The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the integration of advanced technological solutions to support the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Leveraging the Bhashini platform, the initiative aims to enhance multilingual accessibility and improve the experience for millions of visitors attending the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

Bhashini’s language translation ecosystem will power a ‘Digital Lost & Found Solution,’ enabling pilgrims to register lost and found items using voice in native languages. Real-time text and voice translation will facilitate seamless communication, while a multilingual chatbot will assist with inquiries and kiosk navigation. Integration with mobile apps and kiosks will allow event guidelines to be translated into local languages, and collaboration with the police will ensure effective communication between attendees and officers.

A highlight of the initiative is the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Powered by advanced AI technologies, including Llama LLM, the multilingual, voice-enabled chatbot will assist attendees with real-time information and navigation. Supporting 11 languages, including Hindi, English, and nine other Indian languages, the chatbot aims to provide a seamless and enriching experience for pilgrims.

To address language barriers, the Uttar Pradesh Police Department has partnered with the Bhashini app, integrating its ‘CONVERSE’ feature to enable smooth communication between devotees and officers from the UP 112 emergency helpline. Officers have been trained to use this feature to understand and address the grievances of distressed visitors effectively.

MeitY emphasized that these initiatives reflect its commitment to leveraging technology for accessibility and innovation. By deploying Bhashini’s capabilities, Maha Kumbh 2025 will offer an inclusive and enhanced experience for all attendees, ensuring their queries, navigation, and communication needs are met effortlessly.