As the Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, an exceptional force of specially trained horses is being deployed for security and crowd control at the massive religious gathering. These horses, trained to respond to commands with precision, are part of the Uttar Pradesh Mounted Police, which plays a pivotal role in managing the millions of devotees expected to attend the event.
The mounted police force consists of 130 horses, with a variety of breeds, including Indian, American, and English. These horses are not just ordinary animals but highly trained creatures capable of handling dense crowds, difficult terrains, and even patrolling both land and water. The horses are equipped with advanced tracking technology, which includes electronic chips embedded in their necks, storing vital data about their health, training, and lineage, as well as tracking their movements in real-time.
These horses are invaluable assets to the mounted police, with prices ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹2.5 crore, depending on the breed. Some of the American-bred horses, like Dara, are particularly prized for their discipline and intelligence. Dara, an American breed, was born in the Hisar army cantonment in 2020 and is trained to follow commands with exceptional obedience. Dara’s pedigree can be traced back to the Golden Kite lineage, making him an important member of the mounted police force. Along with other American-bred horses, Dara’s temperament and ability to work in challenging environments make him indispensable to the security efforts for the Kumbh Mela.
The horses undergo extensive training at specialized centers in Moradabad and Sitapur. The training focuses on preparing the horses for the unique challenges of crowd control at the Kumbh Mela. The horses are trained to maintain their formation and follow commands, whether it’s moving in a straight line, forming a group, or increasing speed. Their discipline and coordination are crucial for managing the large crowds that gather at the event. The horses are trained to handle various terrains, including narrow paths, rough ground, and water bodies, ensuring they can navigate the Kumbh Mela grounds effectively.
Each horse has been implanted with an electronic chip around its neck, which serves as both a tracking device and a record keeper. The chip contains detailed information about the horse’s lineage, including records of its seven generations, medical history, and training. The chip allows the authorities to monitor the horse’s health and movements in real-time, ensuring that they are in optimal condition for their duties. The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) manages this tracking system, ensuring that the horses’ locations are constantly monitored.
To further aid in identification, the horses are marked with codes on their knees. These codes contain the horse’s name, birth year, and place of residence, as well as the names of its parents. This system of identification is crucial for managing such valuable animals and ensures that each horse can be easily traced if needed.
The cost of these horses reflects their quality and training. American-bred horses are typically valued between ₹50 lakh and ₹2.5 crore, while some English-bred horses can fetch between ₹2 crore and ₹3 crore. However, for the Uttar Pradesh Mounted Police, these horses are priceless. Their training, discipline, and ability to navigate the challenges of crowd control make them an essential part of the security team for the Kumbh Mela.
Once the horses reach the age of 20, they are retired from active duty, but their service during the Kumbh Mela is invaluable. The mounted police force’s horses will continue to serve until they reach retirement age, playing a key role in ensuring the safety and smooth running of the Maha Kumbh 2025.
In addition to their crowd control duties, the horses will also assist in patrolling the Mela grounds, ensuring that the large number of devotees is well-managed and secure. The horses are gradually acclimatized to the geographical features of the Kumbh Mela grounds, ensuring they are prepared to handle the specific challenges posed by the event.
With such specialized training and state-of-the-art technology, the horses of the Uttar Pradesh Mounted Police are set to play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of millions of devotees during Maha Kumbh 2025. Their discipline, intelligence, and ability to adapt to challenging environments make them an invaluable asset to the security team, ensuring that the event unfolds smoothly and safely for all involved.
