In a significant move to enhance the administration of the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has designated the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district. The decision was officially announced on Sunday to streamline the management of this grand religious event, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
The newly created district will be named Maha Kumbh Mela District. The primary aim of this decision is to ensure efficient operations and better administrative oversight for the Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.
According to the official notification issued by Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandad, the boundaries of the Maha Kumbh Mela District will encompass specific revenue villages and the parade area as listed in Annexure-I of the order.
“I, Ravindra Kumar Mandad, District Magistrate, in continuation of the instructions given in Government’s letter No.-3966 / 9-1-2024-408057 dated 25.11.2024, exercising the powers conferred under Section 2 (th) of the Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj Mela Authority, Prayagraj Act, 2017, hereby issue a notification to declare Maha Kumbh Mela District for the organization of Maha Kumbh 2025,” the order stated.
The notification grants the Mela Adhikari (Mela Officer) extensive powers equivalent to those of an Executive Magistrate, District Magistrate, and Collector to oversee the event. This includes authority under the Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023, and the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006 (as amended in 2016).
Significance of the Decision
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is considered one of the largest spiritual gatherings globally and a cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage. The creation of a dedicated district reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that this event is managed seamlessly, given its scale and significance.
The upcoming Maha Kumbh is expected to draw millions of pilgrims and international visitors, making it a major milestone for cultural promotion and tourism in India.