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The Mahakumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, India, attracts millions of pilgrims and presents a unique case study for researchers worldwide. This article details the unprecedented involvement of numerous prestigious universities, including Harvard, Stanford, the London School of Economics, Kyoto University, and several Indian Institutes of Technology and Management, in studying various aspects of the event. The sheer scale of the Mahakumbh, with nearly 40 crore pilgrims expected in 2023 compared to 25 crore in 2019, makes it a globally unparalleled event in terms of temporary urban planning and crowd management. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding how this gargantuan operation functions smoothly without major incidents, despite its temporary and complex infrastructure.
The temporary metropolis constructed for the Mahakumbh is a marvel of logistical planning. A 400-kilometer temporary road network, 30 pontoon bridges, a 1250-kilometer water supply pipeline, and extensive power and communication infrastructure are deployed to support millions of pilgrims. The meticulous organization of the Mela, including spatial zoning, food distribution, sanitation, and security, provides valuable data for researchers in fields like urban planning, logistics, and public health. The state government has actively encouraged this research, providing accommodation and stipends to participating scholars. This proactive approach contrasts with previous years, where researchers had to initiate contact.
The research being conducted spans a wide range of disciplines. Teams are studying the economic impact of the Mela, analyzing tourist spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and religious activities. Simultaneously, research is focused on the state and central government’s expenditure on infrastructure development. Anthropological studies are examining the socio-cultural manifestations of the event, including ethnographic accounts. Researchers are also focusing on practical aspects such as faecal sludge management and the efficiency of the healthcare system in managing the massive population. The ultimate aim is to use the findings to improve planning for future events, learning from both the successes and shortcomings of the Mahakumbh.
Previous studies, like the book 'Kumbh Mela - Mapping the Ephemeral Megacity' produced by Harvard University scholars, have highlighted the astonishing organizational feat of the Mahakumbh. The book draws comparisons to other large-scale events, like the FIFA World Cup and Commonwealth Games, highlighting the superior organization and efficiency of the Mahakumbh, despite significantly lower resources and funding. The success of the Mahakumbh challenges the common perception of India’s bureaucratic inefficiencies, showcasing the potential for effective management when focused on a singular, large-scale objective. The temporary infrastructure, including the elaborate electrical grid, water supply, and sanitation systems, is considered an astounding achievement, especially given its temporary nature.
Harvard University’s involvement is multifaceted. A team of medical doctors focused on disease patterns, water distribution, sanitation, and disaster management plans, expressing amazement at the overall organization. Another team from Harvard Business School investigated administrative and leadership lessons, along with insights into infrastructure design, delivery, and finance. While praising the impressive aspects, researchers acknowledge minor areas for improvement, such as addressing smoke from cooking fires and optimizing ambulance services. The comprehensive research being conducted on the Mahakumbh promises valuable insights into temporary urban planning, crowd management, and large-scale event organization, potentially contributing to improved planning for future events worldwide.
Source: Mega management: Why Western univs are studying Mahakumbh