Social Media Under Scrutiny at Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has attracted millions of devotees to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. However, along with the spiritual significance of the event, authorities are also grappling with a surge of misleading and offensive content on social media.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh Police have filed 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) against 140 social media accounts for spreading false information and sharing inappropriate videos of women pilgrims. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their monitoring of digital platforms to prevent misinformation and ensure the dignity of devotees is upheld.
FIRs Filed Against 140 Social Media Accounts
Speaking to the media, Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that 13 FIRs had been registered against 140 social media handles for sharing misleading content related to the festival.
The social media monitoring team identified multiple accounts that uploaded objectionable videos of women devotees taking a holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam. Authorities were swift to act, lodging cases against those responsible and initiating legal proceedings to address the violation of privacy and dignity.
Objectionable Videos of Women Devotees Circulate Online
The controversy intensified after explicit videos of women pilgrims bathing and changing clothes were found circulating on various platforms, including Instagram and Telegram. On February 17, police filed a case against an Instagram account accused of sharing inappropriate videos. Similarly, on February 19, another FIR was registered against a Telegram channel for allegedly selling such content online. In response, Uttar Pradesh police chief Prashant Kumar directed authorities to crack down on those responsible and seek assistance from tech giant Meta (which owns Instagram) to identify and take action against the user operating the account.
Legal proceedings are currently underway, with investigations focused on uncovering the identities of those involved in spreading offensive content.
Ensuring Security and Maintaining Religious Sanctity
Given the massive influx of devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025, authorities are taking strict measures to maintain law and order. Police officials have assured that social media surveillance will remain a top priority to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The UP government has deployed a dedicated cyber unit to track and report fake news, misleading narratives, and privacy breaches. The aim is to ensure that the sanctity of the event remains intact and that devotees can participate in the festival without fear of exploitation or misinformation.
Massive Turnout Expected for Maha Shivratri
The Maha Kumbh festival has already seen a staggering 620 million (62 crore) devotees taking a dip in the holy waters, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The event, which has been described as “one of the rarest events of the century”, is expected to witness an even greater influx of devotees on February 26, the final day of the gathering, which coincides with Maha Shivratri.
Authorities have assured that “complete arrangements” are in place to accommodate the surge of pilgrims and ensure a smooth and safe experience for all visitors.
Maha Kumbh: A Rare and Historic Gathering
During an address at the Unicorn Companies Conclave in Agra, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the spiritual and cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh. “So far, 62 crore devotees have come to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Such a large gathering of people during a specific period is one of the rare events of this century.”
He highlighted that the Maha Kumbh tradition dates back to ancient times, with its roots deeply embedded in India’s cultural and spiritual history. The festival, held every 12 years, is regarded as a sacred opportunity for millions to reconnect with their spiritual heritage.
CM Yogi, who is also the Mahant of Gorakshapeeth, noted that the Maha Kumbh serves as a powerful reminder of India’s rich traditions, fostering a sense of unity and devotion among people from diverse backgrounds.
Balancing Faith and Digital Accountability
The Maha Kumbh 2025 is a monumental religious event that draws millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfilment. However, with its sheer scale and global attention, it has also become a target for misinformation and digital exploitation.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s firm stance on tackling misleading content and privacy violations reflects its commitment to protecting devotees and preserving the sanctity of the event.
As the festival approaches its grand conclusion on Maha Shivratri (February 26), authorities are ensuring that faith and tradition remain undisturbed by the pitfalls of the digital age.
(With inputs from agencies)
