The 'Khoya Paya' (Lost & Found) System of Kumbh Mela

If you lose a family member in the massive crowds of the Kumbh Mela, immediately go to the nearest police barricade and ask for the "Khoya Paya Kendra" (Lost and Found Center). The police use a city-wide loudspeaker network to reunite families within hours.

When 100 million people gather, mobile networks frequently crash due to bandwidth overload. You cannot rely on calling your family if you get separated. Historically, thousands of people—especially children and the elderly from rural villages without phones—get lost every single day of the Kumbh Mela.

How the Khoya Paya System Works

The government sets up hundreds of dedicated Khoya Paya tents across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. These tents are interconnected via a massive, dedicated radio and loudspeaker system that covers the entire city.

• If you lose someone, you register their details (name, village, clothing color) at the tent.
• An announcer immediately broadcasts this information continuously across the city's loudspeakers.
• If a police officer or volunteer finds a lost person, they bring them to the nearest tent, and their name is broadcasted until their family claims them.

Modern Upgrades for 2027

In previous Kumbhs, the system relied entirely on manual ledgers and speakers. For 2027, the Nashik Smart City initiative is integrating technology. Lost persons' photos will be uploaded to a centralized digital database accessible via an app by all police officers on the ground, drastically reducing search times.

How to Protect Your Family (Crucial Steps)

Do not assume it won't happen to you. A stampede or a sudden surge in the crowd can separate hands instantly.

1. The Marker Rule: Write your mobile number and your hotel address on the forearm of your young children and elderly parents with a permanent marker.
2. The ID Badge: Print small ID cards with emergency contact details and pin them to the inside of their clothing.
3. The Meeting Point: Every morning before you leave the hotel, establish a strict physical meeting point. Tell your family: "If we get separated and phones don't work, go directly to [Specific Landmark] and do not move from there."