Preparations for the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, are in full swing. The event, which draws millions of pilgrims from across India and the world, requires meticulous organization and coordination across various departments of the Yogi Adityanath-led government. The police administration is also playing a crucial role in ensuring that the event runs smoothly, and new guidelines have been issued regarding the selection and deployment of police personnel for duty during the Mahakumbh.
Guidelines on Food Habits and Alcohol Consumption
In an official communication from the DGP (Director General of Police) headquarters, directives have been sent to all police commissionerates concerning the deployment of police officers during the Prayag Mahakumbh 2025.
One significant aspect of these guidelines pertains to the food habits and alcohol consumption of the personnel who will be assigned duty. The letter specifies that officers who regularly consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol should not be deployed at the Mahakumbh.
This practice stems from a tradition that has been followed since 1950. As part of the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela, it is customary for the entire event to maintain a strict ban on alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
Police officers assigned to duty during the Mahakumbh will be stationed in Prayagraj for approximately three months, during which time the consumption of these items will be prohibited within the Mahakumbh premises and the surrounding areas. To avoid any discomfort for personnel accustomed to consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol, the guidelines suggest not deploying such officers.
Historical Context and Cultural Sensitivity
The restriction on non-vegetarian food and alcohol during the Kumbh Mela has been in place for decades, emphasizing the event’s spiritual nature. This policy aims to create an environment of purity and reverence in line with the religious sentiments of the millions of devotees who attend the festival. The decision to exclude officers who consume these items from the Mahakumbh duty ensures that those on the ground can seamlessly integrate into the cultural atmosphere of the event without any inconvenience.
Selection Criteria Based on Integrity and Conduct
In addition to dietary restrictions, the DGP's guidelines also emphasize the need to select police officers based on their character and professional integrity. The deployment of officers will be carried out after a thorough review of their past records, ensuring that only those with clean, unblemished service histories are assigned to this high-profile duty. Officers selected for Mahakumbh duty must demonstrate impeccable conduct, integrity, and a positive public image.
This emphasis on character is in line with the Uttar Pradesh government's objective of ensuring the safety and security of the vast number of pilgrims, many of whom are elderly or vulnerable, and maintaining public order during the event.
Age and Health Guidelines for Deployment
Another critical factor in the selection process is the age and physical condition of the officers. The guidelines stipulate specific age limits for various ranks of police personnel. Constables, for instance, should generally be no older than 40 years, while head constables should not exceed 50 years of age. Sub-inspectors, who hold supervisory roles, should be under 55 years old.
In addition to age restrictions, the selected personnel must be in good physical and mental health. Given the long hours and physically demanding nature of the duty at the Mahakumbh, the DGP headquarters has underlined the importance of deploying only those officers who are capable of withstanding the rigors of such a large-scale event. The selected personnel must also possess a balanced temperament and be mentally equipped to handle the vast crowds and potential challenges associated with such an event.
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