The excitement for the Maha Kumbh is building, and this year’s event is set to be one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world. With the number of devotees expected to surpass 45 crores—greater than the populations of countries like Russia, Mexico, and Japan—the scale of the event will be unprecedented. As the crowd surges, ensuring the safety and well-being of millions becomes a major concern. To address this, the government of Uttar Pradesh is leveraging modern technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, to enhance security and streamline the pilgrimage experience. Let’s explore how AI shapes this year's Maha Kumbh and ensures a smooth, safe journey for all. How AI Is Enhancing Maha Kumbh 2025 Experience Artificial Intelligence is playing a pivotal role at Maha Kumbh, from facilitating communication with the administration to helping pilgrims navigate the Mela. Let's explore the key initiatives being transformed by the power of AI: AI-Powered Crowd Management With the sheer number of pilgrims expected at Maha Kumbh 2025, crowd management has become an enormous challenge. AI and machine learning (ML), is playing a pivotal role in the safety efforts. The authorities have deployed its AI-powered video analytics solutions across 400 strategically placed cameras at the Kumbh Mela site. These cameras are not just passively recording footage, but they are also equipped with AI algorithms that are capable of analysing crowd density in real-time. By using crowd detection and density estimation, AI systems can provide authorities with valuable insights into crowd behaviour and movement patterns. This allows them to identify potential bottlenecks, overcrowded areas, or risk zones where stampedes could occur. With this information, safety measures, such as rerouting crowds or deploying security personnel, can be implemented swiftly, potentially saving lives. AI in Surveillance and Security AI is also making a significant impact on the surveillance and security aspects of the Kumbh Mela. Traditional methods of surveillance, such as manual monitoring and patrolling, are now being supplemented with advanced AI solutions that can detect suspicious activities, enhance facial recognition, and provide real-time alerts. An Integrated Command & Control Centre is also there, which acts as the central hub for all security agencies, including the police forces. From here, officers can monitor live feeds from AI-powered cameras positioned around the venue. These cameras are capable of detecting not only crowd density but also other security threats, such as vehicles moving in the wrong direction, theft, and even smoke detection, which could indicate potential fires or explosions. Moreover, AI-based facial recognition systems can help identify missing persons or potential threats by scanning faces in large crowds and cross-referencing them with databases of known criminals or missing persons. This technology has already been put to the test at previous events like the Magh Mela 2024, where AI solutions played a crucial role in enhancing security and ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims. The AI-Enabled Lost and Found Centre One of the most significant initiatives at the Maha Kumbh Mela includes the establishment of an AI-powered Lost and Found centre. With millions of people in attendance, it's not uncommon for children or elderly individuals to become separated from their families. The AI-based system uses facial recognition and image-matching algorithms to quickly locate lost persons and reunite them with their loved ones. The system not only helps track missing persons but also ensures that the lost are provided with accommodation, food, and clothing, guaranteeing their well-being until they are safely returned to their relatives. In a few rare instances, where reunification couldn't be done immediately, the administration has taken the responsibility of returning the lost individuals to their homes, further demonstrating the commitment to safety and security. AI for Predictive Safety In addition to real-time monitoring, AI is being used to predict potential safety threats before they even occur. A total of 2,700 high-definition CCTV cameras will be deployed to monitor crowd movement, ghats, and entry-exit polls. AI algorithms are also analysing crowd movement, weather conditions, and other variables, to predict possible high-risk scenarios. These predictions enable authorities to take preemptive actions, such as increasing security in specific areas, or relocating crowds to safer zones, ensuring smooth operations during peak periods. This type of predictive safety technology extends beyond crowd management to include other risks, such as vehicle accidents, traffic violations, and medical emergencies. AI's ability to analyse large sets of data from various sensors, cameras, and IoT devices allows for quick, data-driven decisions that can save lives and prevent accidents. Role of AI in Medical and Emergency Services AI plays a crucial role in enhancing emergency medical services during large events like the Kumbh Mela, where the likelihood of medical emergencies—ranging from heart attacks to dehydration—significantly increases. The Kumbh Sah‘AI’yak chatbot has become an invaluable tool in this regard. With just a few clicks, users can access vital information about primary health centres, ambulances, hospitals, and more. By streamlining and personalising emergency responses, AI ensures that help reaches those in need quickly, significantly reducing the risk of fatalities or further harm. Concluding Remarks! The use of Artificial Intelligence at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is just the beginning. As technology advances, it is expected that AI will play an even greater role in managing such large-scale events. With the ability to predict, monitor, and respond to safety concerns in real-time, AI is transforming the way public safety is managed at religious gatherings, ensuring a safer, more efficient, and more organised experience for pilgrims. Furthermore, under the administration of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, AI-powered solutions are getting further support. With further technological innovations on the horizon, the future of pilgrim safety looks promising and is increasingly reliant on AI's potential to safeguard human lives in large-scale events.