IES's Management College and
Research Centre

Management Lessons from Mahakumbh Mela 2025

By
Saurabh Paradkar
January 20, 2025

The Mahakumbh Mela is one of the most significant congregations of humanity on the planet. It can also be considered as a rare display of competence and event organisation at the largest scale possible. Conducted every 12 years, it is a stunning demonstration of how detailed planning, effective implementation, cross-functional collaboration can create a blueprint for modern management processes. With the world participation at the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, the student of MBA, PGDM or any associated management courses can gather some great lessons.

For students at a Top Management College in Mumbai like IES MCRC, the Mahakumbh Mela is an interesting case study of large-scale event management.

Key Management Lessons from Mahakumbh Mela

Planning and Execution

The Mahakumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees, sometimes exceeding 100 million, as is spread over the weeks. Planning for such a huge event takes years and involves government authorities, religious leaders, and civil agencies. The event conveys several essential lessons for budding managers attempting to achieve their MBA or PGDM, ranging from infrastructure development to crowd management, and signifies the importance of proactive planning and contingency preparedness.

Resource Allocation and Optimisation

The Mela is a collection of temporary cities with infrastructure for sanitation, medical aid, transportation, and accommodation. The fact that resources need to be distributed to such a large number of people highlights the importance of efficient use of limited resources, which is a key skill learned by professionals being trained in MBA Colleges and PGDM Colleges.

Stakeholder Management

The success of the Mahakumbh Mela depends on coordination among diverse stakeholders, including religious organisations, government bodies, vendors, and local communities. This highlights the significance of stakeholder management, a vital skill taught in PGDM programs at Top Management Colleges in Mumbai.

Crisis Management

Managing millions of people comes with inherent risks, including health emergencies, crowd surges, and environmental challenges. The Mahakumbh Mela has consistently shown how proactive risk management and crisis response plans can ensure safety and success. These lessons are invaluable for students pursuing specialisations in Operations in PGDM programs.

Technology Integration

In recent times, technology has played a crucial role in organising Mahakumbh Mela. Tools such as GIS mapping, crowd monitoring systems, AI powered CCTV cameras, drones and mobile applications for pilgrims have streamlined the Mahakumbh experience. For MBA students interested in digital transformation, the Mela underscores the importance of integrating technology into large scale event management.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

The Mahakumbh Mela is visited by people from all casts and communities. Also, Mela witnesses lot of devotees from foreign origin who come here for their spiritual awakening. The authorities balance the diverse religious and cultural needs of such large gatherings while maintaining unity exemplifies the importance of inclusivity in leadership. For students in Top Management Colleges, this offers insights into managing culturally diverse teams and customers in a globalised business environment.

The Mahakumbh Mela is not just a spiritual event; it’s a masterclass in management, offering timeless lessons in planning, leadership, and sustainability. For students pursuing MBA or PGDM, the event provides a unique lens to understand the complexities of large-scale operations. At IES MCRC, one of the Top Management Colleges in Mumbai, students delve into such real-world examples to understand and apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios. Through specialised PGDM programs, students learn how to manage complex operations, optimise resources, and lead with empathy and vision.

Read more