Mahakumbh 2025: Floating Jetties and Houses to Elevate Pilgrim Experience

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Mahakumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering held every 12 years, is set to return to Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This historic event, which attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual cleansing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is expected to host over 450 million visitors. To enhance the experience, several innovative measures have been introduced for the first time, including self-propelled floating jetties and luxurious floating houses.

Self-Propelled Floating Jetties for VIP Access

A significant attraction at the Mahakumbh this year is the introduction of self-propelled floating jetties, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Designed to offer a seamless and crowd-free spiritual experience, these jetties allow VIP visitors to access the holy Sangam for bathing rituals away from the bustling crowds.

Yash Agarwal from Das & Kumar Company, the Varanasi-based firm responsible for constructing these jetties, described the initiative:

"We specialize in floating solutions, and for Mahakumbh, we have introduced jetties with dedicated bathing areas, solar lighting, and changing rooms for enhanced comfort. These floating lounges accommodate 4-5 people and are equipped with modern amenities like mirrors, safety nets, and an enclosed bathing area to ensure privacy and safety."

The floating jetties are strategically designed to provide a safe and serene experience, ensuring that devotees can perform their rituals without hassle.

Floating Houses: A First in Mahakumbh History

For the first time, Uttar Pradesh has launched floating houses on the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to provide a unique and comfortable experience for devotees. Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, these luxurious floating houses cater to pilgrims looking for privacy and comfort amidst the crowd.

The floating houses, equipped with air-conditioned rooms, can accommodate between 40 and 100 people. They are stationed at key ghats like Saraswati, Qila, and Arail, and ferry devotees to the Sangam for holy dips. The mid-section of these structures features a dedicated bathing area, allowing pilgrims to bathe in the sacred rivers and then change in private, fully-equipped rooms.

Other features include:

• Comfortable Interiors: Air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities.
• Onboard Hospitality: Tea, snacks, and changing facilities provided.
• Affordability: The service is priced at ₹1,200 per person.

This innovative service aims to attract devotees seeking a hassle-free and luxurious pilgrimage experience, setting a benchmark for future events.

Get a glimpse of floating houses here.

Floating Police Chowki

What it is: The Uttar Pradesh Police has introduced a unique floating police chowki for the first time at the Kumbh Mela 2025, which is held at Prayagraj. This is a special mobile police unit that floats on the river to assist devotees during the festival.

Why it was introduced: With millions of pilgrims taking holy dips in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, it’s important to have a quick-response safety system in place, especially on the water. The floating chowki will help ensure safety, guide people, and offer assistance if someone gets lost or faces emergencies.

What it offers:

• On-the-spot assistance: Police officers on the floating chowki can quickly help anyone in distress on the river.
• Safety equipment: It’s equipped with essential safety gear like life jackets, communication tools, and other resources for emergencies.
• Guidance and lost-and-found services: Devotees can go to the chowki for directions or report missing people.

How it works: The floating chowki is stationed in key areas on the river, ready to respond to any urgent situation. It’s mobile and can move along the ghats to ensure all parts of the Mela are covered.

Additional security measures:

• Mounted patrols: Police officers are also patrolling the ghats on horseback, offering a reassuring presence and quick access to crowded areas.
• Rapid Response Teams: Teams from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are stationed to manage large crowds and maintain order.

This innovative floating police chowki ensures the safety of millions of devotees, giving them peace of mind during the spiritual journey.

Preparations for a Safe and Memorable Event

The district administration has ramped up safety measures to handle the large crowds, focusing on fire safety, crowd management, and creating a comprehensive floating solution. The main bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snans (Royal Baths), are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

Authorities are also encouraging entrepreneurs to set up temporary shops at the mela site. Applicants need to submit identification documents and pay a ₹5,000 registration fee.

A Celestial Celebration Rooted in Sanatan Dharma

The Mahakumbh holds immense significance in Sanatan Dharma, symbolizing a celestial alignment that provides an auspicious period for spiritual purification and liberation. The holy dip at the Sangam is believed to cleanse one’s sins and grant moksha (liberation).

With innovations like floating jetties and houses, along with a robust infrastructure, Mahakumbh 2025 promises to provide devotees with a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, blending tradition with modernity.

Get detailed information about accommodation options for Mahakumbh 2025 with the help of this video.