Mahakumbh 2025 is gearing up to make history by setting four different world records in diverse categories, including a potential record for the largest gathering of devotees at a single event. Among its standout initiatives, the Mela Authority is preparing to set a world record for the largest mass eye examination and spectacle distribution in history.
For the first time, over five lakh devotees will undergo free eye check-ups simultaneously, with three lakh spectacles distributed during the event. This unprecedented effort will be hosted at Netra Kumbh, a sprawling facility spread across 10 acres in Sector 5 near Nagvasuki, scheduled to open on January 5. Follow-up surgeries will also be provided at nearby hospitals after the event.
Grand Inauguration
The inaugural ceremony will be graced by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara as the chief guest, with Gaurang Prabhu Ji Maharaj as the special guest and Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji from the Sangh as the keynote speaker.
Dr. Ranjan Bajpai, a member of the organising committee, shared:
“Our target is three lakh spectacles and five lakh OPDs, with 10,000 OPDs conducted daily. We have doubled our capacity from the last Netra Kumbh.”
State-of-the-Art Arrangements
The facility includes 11 hangars, up from 5 in the previous edition, with a systematic flow for devotees — from registration to OPD consultation. Each doctor’s chamber will have 4 doctors and 10 optometrists, alongside dedicated counters for medicine, referrals, and spectacles. Only one vendor has been appointed for glasses distribution to ensure top quality.
Accommodation & Hospitality
For the 140 doctors volunteering at the event, 40 four-bed dormitories have been built, with separate accommodations for women doctors. Food from each participant’s home province will be served. Additionally, 16-bed dormitories for pilgrims and 8-bed dormitories for workers have been prepared.
Eye Donation Drive
A special eye donation camp will also be part of Netra Kumbh. Sunil Kumar Singh, from the organising committee, said:
“Inspired by Emperor Harshvardhan’s tradition of giving, we are encouraging devotees to pledge their eyes. In the last Netra Kumbh, over 11,000 pledged eye donations. This time, we aim to go even further.”
He added that with 1.5 crore blind people in India, many require cornea transplants, and the camp will be a step towards addressing this urgent need.
As Mahakumbh 2025 prepares to welcome millions, Netra Kumbh stands out as a shining example of how spirituality, healthcare, and community service can unite to set world records — and change lives.
