BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu pilgrimage and the largest gathering of religious pilgrims in the world, attracts millions of devotees. In April 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Haridwar's Kumbh Mela witnessed an estimated 9.1 million visitors within 14 days. Given the scale of the event and the ongoing health crisis, implementing tobacco control laws was crucial to fostering a tobacco-free environment. The challenge of ensuring compliance with these laws in such a massive congregation necessitated a robust, coordinated multi-stakeholder approach.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: A multi-tiered capacity-building program was implemented for law enforcement agencies, and strategic coordination with government stakeholders led to the issuance of a notification reinforcing tobacco control laws. Mass awareness campaigns, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material distribution, were launched, with support from 250 volunteers and the engagement of 300 religious leaders, media houses, and civil society organizations.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Through coordinated efforts, a robust tobacco control policy was implemented at the Kumbh Mela, prohibiting the use, sale, and advertisement of tobacco. Over 160 enforcement drives ensured compliance across all Mela sites, covering 156 square kilometres across three cities. The campaign had a remarkable impact: tobacco advertisements were eliminated and tobacco sales were reduced by 90%. Furthermore, substantial amounts of tobacco-related waste were prevented from polluting the environment.
CONCLUSIONS: Successfully implementing tobacco control laws at the Kumbh Mela amidst the COVID-19 pandemic was a monumental challenge. The Tobacco-Free Kumbh Mela stands as a landmark achievement, demonstrating the power of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing tobacco control in large-scale, culturally significant events. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping public health outcomes in diverse and complex settings. It serves as a model for replicating similar strategies in other large gatherings to ensure healthier environments.