Maha Kumbh 2025 is gearing up to set multiple world records, including one for distributing the highest number of spectacles and conducting the most eye tests at a single event. As part of this effort, the ‘Netra Kumbh’ initiative has been organized to offer free eye check-ups to devotees in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, the event’s chief guest, lauded the initiative.
“Indian culture’s key expression is service…eye is the most sensitive organ, we can see the whole world and ourselves with it…as per capability ‘Netra Kumbh’ event is totally welcoming…last time around 1 lakh specs were distributed and this time also the specs will be distributed,” said Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj.
Dr. Ranjan Bajpai, a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the significant growth in participation for this year’s Netra Kumbh. The target has been set at distributing 3 lakh spectacles and conducting 5 lakh eye tests.
“In the last Netra Kumbh, a large number of devotees were tested for their eyes. This time, the number of participants has doubled. This time the target is three lakh spectacles and five lakh OPDs. The target is 10 thousand OPDs in a day. Extensive arrangements have been made for this,” Dr. Bajpai told ANI.
He further explained the event’s inauguration plans: “The inauguration will be done by the hands of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, the chief guest, while Gaurang Prabhu Ji Maharaj will be the special guest, and Sangh’s co-worker Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji will be the keynote speaker.”
Netra Kumbh, previously recognized in the Limca Book of Records, is aiming for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records this year. “Last time it made its place in the Limca Book of World Records and this time an attempt will be made to get it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records,” Dr. Bajpai added.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, in charge of crowd management, described the extensive infrastructure built for the event. “Netra Kumbh has been built on about 10 acres. A total of 11 hangars have been built in it. Last time there were only 5 hangars,” Singh noted.
He detailed the systematic approach for eye examinations: “An eye examination will be done here in a systematic manner. A big hangar has been built, where all the devotees will gather. After this, they will be sent to two different OPD chambers, where they will be able to consult doctors after getting their registration done.”
Singh also emphasized the importance of eye donation, sharing the success of the previous event. “Sri Lanka, a country much smaller than us, donates corneas to the entire world. We have resolved to set up an eye donation camp here, allowing those who wish to donate their eyes to give the gift of sight to others. In the last Netra Kumbh, over 11,000 people donated their eyes,” he said.
