What is Kumbha ?

In Prayagraj, as the word Kumbh enters ones ears the picturesque vision of Triveni Sangam,
the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati flashes in the
minds of people. At the sacred confluence huge multitudes move like waves in the ocean
filled with sense of devotion. 'Shahi Snaan' of Akharas, chanting of vedic mantras and
elucidations of religious hymns in the Saint pandals, proclamations of knowledge,
tatvamimansa and truth by rishis, charming music, mesmerising sound of multitudes of
instruments, holy dip in sangam with utmost devotion fills the heart of devotees with
immense joy and offering prayers at many divine temples exhibits the greatness of Prayagraj
Kumbh.
The Kumbh Mela at Prayag is very different as compared to Kumbh at other places due to
many reasons. Firstly, the tradition of long-term Kalpvas is practised only in Prayag.
Secondly, the Triveni Sangam is considered as the centre of the earth in few scriptures.
Thirdly, Lord Brahma performed the Yajna here for creating the universe. Fourthly, Prayagraj
is called the shrine of pilgrimages, but the most important reason is that the significance of
performing rituals and tapas at Prayagraj is of highest among all pilgrimages and provides
one with the highest virtue.
Maharshi Markandeya in ‘Matsya Purana’ told Yudhishtra that this place is specifically
protected by all the Gods. Residing here for a month and practicing complete asceticism,
remaining celibate and duly performing oblations for his deity and ancestors fulfils all the
desires. It is believed that an individual who takes the holy dip in the sacred waters relieves
his/her ten generations from the cycle of rebirth, and hence, achieving salvation. Moreover,
it is said that just by providing services to pilgrims at Prayag during Kumbh will help an
individual to gain redemption from temptation. Prayag is visited by tens of millions of
pilgrims because these beliefs. Saints, ascetics and their followers pay their respect and
perform various traditional rituals at Triveni sangam. The amazed devotees line up to watch
the rituals being performed.

The Kumbh Mela at Prayag takes place for approximately 55 days, spread over thousands of
hectares around the sangam area, and becomes the greatest of ephemeral city in the world.
Regularity of this celebration continuing since ancient times is unique in itself. Ever
increasing pressure of populace and expanding cities tend to engulf the rivers and events
like Kumbh, graces the rivers with the profound status of creators of the world. There is a
deeply enrooted feeling of devotion and faith flowing in the veins of every Indian since
eternity.
After independence, various rules were framed resulting in few changes in organising
Kumbh Mela. The government made provisions for providing basic amenities to the pilgrims.
The government upon realising the importance of Kumbh and understanding the
requirements of huge number of pilgrims visiting the mela took multiple steps in public
interest in order to facilitate the pilgrims. Importance was given towards providing security
services, better traffic management, lighting and health facilities and ensuring the same. It is
difficult to say who took responsibility for these amenities before government made
provisions for the same. However, after passing the law, the responsibility of providing the
basic facilities lies with the government. On the same lines, formation of Prayagraj Mela
Authority 2018 is an important stepping-stone towards organising the event of the scale of
Kumbh. The formation of Prayagraj Mela Authority will ensure that the basic amenities are
provided in Kumbh 2019 to the devotees visiting the Mela. For the Kumbh 2019, modern
technologies are being deployed to enhance the ‘Divyata’ and ‘Bhavyata’ of the Kumbh.
Gates based on various themes will welcome pilgrims and information boards will guide
them to their destination. Huge pandals and tents will facilitate the stay of pilgrims and
visitors. Various lighting arrangements have been made on the banks including façade
lighting that will engulf the pilgrims in diverse colours. Also, different cuisines and gourmet
food in the food courts shall satisfy the appetite of the pilgrims.

Making of Kumbha
To make Kumbh 2019 an event of unparalleled grandeur, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has
undertaken multiple measures for ensuring the efficient running of the Mela. Unprecedented
sustainable construction work is being done. Construction of flyovers, railway under bridges,
road widening in the city and beautification of major intersections are few highlights of the
massive construction and upgradation tasks being undertaken to make Prayagraj ready for
Kumbh 2019.
All departments of the Government are carrying out development works. These include key
initiatives of upgradation of Railway Stations and the construction of the new Prayagraj Civil
Airport to cater to the incoming pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Further, National
Highways Authority of India is rebuilding and upgrading major Highways connecting Prayagraj
to Pratapgarh, Raebareli, and Varanasi. Pilgrims will also have the convenience of point-to-point
ferry rides to travel to the bathing ghats as the Inland Waterways Authority of India is building
five Jetties.
116 roads are being constructed and widened by Public Works Department (PWD). Parking
spots are being constructed at short distances from the Sangam. More than 84 parking places
have been identified, 18 of which are being developed as satellite towns, replete with public
conveniences and vending zones, to enhance the experience of Pilgrims. More than 524 shuttle
buses and many CNG auto rickshaws are to be deployed for carrying pilgrims. About 54 holding
areas are being developed which will be used for waiting and resting of visitors at different areas
in the city.
For systematic and smooth traffic management, digital signage have been planned in the Mela
area, city and conveyance areas. For maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and to host an open-
defecation-free Kumbh, more than one lakh toilets have been planned to be deployed. These
will be complemented by modern techniques for septage management. Solid waste is to be
collected in 20,000 dustbins that are to be deployed and will be transported out of the Mela
area by tippers and compactors deployed accordingly.
To provide a truly Divya and Bhavya experience, the mela area is being lit by setting up more
than 40,700 thousand LED lights.
To facilitate tourists, a city of 4,200 premium tents is being established on PPP model. This tent-
city will also be the hub of cultural events. In order to facilitate pilgrims Pandals are being set
up in each sector. For hosting cultural programs on a mega scale, the Ganga Pandal is being
setup. Convention halls are being built across the mela area. Some of the innovative new
attractions at Kumbh will include theme-based Gates, Laser Shows, Paint My City Campaign and
Heli-tourism.
Traffic management at Kumbh 2019 is planned to ensure coordination of traffic movement on
multiple channels which will be integrated with google maps as well before the Mela. In order
to facilitate visitors, new deployment of telecommunication services, banking services and
water ATMs are being carried out for the entire mela area. Modern technology equipped
Integrated Command and Control Center for managing the security of visitors is being set up.
This will also include setting up 1,000 CCTV cameras in the entire mela area for better
monitoring and mitigations of risks that can lead to potential disasters.

Tent City in Kumbh Mela

 4,200 premium tents for tourist will be built and operated on PPP basis.
 Public accommodation, with a capacity of 20,000 beds
 Ganga Pandal, with a capacity to accommodate 10,000 people, used for organizing
cultural, spiritual and official programmes with State-of-the-art facilities
 Four Convention halls, with modern and contemporary décor for each zone
 A Pravachan Pandal with a capacity for 2,000 persons will also be built in the Mela area
for organizing religious and spiritual programs
Sanitation
 More than 1,22,000 toilets
 More than 20,000 dustbins with liner bags
 More than 15,000 sanitation workers
 40 Compactors and 120 Tippers for disposal of waste
 More than 2,000 Ganga Praharis/Swacchagrahis are being engaged as foot soldiers

Traffic Planning
 300 kms roads in the Mela area
 1,795 Pontoons to be used for developing 22 Pontoon bridges
 More than 84 parking areas for parking of more than 5 lakh vehicles
 54 holding areas for crowd control during Mela period
 524 shuttle buses and thousands of CNG autos will be deployed
 More than 2,000 digital signages
Electricity
 40,700 L.E.D Lights
 1,030 Km L.T Line
 105 Km Hypertension Line
 175 High Masts
 54 Temporary Sub Stations
 2,80,000 Camp Connections

Drainage/ Sewerage
 150 Km HDPE Pipe Line
 850 Km Drains
 100 Trolley Mounted Diesel Pumps
Drinking Water
 5000 Stand Posts
 800 Km Pipe Line
 200 Water ATM
 150 Water Tankers
 100 Hand pumps

Vending Zones
 Theme-based vending zones for food stalls, grocery stalls, clothes, and utensil stalls
etc.
 Online stall allotment system to ensure online registration and identification of
vendors
Beautification
 Beautification of important roads
 Planting of 2 lakh plants (with pots)
 Thematic Gates, Flags, Selfie points
 Beautification of major approach roads within a radius of 10 km from Prayagraj city
 Lighting and infrastructure development of important government buildings and
other big private buildings

Police Plan
 4 Police lines
o 40 police stations
o 3 female police stations
o 62 police out posts
 40 Fire fighting centres
  15 fire out posts
 40 watch towers
 Over 1,000 cameras

Civil Supplies
 Ration cards to access civil supplies for over 10 lakh Kalpvaasis
 Permits to access civil supplies for Akharas and Religious Organizations

Other Highlights
 Upgradation of 9 railway stations
 Development of 9 ROBs
 Expansion of 6 RUBs
 A new terminal is being constructed at the Prayagraj Civil Airport
 NHAI is rebuilding and upgrading
o Prayagraj – Pratapgarh Highway
o Raebareli – Prayagraj Highway
o Varanasi – Prayagraj Highway
 Inland Waterways Authority of India is building Jetties at 5 places and is planning to
start point to point ferry services for Pilgrim