How Maha Kumbh Embraces World’s Largest Travel Chaos, Targeting to Welcome More than Five Hundred Million Tourists, Surpassing Hajj Records, New TTW Report on India’s Biggest Religious Festival

Published on February 10, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The Maha Kumbh in India has set new records in global religious gatherings, welcoming an unprecedented number of pilgrims. This year, the Maha Kumbh is expected to witness over five hundred Millions of devotees, far surpassing the attendance of the Hajj pilgrimage. The travel rush and travel chaos surrounding the event have reached historic levels, creating an immense challenge for authorities in managing the overwhelming number of visitors.

The Maha Kumbh is the world’s largest religious congregation, drawing pilgrims from all across India and beyond. As the numbers rise beyond five Hundred Millions, logistical challenges such as travel rush, travel chaos, accommodation shortages, and security measures become critical concerns. The sheer scale of the Maha Kumbh makes it an unparalleled spectacle in global religious tourism, far exceeding the annual numbers of Hajj. “Previously, Travel And Tour World estimated that the Maha Kumbh Festival would attract around 450 million religious tourists, but this figure has already been surpassed. Since the festival began on 13th January 2025, the number of arrivals has exceeded expectations, outpacing both the Hajj pilgrimage and the Chinese Lunar New Year Travel Rush in scale and volume.

As of 10th February 2025, the massive influx of pilgrims continues to flood into Uttar Pradesh, with the Maha Kumbh Mela still ongoing until 26th February 2025. Experts now anticipate that the total number of tourists could cross 500 million, solidifying its position as one of the largest gatherings in human history. This unprecedented turnout highlights the global significance of the Maha Kumbh and underscores its standing as a monumental religious and cultural event in India”, says Anup Kumar Keshan, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World.

Despite the travel chaos, the Maha Kumbh remains a defining event in India, reinforcing the country’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. The government has implemented AI-driven crowd management systems to regulate the travel rush, ensuring that the five Hundred Millions of attendees can participate safely. With the Maha Kumbh continuing to surpass Hajj attendance, India showcases its ability to handle religious tourism on an unmatched scale. As the travel chaos intensifies, the resilience of India in organizing the Maha Kumbh remains a testament to its cultural and spiritual heritage.

India’s Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj Draws International Devotees and Tourists, Showcasing the Fusion of Spirituality, Culture, and Economic Growth

The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage recorded a total of 1,833,164 pilgrims, comprising 221,854 internal (12.1%) and 1,611,310 external (87.9%) pilgrims. Among internal pilgrims, 53.5% were men and 46.5% women, while external pilgrims consisted of 52.1% men and 47.9% women.

The majority of external pilgrims (96.0%) arrived in Makkah al-Mukarramah via air transport, while 3.7% traveled by land and 0.3% by sea. The pilgrim service sector employed 236,897 personnel in 2022, covering public services, health, transport, and telecommunications.

The Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest travel events in the world, has drawn an overwhelming number of pilgrims to Prayagraj, India. With millions heading towards the Sangam, where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge, the city has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitors. However, this massive influx has led to severe traffic congestion, causing delays, logistical challenges, and chaos across major routes leading into the city.

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300-km Long Traffic Jam Leaves Devotees Stranded for More Than a Day on the Road

Reports indicate that traffic jams extending up to 300 kilometers have left thousands of vehicles stuck on highways leading to Prayagraj. Pilgrims traveling from Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur have faced extensive roadblocks, with some routes witnessing jams spanning 25 kilometers. Inside Prayagraj, congestion of up to seven kilometers has been reported, further aggravating the situation. This has led to delays, forcing pilgrims to wait for hours or even days before reaching their destination.

The heavy rush follows the Basant Panchmi Amrit Snan, where millions gathered to take a holy dip in the Sangam. Contrary to expectations that the crowd would ease after Amrit Snan, more devotees have continued arriving in large numbers, causing severe strain on the region’s infrastructure, road networks, and public transport systems.

Authorities Struggle to Manage the Influx

To address the growing crisis, authorities have imposed vehicle movement restrictions on key highways. Reports suggest that the police in Madhya Pradesh have completely halted traffic flow on certain routes leading to Prayagraj to prevent further gridlocks. Inspector General of Police (Rewa zone) Saket Prakash Pandey attributed the massive congestion to an unanticipated weekend rush, stating that traffic movement will only resume in coordination with the Prayagraj administration.

The impact of the gridlock is being felt across different transportation hubs. The Prayagraj Sangam railway station has been shut down to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, a one-way traffic system has been enforced at Prayagraj Junction to regulate passenger movement. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kuldeep Singh acknowledged that the surge of vehicles trying to reach the Maha Kumbh Mela grounds has made traffic management a significant challenge.

Pilgrims Stuck for Up to 48 Hours

Pilgrims stuck in traffic have expressed frustration, with some reporting that their vehicles have remained idle for up to 48 hours. “It is taking 10-12 hours to cover just 50 kilometers,” one traveler shared. With roads gridlocked, food, water, and essential supplies are running low, adding to the distress of those en route to Prayagraj.

Many devotees left their vehicles behind and chose to walk for miles to reach the festival grounds. Witnesses described the situation as chaotic, with no clear guidance from traffic management teams on how to ease the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Despite authorities working round the clock, there seems to be no immediate relief from the overwhelming rush.

Political Criticism and Public Reactions

The traffic crisis has triggered political reactions, with Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for its failure to manage the event effectively. Yadav has called for toll-free travel across Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh, stating that if entertainment taxes on films can be waived, the same should apply to travel during an event of this magnitude.

On social media, users have raised concerns over poor planning and infrastructure shortcomings, demanding better facilities for pilgrims in future editions of the Maha Kumbh. Some have pointed out that, despite years of preparation, the authorities appear unprepared for handling the overwhelming crowd. Others have defended the Uttar Pradesh administration, arguing that an event of this scale is bound to face logistical challenges.

Record-Breaking Pilgrim Turnout

Despite the logistical challenges, the Maha Kumbh 2025 continues to witness record-breaking attendance. Officials report that over 46 lakh devotees have taken a dip in the Sangam today alone. Since the Maha Kumbh began last month, a staggering 44 crore pilgrims have participated in the sacred bathing rituals, reaffirming the festival’s reputation as one of the most significant religious and travel events in the world.

This surge in religious tourism has also provided a major boost to the local economy. Hotels, transport services, and local businesses are witnessing unprecedented demand, with vendors catering to millions of visitors. However, this massive surge in economic activity has also led to shortages of basic amenities, making it difficult for both pilgrims and residents to cope with the influx.

Emergency Measures and Crowd Control Strategies

Despite these efforts, the sheer scale of the event means that challenges persist. Authorities have urged pilgrims to use alternative travel routes and follow official advisories to minimise disruptions.

Impact on Religious Tourism and Future Implications

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than just a festival—it is a global phenomenon that puts India at the center of religious tourism. With millions of devotees traveling from different parts of India and abroad, the event underscores the importance of strategic planning for large-scale religious gatherings.

The 2025 edition of the Maha Kumbh has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, better coordination, and technological interventions in traffic and crowd management. Experts suggest that future editions of the festival should include:

With rapid urbanization and rising travel demand, India must adapt its event management strategies to keep up with the growing religious tourism sector.

Hajj Travel in Saudi Arabia

The Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 also witnessed significant travel chaos, exacerbated by strict visa policies imposed by Saudi Arabia to curb unauthorized pilgrims. The new visa regulations, effective February 1, 2025, introduced single-entry visas valid for 30 days. These changes replaced the previous one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits.

While the Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remained unaffected, the Saudi government implemented these restrictions to address overcrowding and enhance safety measures. The new policies aimed to reduce the misuse of long-term visas, which allowed many individuals to stay illegally or perform Hajj without proper authorization.

The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage recorded 1.8 million pilgrims, a decline from 2.5 million in 2023. The number of external pilgrims remained steady at 1.6 million, but internal pilgrims dropped significantly from 900,000 in 2023 to 221,854 in 2024. The visa restrictions and crowd management policies were likely contributors to this decline.

The tragic loss of over 1,200 lives during Hajj 2024, mainly due to extreme heat and overcrowding, underscored the necessity of stricter regulations. Unauthorized pilgrims, who lacked access to designated facilities, contributed to disorderly crowd surges, making safety management even more difficult.

Travel Industry and Religious Tourism Impacts

The Maha Kumbh and Hajj serve as critical drivers for the travel industry, generating billions in tourism revenue while also highlighting severe logistical challenges. Both events expose vulnerabilities in infrastructure, crowd control, and emergency response mechanisms.

In India, the Maha Kumbh’s massive turnout has resulted in increased demand for transportation, accommodation, and essential services. However, the overwhelming number of pilgrims has caused shortages, skyrocketing travel costs, and logistical nightmares. The Indian government’s focus on AI-driven traffic monitoring, increased police deployment, and crowd management measures is expected to mitigate future travel chaos.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s visa reforms aim to create a more structured pilgrimage experience, ensuring that only authorized individuals participate. This strategy seeks to balance religious tourism growth while prioritizing safety and security.

Future of Religious Travel and Event Management

As travel demand for religious gatherings continues to rise, authorities must integrate technology, strategic planning, and sustainable policies to minimize disruptions. Innovations such as digital pilgrimage experiences, AI-based crowd control, and pre-scheduled pilgrimage slots could revolutionize the management of large-scale religious events.

Both the Maha Kumbh and Hajj travel chaos demonstrate the urgent need for better infrastructure, clear travel advisories, and proactive planning. If successfully implemented, these strategies will ensure safer, more efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experiences for pilgrims worldwide.

The Evolution of Hajj Tourism: A Shift Towards Sustainable and Quality Pilgrimage

The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage marked a significant transformation in how Saudi Arabia manages one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Beyond the numbers, the focus of the pilgrimage experience is changing. The Saudi government is implementing policies that prioritize quality over quantity, streamline processes, and align with the country’s Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification and sustainable tourism.

The Shift in Focus: From Numbers to Quality
For decades, the success of Hajj has often been measured by the number of pilgrims. However, in 2024, the Saudi government took a different approach. Rather than allowing an unrestricted influx of people, the emphasis was placed on ensuring that pilgrims entered through official channels to enhance safety and manage resources efficiently.

Reducing Unauthorized Pilgrims:

Over the years, many individuals have traveled to Saudi Arabia on general visas and stayed illegally to perform Hajj. This put immense pressure on infrastructure and safety protocols, contributing to incidents such as the tragic 2024 heatwave fatalities that claimed over 1,200 lives due to overcrowding.
Improving Pilgrim Experience: With stricter visa regulations, Saudi Arabia aims to provide better facilities, safety measures, and services for authorized pilgrims. This includes better accommodations, medical facilities, and transport services, ensuring that those who attend Hajj legally can do so with dignity and comfort.

Impact of the Makkah Route Initiative
One of the key measures to streamline the Hajj experience has been the Makkah Route Initiative, introduced in 2019. This program allows pilgrims from selected countries to complete immigration and customs clearance in their home country, significantly reducing wait times upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Efficient Entry:

In 2024, over 320,000 pilgrims from seven countries, primarily in Southeast Asia and Africa, benefited from this program.
Strategic Regional Focus: The expansion of the initiative signals Saudi Arabia’s targeted approach in welcoming pilgrims from specific regions while maintaining crowd control. The government’s aim is to streamline the pilgrimage process for those who comply with official procedures.

Economic Considerations: Hajj as a Revenue Source
The Hajj pilgrimage is not just a religious event—it is also a crucial driver of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The government seeks to maximize the economic benefits of Hajj tourism while ensuring the sustainability of the pilgrimage.

Revenue Generation:

With millions of visitors each year, Hajj and Umrah contribute billions of dollars to Saudi Arabia’s GDP through hospitality, transportation, and religious tourism sectors.

Balancing Economic Growth with Management:

The new visa policies reflect the government’s attempt to strike a balance between increasing economic gains and managing the overwhelming number of visitors. By prioritizing authorized pilgrims, Saudi authorities can regulate spending, improve tourism infrastructure, and sustain long-term economic benefits.

Long-Term Vision: Sustainable and Efficient Hajj Management

The changes in Hajj policies align closely with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious roadmap to diversify its economy and promote sustainable tourism.

Hajj and Umrah as Key Tourism Pillars:

The government recognizes that religious tourism is integral to its long-term strategy and aims to expand pilgrimage services while ensuring they remain manageable.

Sustainable Pilgrimage Models:

By enhancing crowd control, focusing on authorized entries, and leveraging technology, Saudi Arabia is working towards a future where Hajj can accommodate large numbers without compromising safety or experience.

Saudi Arabia’s 2024 Hajj pilgrimage demonstrated a strategic shift towards a more sustainable, well-managed, and economically viable pilgrimage experience. With stricter visa controls, streamlined entry procedures, and a long-term focus on improving religious tourism, the country is ensuring that Hajj remains a spiritually fulfilling yet well-regulated event. The future of Hajj tourism is now shaped by quality over quantity, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and sustainability for all pilgrims.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has reinforced the festival’s spiritual significance while also exposing critical infrastructure challenges. As millions of devotees continue their pilgrimage to Prayagraj, the focus remains on managing the crowd safely and ensuring a smooth travel experience.

With record-breaking attendance, heightened political discourse, and massive economic impact, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to be a defining moment in India’s tourism landscape. Moving forward, authorities must learn from this year’s challenges and ensure that future editions of the Maha Kumbh provide a better experience for pilgrims while preserving the festival’s spiritual essence.

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