in Uttar Pradesh have acquired quad bikes for speedy movement on the sand of Sangam area. These advanced quad bikes have broad tyres and a powerful engine, which makes it quicker and easier to move quickly on the sand.

Special Facilities for pilgrims

1. The Indian Railways will be running 800 special trains to Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela 2019. Air India too has announced new flights to the holy city.

2. Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation has also announced launch of 'joyride' - a helicopter service namely for a tour of Kumbh 2019. This helicopter service will begin from 17^th January and would continue till February.

3. Around 10 stalls for the virtual reality (VR) pilgrims have been set up at prime locations. Visitors and pilgrims (old-aged) can see the Kumbh 2019 videos and experience at these stalls.

4. Furthermore, an SMS service has been started by the Mela Authority for the ease of devotees coming for Kumbh 2019. Over 10 crore SMS will be sent to people in 3 waves, providing information on different aspects and facilities available at Kumbh Mela 2019.

5. 4000 hotspots have been set-up in the mela area that will provide high-speed Wi-Fi for visitors.