Prayagraj: The sands of Prayagraj’s Sangam have transformed into a sprawling tent city for Maha Kumbh 2025, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. With over one lakh tents accommodating more than 20 lakh devotees at a time, this monumental feat is a testament to extraordinary engineering and spiritual dedication.
This year’s preparations reveal staggering numbers. Approximately 68 lakh wooden poles have been used, stretching over 20,726 km—greater than the distance between Prayagraj and Washington, D.C. Over 100 km of fabric, 250 tonnes of CGI sheets, and the tireless efforts of 3,000 workers working in shifts for months have brought this vision to life.
The Legacy Of “Vishwakarma Of Kumbh”
The primary responsibility for this colossal endeavour lies with Lalluji and Sons, a company that has been synonymous with Kumbh preparations for 104 years. The company, responsible for nearly 75% of the tent city, has earned the moniker “Vishwakarma of Kumbh.”
Deepanshu Agarwal, Managing Partner at Lalluji and Sons, revealed that while the Maha Kumbh begins on January 13, 2025, preparations started 18 months ago. “This involves constructing new tents, repairing old infrastructure, and meticulous planning. Despite delays caused by prolonged monsoons, our commitment remains unwavering,” he said.
Stories of Dedication Behind the grandeur lies the dedication of countless workers. Kuldeep, who has been assembling tents for over two months, described the intricate process: “We use a blend of cotton and terry cot fabric, with an inner layer of polythene to ensure waterproofing. It’s exhausting work, but knowing it comforts the pilgrims makes it worthwhile.”
For Rambachan, a 60-year-old veteran worker, the Kumbh is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “I’ve been part of this since we earned just Rs 10 a day. Now we get Rs 500 daily, but the satisfaction of contributing to such a sacred event is priceless,” he said.
Despite being a 45-day event, constructing the tent city takes six months, and dismantling it requires an additional two and a half months. Luxury amid Tradition The tent city strikes a balance between traditional simplicity and modern luxury. Premium tents rival five-star hotels with marble flooring, modern toilets, Wi-Fi, heaters, and designer interiors. Oil heaters and electric blankets combat the cold along the Yamuna’s banks, ensuring pilgrims’ comfort. For Kalpwasis, who practice spiritual penance during the Kumbh, simpler accommodations are reserved. These pilgrims live in basic tents, often gathering around bonfires for discussions and prayers.
Raghunath, a 68-year-old Kalpwasi from Rajasthan, expressed awe at the arrangements: “In 40 years of attending the Kumbh, I’ve never seen anything like this. These tents are like small homes with heaters and even TVs. It’s beyond my imagination.” Sushila, a pilgrim from Varanasi, shared similar sentiments.
“Earlier, we stayed in simple tents on the sand. This time, we have cushioned beds, clean bathrooms, and even Wi-Fi. The organizers have truly catered to our needs,” she said. Twice the Scale of 2019 The Maha Kumbh 2025 spans 3,200 hectares—800 hectares more than the 2019 event.
Rajiv Agarwal of Lalluji Derawala emphasized the unprecedented scale. “This year, material usage has doubled, and we’ve been preparing for over 18 months. We’ve also set up 56 police stations, 144 posts, and temporary administrative offices to ensure smooth operations.” He added, “Despite challenges, the effort is worth it. This Kumbh will be a spectacle.”
