Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela: An Opportunity for Promoting Cross-Border Religious Tourism

The world-famous Maha Kumbh Mela is currently being held in Prayagraj, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. According to the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism, over 10 million people took a holy dip on the first day of the fair, which is held every 12 years in Prayagraj.

During the 45-day religious gathering, which began on January 14, Hindu devotees throng to the confluence of the sacred rivers. The department estimates that 450 million pilgrims will attend the event. Thousands of devotees from various countries, including India and Nepal, participate in this significant occasion.

Director General of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Isha Priya, emphasized the special significance of this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela and encouraged everyone to enjoy the fair. She expressed confidence that the event would contribute to the promotion of cross-border religious tourism.

To ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims, more than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed. Around 100,000 temporary tent houses have been constructed along the banks of the rivers, while bright lighting enhances the beauty of the fair at night. Temporary camps and health facilities are also available for pilgrims.

Over 25,000 CCTV cameras have been installed, including underwater surveillance systems, for security purposes. According to Indian media, more than 7,000 buses have been arranged from Prayagraj Airport to the fairgrounds, supplemented by 550 shuttle buses, 13,000 rickshaws, and special trains. Additionally, 43 temporary hospitals with 6,000 beds have been set up, along with road and air ambulance services.

It is believed that taking a holy dip at the confluence of the rivers absolves sins and cleanses the soul. The Uttar Pradesh government has combined spirituality with innovation, employing modern technology for high-tech security, digital land allotments, and immersive virtual reality experiences. Special cyber security measures have also been implemented, with mobile cyber teams deployed for public awareness.

Additional Strategic Officer of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Akash Deep, described the fair as a historical record-setting event that promotes religious tourism. Prominent tourism leaders, including the President of the Varanasi Tourism Guild, Santosh Kumar Singh, and the General Secretary of the Agra Travel Agents Association, Kaushlendra Singh, have urged Hindu Nepali tourists to participate in this grand event.

Royal bathing days, including Shri Panchami, Shivaratri, and Purnima, are key highlights of the fair. Organizers have arranged additional bathing sites and motorboats to ensure devotees can easily participate.

The Mahakumbh has a rich history, believed to date back to the Satyayuga and was initiated by Shankaracharya. According to legend, the fair’s origins lie in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). It is believed that the demons and gods were fighting for the nectar of immortality when Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra, ran away with the pot of nectar from the demons. As he fled, the drops of nectar of immortality fell in four locations—Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar where the Maha Kumbha Mela is held to this day. The tradition of the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to hold profound spiritual significance for millions of devotees worldwide. – RSS