Pilgrimage Itineraries Dimensions With Focus on Kumbh Mela 2019, Prayagraj, India

Abstract

Mass gatherings are events which can be spontaneous, planned sporting events or religious pilgrimages that attract people from all over the world. Kumbh Mela is the biggest divine and devout assembly on the earth. This chapter provides a holistic approach to pilgrimage itineraries dimensions which include crowd control on pilgrimage routes, pilgrimage experience, advantages, economic dimensions and safety and security of pilgrims etc. It highlights how the better transport facility, hospitality management, infrastructural development, world class amenities, proper planning and management etc. changes the pilgrims experience. The objective is to create mass gathering events free from occurrences. Although this chapter has attempted to cover various aspects of pilgrimage itineraries, still there are many other approaches that can be explored further. Hosting almost millions of pilgrims in the riverbed during Kumbh Mela is important not only for India but also for bringing together scientific forces at the international level for policy making.