Vodafone Idea (Vi), in collaboration with Shemaroo, is making the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 accessible to customers through live streaming on its Vi Movies and TV App and Vi App. This spiritual gathering, held every 12 years, is taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. With 40 crore pilgrims expected, mobile networks have already been enhanced and are prepared to take the load. Bharti Airtel and its subsidiary Indus Towers have earlier announced the deployment of Mobile Tower Infrastructure at the Mela and key locations to cater to the data needs of users.
Also Read: Airtel Rolls Out Major Network Upgrades Ahead of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj
Live Streaming on Vi Movies and TV and Vi App
To make The Maha Kumbh Mela accessible to all, Vi has partnered with Shemaroo to live-stream it on Vi Movies and TV App. Vi said its customers can experience the Shahi Snans on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Maha Shivratri (February 26), as saints and devotees take holy dips in the sacred waters.
"Users can also access recorded content, anchored tours of Akharas, cultural performances of folk music and devotional songs, as well as stories of the colossal infrastructure supporting millions of pilgrims. Special features include interviews with saints and spiritual leaders; special features on Kalpvasis, and touching stories from first-time visitors," Vi said on Monday.
Also Read: DoT, Telecom Operators Deploy Additional Infrastructure for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Commitment to Making Content Accessible to All
This initiative, according to Vi, is part of its commitment to leverage technology to connect people. With Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities driving 60 percent of new OTT viewership growth, fueled by the rising demand for local and spiritual content, Vi said it is ensuring that the Maha Kumbh Mela remains accessible to all.
"Devotees can embark on this spiritual journey on the Vi Movies and TV App or Vi App under the Vi Movies and TV Tab, and live stream the content anytime, anywhere–powered by Shemaroo," Vi added.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Prepares for Phased 5G Rollout; Added 46,000 New Sites in 2024: CEO
Vi Enhances Network Connectivity
Vi also mentioned that it has significantly enhanced its 4G network across India by adding 46,000 new sites and increasing the capacity of over 58,000 sites, resulting in superior connectivity across the country. The network experience provided by Vodafone Idea is also highlighted in Opensignal's November 2024 report, as previously reported.
Vi Enhances Network in Prayagraj
-- Updated on January 19, 2025
"At Vi, we're ensuring seamless connectivity for all pilgrims and visitors at the on-going Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. We have enhanced our network capacity by adding 30 new sites in Triveni Sangam, as well as around 40 macro and high powered small-cells covering all major points in nearby areas. Additionally, we have deployed 32km of fibre to strengthen backhaul connectivity to provide last mile connectivity in densely crowded areas," Vodafone Idea's official news account, ViNewsOfficial, shared on X on January 16, 2025.
