Data from Radio Frequency (RF) wristbands used at the Maha Kumbh has provided critical insights into crowd behavior, revealing that, on average, each devotee spent 45 minutes at the bathing ghats during significant festival days like Makar Sankranti and Paush Purnima.
This duration accounts for the time from a devotee’s arrival at the ghat to their departure after performing the ritual bath.
The data was collected through wristbands equipped with RFID chips, which were distributed to devotees as part of an effort to better manage the massive influx of visitors to the event.
This technology not only helped calculate the average time spent at the ghats but also assisted in accurately counting the total number of visitors at the Maha Kumbh.
SSP Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi emphasized the importance of this data for effective crowd management.
“The average time spent by devotees at the ghats is invaluable for planning crowd flow and ensuring safety.
By understanding how long people spend in the area, we can determine the best times for implementing regular traffic plans or shifting to emergency measures if needed,” he said.
Dwivedi further explained that the data will also help in the logistics of entry and exit points.
“With this technology, we can better manage when and where devotees should enter or exit, reducing congestion and improving the overall experience for everyone,” he added.
The RF wristbands have been a part of the authorities’ strategy to utilize technology for a smoother and safer Kumbh experience.
“This year, we are using three different methods to track and monitor the number of devotees, and RF wristband data analysis is a key part of this,” said an official overseeing the event.
The information gathered will continue to play a crucial role in managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.