The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is set to break multiple world records, with a focus on eye testing and spectacle distribution. The Mela Authority has made extensive preparations to set four different world records, including the largest gathering of devotees in a single event. Additionally, the event will set a world record for eye testing and spectacle distribution, with over five lakh people expected to undergo eye examinations and three lakh spectacles to be distributed during the event.
A grand “Netra Kumbh” (Eye Kumbh) will be inaugurated on January 5, located in Sector 5 near Nagvasuki. This initiative spans 10 acres and is designed to provide free eye check-ups for devotees, with follow-up surgeries available at nearby hospitals after the event.
Dr. Ranjan Bajpai, a member of the organizing committee, spoke about the initiative:
“Netra Kumbh will be inaugurated on January 5. The inauguration will be done by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, with Gaurang Prabhu Ji Maharaj as the special guest, and Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji as the keynote speaker.”
Bajpai highlighted the scale of this year’s event, noting that the number of participants had doubled since the last Netra Kumbh, with a target of three lakh spectacles and five lakh OPDs (Outpatient Department consultations). The event aims for a world record, and after its success in the Limca Book of World Records, it now hopes to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Bajpai added:
“We have tied up with 240 big hospitals from all over India, and doctors from different provinces are coming here to provide their services. Our effort is to help people regain their eyesight.”
For the convenience of doctors and attendees, extensive infrastructure has been set up. Rajesh Kumar Singh, responsible for crowd management, provided further details:
“Netra Kumbh has been built on 10 acres, with 11 hangars for eye examinations. Last time, there were only five hangars. A systematic process has been arranged, with separate OPD chambers for consultations.”
Additionally, the event will have a special eye donation camp. Sunil Kumar Singh, from the organizing committee, shared:
“Inspired by Emperor Harshvardhan Ji’s tradition of donating, we are setting up an eye donation camp. We hope that those who wish to donate their eyes will come forward and help those in need.”
In the last Netra Kumbh, over 11,000 people donated their eyes. The committee is hopeful of continuing this tradition and contributing to the restoration of sight for thousands.