Maha Kumbh 2025: Merging Faith with Cyber Safety
Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025: Learn Cybersecurity Measures, Ways to Avoid Fake Scams, and Key Steps Taken by the Government for Devotees' Safety.
This year's Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is set to witness the faith of millions of devotees. Held every 12 years, this Maha Kumbh is not just a religious festival but also the world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering. It is a unique event where devotees come to bath at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers, seeking liberation from their sins.
Historical Significance of Maha Kumbh
The history of Maha Kumbh is deeply rooted in Indian culture and traditions. According to mythology, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a struggle for the pot of nectar (Amrit Kalash) ensued between the devas and daanvas (gods and demons). Nectar Drops spilled at four locations where there are 4 cities now: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These four places host the Kumbh Mela. The Maha Kumbh is not only a religious event but also a symbol of cultural and social unity
Cyber Criminals' New Trap: Fake Accommodation Scam
Where there is a surge of faith and devotion, there are also fraudsters looking to exploit it. In recent times, cybercriminals have been targeting devotees attending the Maha Kumbh through a Fake Accommodation Scam.
What is the Fake Accommodation Scam?
In the Fake Accommodation Scam, fraudsters deceive devotees using fake websites, social media pages, and advertisements.
How Does It Work?
Cybercriminals promote highly attractive tour packages, cheap hotels, and guest houses. Gullible people fall for these offers and make bookings. Once the payment is made, these fraudsters disappear. The fake websites and social media pages are deleted, leaving the devotees feeling cheated.
Other Types of Cyber Frauds
During large events like Maha Kumbh, various other cyber fraud schemes become active:
- Fake Ticket Scams:
Selling counterfeit tickets through fraudulent websites and agents. - Fake Guide Scams:
Charging money for fake online guide booking services. - Fake Donation Scams:
Deceiving people in the name of donations for religious services, causes, or temples.
Precautions and Preventive Measures
It is essential to remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to cyber frauds during the Maha Kumbh. Here are some important tips:
- Use Verified Sources:
- Book hotels and services only through verified sources. You can find the list of verified hotels and guest houses at the official Maha Kumbh website kumbh.gov.in.
- Check Websites Carefully:
- Always verify the URL of any website. If it lacks 'https://', consider it untrustworthy.
- Beware of Attractive Offers:
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it may be a scam.
- Secure Online Payments:
- Use only official payment gateways and never share your bank or card details on suspicious websites.
- Social Media Vigilance:
- Don't fall into the trap of over-promising social media ads.
Important Helpline Numbers
If you encounter any suspicious websites, links, or advertisements, report them immediately to the cyber police.
- Cyber Helpline Number: 1930 / 1920
- Maha Kumbh Helpline: Use contact numbers issued by the Kumbh Mela administration.
Government's Cybersecurity Measures
To ensure the safety of devotees during Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented special cybersecurity measures. Cyber Experts Deployment: 56 dedicated cyber experts are patrolling the internet for threats. Special Cyber Police Station: A dedicated station has been set up in the Kumbh area to tackle cybercrimes. Awareness Campaigns: Forty(40) Variable Messaging Displays (VMDs) have been set up to aware people of such cyber threats and scams. Dedicated Helpline: A special helpline number (1920) has been launched.
With an expected influx of 450 million devotees, the state government plans extensive awareness campaigns through print, digital, and social media. Cyber experts are monitoring online threats using AI and platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to identify fraud networks. A mobile cyber team is also conducting mass awareness drives.
Maha Kumbh 2025: A Confluence of Faith and Security
Maha Kumbh is not merely a religious event; it is a celebration of faith, devotion, and spiritual growth. Your vigilance is crucial to making this grand event safe and memorable. Let us stay alert and make Maha Kumbh 2025 an unforgettable experience.
Wishing you a blessed and safe journey!
