NEW DELHI: Monday marks the beginning of the coming together of what is being pitched to be the world’s largest gathering of people in one place at the Maha Kumbh to be held between January 13 and February 26 in Prayagraj.
With around 40 crore people expected to visit, the ministries of culture and tourism in collaboration with UP govt are gearing up to showcase India’s varied traditions and the story of the Kumbh mela at what is also being projected as a landmark global tourism event.
The Maha Kumbh is recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. To promote 2025 Maha Kumbh as a ‘global tourism hub’ the tourism ministry has planned a wide range of activities including an “Incredible India Pavilion” and a dedicated toll-free tourist infoline (1800111363 or 1363) equipped to provide information and assistance required by foreign tourists, influencers, journalists, and photographers among others visiting Prayagraj.
According to the ministry of tourism, besides English and Hindi, the toll free infoline is now operating in 10 international languages and also in Indian vernacular languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese and Marathi.
“To ensure seamless travel for tourists attending the Maha Kumbh, the ministry of tourism has partnered with Alliance Air to enhance air connectivity to Prayagraj from multiple cities across India,” a government statement highlighted.
The ‘Incredible India Pavilion’ set-up in a sprawling 5000 sq. ft. space, besides facilitating tourists, will also showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of Kumbh Mela.
The ministry of tourism has also collaborated with key tourism stakeholders like the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC), IRCTC, and ITDC to offer a range of curated tour packages and luxury accommodation options.
Meanwhile, the ministry of culture has set – up Kalagram at Maha Kumbh to showcase India’s unity in diversity, art, spirituality, and culture. After inaugurating Kalagram on Sunday, culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a post on X shared visuals from the programme and said this was an attempt to bring alive India’s cultural diversity in one complex.
Kalagram will host a 10,000-capacity Ganga pandal, alongside three additional stages in Areil, Jhunsi, and Triveni areas, accommodating 2,000 to 4,000 spectators each.
Nearly 15,000 renowned artists, including prestigious Padma awardees and Sangeet Natak Akademi honorees will be performing across multiple stages in the historic city of Prayagraj.
As part of the immersive cultural events planned during the Maha Kumbh, ‘Aviral Shashvat Kumbh Exhibition Zone’ has been curated by the Archaeological Survey of India, IGNCA and the Allahabad Museum. Here the visitors will be able to witness a narration of the rich history and significance of the Kumbh Mela through artifacts, digital displays, and poster exhibitions.
For the visitors, there are also in store experiences like the “Astronight Sky” – celestial stargazing sessions that seek to provide a mesmerizing cosmic connection on select nights. Besides book exhibitions have been curated by the Sahitya Akademi and cultural documentaries will allow visitors to gain insights into India’s spiritual and cultural tapestry.
