Maha Kumbh 2025: Examining its Socio-Economic Disparities and Gendered Challenges
25-03-2025
Abstract
The article examines the various aspects of the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj, India. The largest religious congregation, which aimed at inclusivity, harmony, and washing away sins, became the site of deceit, mismanagement, and socioeconomic disparities for its devotees. This article investigates various incidents, such as the multiple stampedes during the Maha Kumbh. It also critically analyses disparities and mismanagement evident in the event. It further discusses gender objectification and misogyny in our society, simultaneously highlighting differential treatment between privileged citizens and common citizens of the country.
Orwell (1945) said, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”. His famous book Animal Farm is a reflection of disparities that exist in our society. The sentence critiques a government that professes complete equality for all its citizens while granting privileges and authority to a selected elite. This quote perfectly fits the current scenario at Maha Kumbh. The privileged ones, which include government officials, saints, influencers, and the richest people in our country, could be seen calmly taking a dip in the Holy Ganga River and its blessings due to its sacred significance in Hindu mythology. The whole opposite and heartbreaking picture of the vulnerable and helpless citizens of the same country is not hidden.
Maha Kumbh (2025): Preparations and Contradictions
The Maha Kumbh Mela was held at Prayagraj this year (2025) from January 13th to February 26th. The preparation and advertisement for Maha Kumbh have been going on for many months, with PM Narendra Modi saying it to be a ‘Mahayagaya of Unity’ (Seth, 2024). He emphasised this event, aiming to promote communities’ social harmony and economic empowerment. Ironically, ‘non-Sanatani’ people were prevented from entering or putting stalls at the Mela. Sanatani is those who follow the spirit of Bhagavat Gita and Manusmiriti as guiding doctrines. Mahant Ravindra Puri, chief of Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad, said They do not have enmity with the Muslims but should be prevented in Maha Kumbh as it would corrupt the religion. This exclusion of Muslims from this event and the statement of inclusion by PM Modi contradict each other.
The Uttar Pradesh government, while ensuring the safety of numerous devotees in Maha Kumbh, deployed robust security and advanced technology. As per the reports, there were around 2,715 CCTVs working 24*7 to maintain close surveillance. Despite all the security measures and months of plans, the Maha Kumbh Mela witnessed multiple stampedes. Reuters reported the various security measures taken during this event, which included temporary police stations and checkpoints, water police stations, fire safety, lost and found centres, and the availability of underwater drones, amongst other reactions.
The horrific incident, which shocked the whole nation, took place on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Mauni Amavasya holds great spiritual importance and inspires followers to engage in devotion, self-reflection, and tranquillity. Individuals should work on cultivating inner peace and positive karma while fostering a relationship with the Divine. This sacred occasion offers an opportunity to cleanse the spirit and embark on a path of spiritual growth, whether through silent meditation, ritualistic baths, or acts of kindness.
Catastrophes: The tragic incident of Mauni Amavasya and the New Delhi Railway Station Stampede
The Maha Kumbh Mela on Mauni Amavasya (29th January) witnessed a tragic stampede near the Sangam when a barrier collapsed around 1 AM, causing chaos in the densely packed crowd. False information further intensified the panic. The massive influx of devotees at 3 AM, the start of the auspicious hour for the holy dip, contributed to the disaster. The Hindu reported that at least 30 people died and 60 were injured, according to Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Maha Kumbh. Despite the state government’s claims of extensive planning and expectations of 50 crore pilgrims, it struggled to manage the five crore devotees present at the site.
The heartbreaking visuals and testimonies from the incident raised serious concerns about crowd management, safety, and surveillance at the event. Many families suffered immense loss, with some losing loved ones or even entire families. While devotees mourned, prominent saints described these deaths as attaining Moksha (salvation).
This is not the first such tragedy at Maha Kumbh. Similar stampedes occurred in 2013 and 1954, with 42 and 800 casualties, respectively.
Before the nation could recover, another stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on 15th February, as thousands rushed to board trains for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. Official reports confirmed 18 deaths. According to The Indian Express, the usual 7,000 tickets booked between 6 PM and 8 PM surged to 9,600 on the day of the incident. A Railway Ministry official admitted that the situation could have been prevented if authorities had anticipated the surge in ticket sales.
Viral videos showed overcrowded trains, frustrated passengers, and incidents of vandalism due to train delays and lack of space. Reports also highlighted instances of misbehaviour towards families, further exposing the poor handling of logistics and security.
These back-to-back tragedies raise critical questions about crowd control, preparedness, and the accountability of authorities in managing such massive religious gatherings
Religious Gathering: An Unsafe Space for Women
A gathering meant for spiritual purification turned into a nightmare for female devotees. The space for spiritual reflection became the site of gender-based violation. The site became vulnerable for women as they were filmed unconsented while bathing. Their videos were being shared and circulated over social media. Even celebrities like Katrina Kaif, who came for the holy bath at Maha Kumbh, became victims of the male gaze despite strict security. Moreover, the uncensored videos of women were sold for INR 1000-1500.
A separate picture at the Maha Kumbh was initially an empowering situation, but later, it turned into another objectification and harassment. Monalisa, a 16-year-old bead seller, became a focal point at the Kumbh Mela due to her amber eyes and dusky skin. Videos can be seen on social media, reflecting how women are treated in the patriarchal Indian society, which though considers women as goddesses. She could be seen surrounded by a crowd of males harassing and touching her in the guise of clicking pictures for her.
Female citizens of a nation serve as markers of a city’s vibrancy and inclusivity (Roy & Bailey, 2021). When women are being objectified at such gatherings, then they are often encouraged to remain in private spaces and to contribute less in public spaces. This hinders their human interaction and limits their right to live with dignity. Public areas are crucial for interpersonal relationships. If large religious gatherings fail to ensure women’s safety and dignity, it further discourages their presence in public spaces, reinforcing systematic exclusion.
Reflection of Disparities in Maha Kumbh
The pain, loss of life, and sense of helplessness experienced by the common citizens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Kumbh highlight the country’s power disparities. The affluent, elite, and influential individuals were able to enjoy the benefits and blessings of the event with ease. In contrast, ordinary devotees had to stand in long queues in order to avail themselves of the same privileges and blessings. This situation illustrates the profound inequality present in our community. Maha Kumbh clearly shows the enjoyment of power and the country’s class hierarchy.
The Wire reported on the ordeal of 25 pilgrims as 'they walked 15 km from Allahabad Junction to the mela grounds with luggage’. Meanwhile, the elite side of Kumbh had all the luxuries. There have been videos and pictures shared by people on various social media, where scenes of devotees coming to Maha Kumbh were seen sitting in the fields filled with litter and animal excretion. Devotees coming to purify themselves could not avail themselves of the basic necessity of a clean and hygienic habitat. However, the opposite pictures of influencers of our country were seen sharing the clean and safe tent where they were habituating. Their habitat had comforts such as beds and washrooms.
Krishan Murari explains Maha Kumbh was once a low-class, rural phenomenon. Still, the Uttar Pradesh government has transformed it into a proud, elite experience that reflects the spirit of the nation. This Maha Kumbh showcased how the general citizens of India were left out of priority for the sake of VIP culture. For NRIs and wealthy Indians who wish to experience the Kumbh without the crowds and chaos, it is a glamorous and unique experience. The original motto behind the Maha Kumbh was sacred congregations, but now, it has been turned into exhibitions, such as the Mega Expo.
Policy Recommendation: For Inclusive and Safer Maha Kumbh
In order to make Maha Kumbh an inclusive and sustainable event, the government should focus on diverse aspects and identities of the devotees and the space. Gender-inclusive security measures, such as women-only bathing areas and strict surveillance against harassment and voyeurism, should be implemented. Crowd safety and disaster preparedness should be the priority, including digital queue systems, real-time crowd updates, and more volunteers being deployed. In case of a stampede, the people should have access to immediate healthcare and emergency services. Thus, free 24*7 medical camps and clinics should be available at the site. There should also be accessibility to affordable and safe accommodation with proper sanitation and clean drinking water. Transparent VIP regulations should limit privileges and ensure equal access to facilities for all pilgrims, reducing socioeconomic disparities amongst devotes. The government should ensure that all devotes should have equal access to worship sites and bathing areas, preventing VIP privileges.
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