Maha Kumbh 2025 tent city: Engineering marvel to host 20 lakh devotees

The sprawling sands of the Sangam in Prayagraj have been transformed into an awe-inspiring tent city for the Maha Kumbh 2025, blending tradition with state-of-the-art infrastructure. With over one lakh tents ranging from basic shelters to luxurious accommodations, the city can host more than 20 lakh devotees at any given time, underscoring its significance as a remarkable feat of engineering and spirituality. 

Unprecedented numbers define the tent city
This year's Maha Kumbh tent city is a testament to meticulous planning and execution. Approximately 68 lakh wooden poles — each averaging 10 ft in length — have been erected, cumulatively spanning over 20,726 km, a distance greater than that between Prayagraj and Washington, DC. The construction has also utilised 100 km of fabric and 250 tonnes of CGI sheets for roofing. The creation of this colossal infrastructure required 3,000 workers labouring in three shifts over several months, resulting in a city that embodies both spiritual reverence and modern innovation.

Mahakumbh Gram: IRCTC’s luxury oasis
Adding a touch of grandeur to the Maha Kumbh is the Mahakumbh Gram, a luxury tent city developed by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on the Arail bank of the Sangam. Located approximately 3.5 km from Triveni Sangam, Mahakumbh Gram offers premium accommodations such as super deluxe tents and villas.

Guests staying here will experience world-class amenities, including private bathrooms, hot and cold water, air blowers, fine bed linen, towels and food services. The villa tents elevate the experience further with private seating areas and televisions.

Bookings open for Mahakumbh Gram
Bookings for the luxury tents are available from January 10 to February 28 on IRCTC website and Mahakumbh Railway App. The daily rent for these tents ranges from ₹18,000 to ₹20,000, catering to those seeking a blend of spirituality and opulence. Guests can also reserve their stays through popular travel platforms like MakeMyTrip and Goibibo. To ensure the safety and comfort of the guests, the tent city is equipped with first aid facilities and advanced CCTV surveillance systems.

A modern sanctuary with traditional charm
While retaining its spiritual essence, the tent city rivals five-star hotels in luxury. Premium tents feature cosy bedrooms, marble flooring, modern toilets, wooden furniture, wi-fi connectivity and designer interiors. Measures to combat the harsh winter, such as oil heaters, insulated fabrics, and electric blankets, have also been incorporated.

Tents reserved for Kalpwasis
The city’s grandeur extends beyond luxury, providing for pilgrims dedicated to spiritual penance. Ten thousand tents have been reserved for Kalpwasis, who live modestly during their stay. These simple tarpaulin-covered shelters offer no luxuries; instead, Kalpwasis gather around bonfires at night, engaging in spiritual discourses with fellow devotees.

A testament to faith and engineering excellence
The Maha Kumbh tent city is more than an accommodation hub; it is a vibrant confluence of faith, tradition and modernity. From its staggering scale to its commitment to hospitality and safety, the city stands as a beacon of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

As the world’s largest cultural and spiritual event prepares to welcome millions of devotees, the tent city at the Sangam ensures an experience that is not just about faith but also about unparalleled comfort and hospitality.