The decadal Maha Kumbh Mela is set to begin on January 13, 2025, in the holy city of Prayagraj. In 2017, UNESCO recognized Kumbh Mela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, transforming it into a global phenomenon with a large influx of pilgrims across the globe.
Considering the contribution of Prayagraj in fostering religious tourism, the Government of Uttar Pradesh is leaving no stone unturned to make this Maha Kumbh experience a holistic and sustainable one for the devotees.
Anannya Saraswat and Arpita Banerjee from APAC News Network and CXO News share insights gathered from Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
What is the anticipated number of devotees at the Mahakumbh 2025? Which regions are expected to contribute most to the attendees?
The Mahakumbh Mela of 2025, set to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is expected to have a gathering of over 40 crore people throughout the event. This massive turnout reflects Mahakumbh’s status as one of the largest religious congregations in the world. The event, which occurs every 12 years, holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, attracting pilgrims who seek purification of sins through ritual bathing in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
A large number of contingents of devotees are expected to come from across the country and various other countries as the Department of Tourism is taking significant steps like road shows, Mahkumbh prelude events, and other promotional campaigns to attract visitors from countries that have a significant Indian population.
How is the department planning to make Mahakumbh a global showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage? Can you outline the inter-department collaborative efforts that shall be undertaken to ensure the successful commencement of Mahakumbh setting new benchmarks for religious tourism.
The Uttar Pradesh Government is gearing up to transform Mahakumbh 2025 into a global showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing its spiritual, historical, and artistic grandeur. To achieve this, a comprehensive strategy involving inter-departmental collaboration has been devised, aiming to set new benchmarks in religious tourism and global engagement.
The Tourism Department is working closely with the Ministry of Culture to curate cultural programs that highlight India’s diverse traditions, including classical music, dance, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions focused on ancient Indian scriptures and philosophies. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting local crafts and cuisine through vibrant fairs and stalls.
The Urban Development Department and Public Works Department are collaborating to enhance infrastructure, including the creation of temporary townships (tent city) , improved road networks, and upgraded transportation facilities to accommodate the influx of millions of pilgrims and tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaged in promoting the event internationally, leveraging India’s mission abroad to invite foreign dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and international tourists.
The event will also feature robust security arrangements led by the Home Department, with the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies and international-standard crowd management strategies. Through this holistic and collaborative approach, Mahakumbh 2025 aims to position itself as not only a deeply spiritual event but also a vibrant representation of India’s cultural and logistical prowess on the global stage.
How the department’s commitment to the motto “Development with Heritage” shall be reflected during the upcoming Mahakumbh? What interventions undertaken during Mahakumbh can be expected in order to make Uttar Pradesh a Trillion-dollar economy by 2027 as outlined in the new tourism policy 2022?
The Department of Tourism’s commitment to the motto “Development with Heritage” will be prominently showcased during Mahakumbh 2025, reflecting a balance between preserving Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural legacy and fostering economic growth. This vision is aligned with the state’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2027, as outlined in the New Tourism Policy 2022. Key interventions during Mahakumbh will emphasize sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and the promotion of heritage as a unique selling point for global travelers.
The department’s Heritage Conclave in Lucknow, a landmark event, brought together over 20 heritage property owners, property developers, and key stakeholders. This initiative underscores a strategic focus on repurposing historic properties into tourism assets, offering travelers a rich experience of the cultural diversity of these places. These properties, many of which are architectural marvels, will play a crucial role in accommodating and attracting tourists visiting and would like to explore the other offerings of the state. Visitors to Prayagraj will be encouraged to explore these heritage sites, thereby extending their stay and contributing to the local economy.
To ensure an integrated development model, several initiatives are being rolled out, including the restoration of ancient temples, upgraded ghats, and the promotion of local crafts and traditions. Iconic historical landmarks in Prayagraj and surrounding regions will be highlighted as part of curated cultural circuits. Investments in digital innovations like heritage trails, virtual tours, and multilingual guides will provide modern, immersive experiences for travelers.
How will ‘Digital Mahakumbh Experience Center’ deploy the latest technologies like VR, holograms, and digital projections to ensure a holistic experience for the pilgrims? How will it be useful in connecting the new generation with the spiritual and cultural significance of the Mahakumbh, Triveni Sangam, and the timeless history of Prayagraj?
The ‘Digital Mahakumbh Experience’ is a ground-breaking initiative that integrates advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), and digital projections to deliver an immersive and transformative experience for pilgrims and visitors. Through VR, users can virtually step into the sacred atmosphere of the Mahakumbh, witnessing iconic rituals like the Snan Parv (Royal Bath) and exploring the spiritual grandeur of the Triveni Sangam in breathtaking detail. This technology will also recreate historical moments from past Kumbh Melas, allowing visitors to connect with the festival’s centuries-old legacy.
Holographic displays will bring to life revered saints, scriptures, and tales from the ancient scriptures, presenting them in an engaging, visually captivating manner. Similarly, digital projections will showcase intricate narratives of Prayagraj’s cultural and spiritual significance, complemented by interactive displays offering historical timelines, maps, and multilingual guides to enrich the learning experience.
By merging tradition with technology, the Digital Mahakumbh Experience will not only deepen the spiritual and cultural understanding of visitors but also amplify the global appeal of the Mahakumbh. It ensures that the timeless legacy of the Mahakumbh and Prayagraj resonates strongly with contemporary audiences, fostering an enduring appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage in the modern era.
Since Kumbh is a decadal event, what other comprehensive strategies are in place to enhance the overall tourism experience of UP state for the tourists? How is the government ensuring to make this Mahakumbh 2025 experience holistic one while also promoting a sustainable experience?
The Uttar Pradesh government and the Department of Tourism have devised comprehensive strategies to enhance the overall tourism experience in the state, ensuring the benefits of Mahakumbh 2025 extend beyond the festival. A major focus is on developing sustainable tourism infrastructure that will serve visitors for years to come. The government is upgrading transport and connectivity by expanding airports, enhancing railway networks, and improving road infrastructure, including expressways and highways linking major tourist destinations. These initiatives are not only geared toward the Mahakumbh but also aim to make Uttar Pradesh a year-round tourist hub.
To elevate the cultural experience, the Government is promoting heritage tourism, with efforts to restore and repurpose historical sites, temples, and forts into attractions that highlight the state’s rich history. Cultural festivals, craft fairs, and curated circuits such as the Buddhist Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, and Krishna Circuit are being actively developed to offer diverse experiences to travelers. Partnerships with private stakeholders, as seen during the recent Heritage Conclave, further ensure that heritage properties are preserved and utilized to accommodate and engage visitors.
For Mahakumbh 2025, the Government is committed to providing a holistic and sustainable experience. Emphasis is being placed on eco-friendly practices such as waste management systems, plastic-free zones, and green energy usage at the festival grounds. Temporary townships and accommodations are being designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Through these strategies, Uttar Pradesh aims to make Mahakumbh 2025 not just a grand religious event but also a catalyst for long-term tourism growth, ensuring that visitors leave with a deep appreciation for the state’s spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage while contributing to its sustainable development.
