Maha Kumbh Mela – the world’s largest human gathering is going on in full swing in India. The religious event is everywhere in the news with thousands of celebrities and millions of people from around the world attending. With over 150 million devotees taking the holy dip in the ‘Triveni Sangam’, it is becoming quite difficult for the authorities to manage the sea of humans. Recently, the Mela was again in the limelight, and here’s why.
The “world’s biggest traffic jam” has been reported in Prayagraj extending up to 300km. Millions of Maha Kumbh devotees are stuck in this jam for up to 48 hours moving just 50km in 10-12 hours. The queue of stranded vehicles has stretched the traffic jam across 200-300 km and it has become nearly impossible for the traffic police to manage it. The roads in Prayagraj leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela have been transformed into massive parking lots resulting in a gridlock situation. Millions of pilgrims have been stranded in their cars hundreds of kilometers away from the sacred site.
The news of unprecedented congestion has gone viral on the Internet and is being named as the “world’s longest traffic jam.” Several divisions leading to the Sangam have been closed for passenger movement and the authorities are prompting the police to stop the traffic approaching from surrounding districts. Videos of traffic police alerting visitors of the heavy traffic and requesting them to avoid overcrowding are circulating all over social media. The state is even urging the stranded travelers to halt their journeys and find shelter nearby to avoid further jams. Police have set up barricades at the traffic jams-clogged key roads leading to the site. Despite this, the situation has worsened and it has become difficult for the authorities to manage the incoming flow of vehicles.
As reported by the officials, what is adding to the pressure is that the number of pilgrims arriving every hour is not decreasing and the traffic continues to mount. Some travelers even went on social media platforms showering criticism of the government over mismanagement stating that “the government is neglecting the plight of the stranded pilgrims who are stuck in traffic jams hungry, thirsty, distressed and tired.” However, with millions of devotees visiting the Mela each day, it is nearly impossible for the authorities to manage the unprecedented situation. As a result, pilgrims are struggling to reach the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip.
The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs after 144 years and hence, its significance is incomparable. This time, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has drawn global attention and has constantly been among the top social media trends. Till now, over 420 million devotees have taken the holy dip at the Maha Kumbh and the exceptional site is even visible from the space.
