Maha Kumbh miracle: AI reunites 20,000 lost pilgrims with loved ones

 Digital lost-and-found centers at Maha Kumbh, equipped with AI, reunite over 20,000 missing devotees with their families. The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has become a testament to the power of technology in facilitating human connection, as digital lost-and-found centers have successfully reunited over 20,000 missing individuals with their families. These state-of-the-art centers, equipped with AI-based facial recognition, machine learning, and multilingual support, have transformed the experience for devotees attending the massive gathering.

Tech-Driven Reunions at a Holy Gathering

The Uttar Pradesh government reported that the digital lost-and-found centers played a crucial role in reuniting 8,725 devotees with their families during the Mauni Amavasya event alone. The centers also helped 598 devotees during Makar Sankranti and 813 during Basant Panchami Amrit Snan. Beyond these major bathing events, the centers facilitated over 10,000 additional reunions. A significant number of those reunited were women.

Inside the 'Khoya-Paya Kendras'

To ensure the reunion of lost people with their families, the mela cops have set up as many as 10 state-of-the-art digital lost & found camps, known as 'Khoya-Paya Kendras', across the Maha Kumbh area. The centers are equipped with 55-inch LED screens displaying live updates, a public address system, waiting areas, medical rooms, and separate refreshment areas for women and children. Information is also disseminated via Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to maximize the chances of locating missing persons and lost items.

A Collaborative Effort

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the digital lost-and-found centers to ensure a smooth experience for devotees1. The Uttar Pradesh Police, administrative officials, and volunteer organizations played a key role in operating the centers, with support from UNICEF and other NGOs. The centers digitally record information about lost persons and items, providing informers with computerized receipts.