As preparations ramp up for the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the grand spiritual gathering is set to begin on January 13 and will run until February 26. Expected to attract millions of devotees, the event will take place at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. The iconic Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, will feature significant spiritual rituals, including the famous Shahi Snans (royal baths).
Ensuring Fire Safety with Advanced Technology
With the safety of attendees a top priority, the district administration has rolled out extensive measures to prevent fire incidents. As part of these efforts, the state fire department is deploying innovative tools, including firefighting robots, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and fire mist bikes.Â
Firefighting boats, which draw water directly from the river, will also be operational in the coming week to address any fires on houseboats or bridges. In addition, 365 fire response vehicles have been stationed across Prayagraj to ensure swift action in case of an emergency.
To further enhance safety, awareness campaigns and mock drills are being conducted to educate the public on fire safety and emergency response. "The focus is on educating people on how to handle small fire incidents, which will help prevent panic," said ADG Fire Padmaja Chauhan.
Streamlining Travel with QR Code-Based Ticketing
In an effort to ease the travel experience for the millions of pilgrims attending the Kumbh, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has introduced QR code-based ticketing. Railway staff, wearing green jackets with QR codes, will assist passengers in downloading the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app. This digital initiative aims to reduce station congestion and provide a smoother, more convenient ticketing process.
By allowing pilgrims to book unreserved tickets digitally and make payments through integrated digital options, the system aligns with the Digital India mission. It is designed to ensure a hassle-free experience for attendees, minimizing long queues and providing added convenience.
Key Rituals and Spiritual Gatherings
The Maha Kumbh 2025 will feature several key rituals, including the Shahi Snans (royal baths), which are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). These important bathing rituals will draw millions of devotees from across India and the world.
With cutting-edge fire safety measures and digital ticketing, the Uttar Pradesh administration is leveraging advanced technology to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all attendees.
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