In India, the largest gathering in human history has begun, and authorities are using facial recognition and AI technology to help people who get lost in the crowd. According to Bloomberg, which cites local police, advanced cameras, underwater drones, and autonomous buoys are being employed to monitor the up to 450 million people expected over the six-week event. Lost children or even intentionally abandoned elderly people are a particularly challenging issue during this regularly occurring gathering. Such incidents are even a popular theme in Bollywood films.
The event, known as the Maha Kumbh Mela, is a recurring pilgrimage festival held at four different locations in India. It occurs in a three, six, and twelve-year cycle. Only every 144 years does the most significant version of the festival take place, and this year marks such an occasion. At the confluence of the Ganges and the also revered Yamuna River in the city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Hindu devotees bathe to cleanse themselves of sins. This year, an unprecedented number of attendees is expected, with estimates ranging from 400 to 450 million people over six weeks. That’s roughly equivalent to the entire population of the European Union.
“For the first time, we will use facial recognition and AI to find lost people,” Bloomberg quotes the local police chief. As soon as someone reports a person missing at designated areas, the AI tools can be used to search for them. On the first day alone, more than 250 missing individuals were reunited with their families. The pilgrimage festival began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. To accommodate the event and the hundreds of millions of expected visitors, the government has constructed a fully equipped tent city covering an area of 40 square kilometers.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but also a logistical challenge due to the sheer number of attendees. The use of modern technology is a significant step forward in managing such a massive crowd and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. The integration of facial recognition and AI is expected to greatly assist in reuniting lost individuals with their families, making the event safer and more organized.
Authorities are focused on ensuring that the event proceeds smoothly, with measures in place to handle emergencies and provide medical assistance. The tent city includes facilities such as medical centers, food distribution points, and sanitation services to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. The use of technology like AI and facial recognition is part of a broader effort to modernize the management of large-scale events in India.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India, drawing millions of devotees from around the world. It is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal for many participants, who believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during the festival will purify them and grant them blessings. The event also serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with managing large gatherings in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As the festival continues, authorities will remain vigilant, using the latest technology to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. The success of this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela could set a precedent for future events, demonstrating the potential of technology to enhance the experience and safety of large public gatherings.