Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department and Director General, Uttar Pradesh Tourism in an exclusive interview with Kamal Gill, Editor-Publisher, of Today’s Traveller talks about the preparations and upgrades in Prayagraj ahead of Mahakumbh 2025
The iconic Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is set to commence on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, a city revered as the confluence of spirituality and culture. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, the Kumbh Mela has evolved into a global event, drawing millions of pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and tourists from around the world.
In anticipation of this monumental event, the Government of Uttar Pradesh is undertaking extensive preparations to ensure a seamless, meaningful, and sustainable experience for attendees. Officials have highlighted Prayagraj’s pivotal role in promoting religious tourism and the state’s commitment to enhancing the spiritual, cultural, and environmental aspects of the Maha Kumbh.
From infrastructure upgrades to advanced crowd management systems, every measure is being implemented to accommodate the massive influx of visitors while prioritizing sustainability. The 2025 Maha Kumbh is poised to once again showcase India’s deep-rooted traditions and its ability to host one of the world’s largest congregations of faith with unmatched hospitality and precision.
TT Bureau: What is the significance of the Mahakubh?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: The Mahakumbh is a mega spiritual gathering held every 12 years in Prayagraj, UP.
It is one of the most significant events in India, attracting over 40 million pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The Mahakumhbh is celebrated over 45 days, featuring sacred rituals, including bathing at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
Known for its cultural and spiritual significance, the event involves extensive planning, city-wide beautification, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable practices to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.
It represents a confluence of faith, tradition, and community spirit on an unparalleled scale. The event will begin on January 13th and continue for 45 days, ending on February 26th.
TT Bureau: How long has the preparation been underway?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Preparations have been ongoing for over two years. This includes significant infrastructure development across the city and surrounding regions. A large influx of devotees is anticipated from across India and various other countries, as the Department of Tourism ramps up efforts to promote the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Initiatives such as roadshows, prelude events, and targeted promotional campaigns are being organized to attract visitors, particularly from countries with a substantial Indian diaspora, ensuring global participation in this spiritual extravaganza.
TT Bureau: What infrastructure projects have been undertaken?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Key infrastructure projects include:
- Roads: Expansion of roads connecting Prayagraj to Ayodhya and Varanasi, upgrading them from two-lane to four-lane and six-lane highways.
- Rail Connectivity: Collaboration with the Railway Department to run extra trains during January and February to manage the influx of pilgrims.
- City Makeover: Beautification of road junctions, renovation of facades, and strengthening river ghats, particularly at the Sangam.
TT Bureau: How is the administration handling crowd management during peak dates?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Certain dates, known as Shahi Snans, are expected to draw the largest crowds. The railway department will adjust the number of trains based on passenger demand during these peak dates.
TT Bureau: Are there any technological advancements being implemented for the event?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: The ‘Digital Mahakumbh Experience’ is a cutting-edge initiative leveraging Virtual Reality (VR), holographic displays, and digital projections to offer pilgrims an immersive journey into the spiritual and cultural essence of the Maha Kumbh.
Visitors can virtually experience rituals like the Snan Parv and the Triveni Sangam’s grandeur, relive historical Kumbh moments, and engage with interactive narratives about Prayagraj’s heritage.
By blending tradition with technology, this initiative enhances the festival’s global appeal while connecting audiences to its timeless legacy in a modern, engaging way. LED boards and panels will be used instead of traditional materials for signages to provide information to visitors while promoting sustainability.
TT Bureau: What measures are being taken to ensure cleanliness and safety at Mahakumbh Mela 2025 ?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: The primary objective is a clean Mahakumbh. Biodegradable materials will be promoted, and strict guidelines have been issued to all participants and organizations setting up stalls to adhere to these eco-friendly measures. The event will emphasise a clean and sustainable approach. The entire area is being declared polythene and plastic-free.
TT Bureau: What is the government’s approach to learning from past events?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: The administration is leveraging the experiences and best practices from the 2019 Kumbh, which was organised under the same leadership. This has allowed for improvements in planning and execution to make the current Mahakumbh even more memorable.
TT Bureau: What additional initiatives are being undertaken for city beautification for Mahakumbh 2025?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Beyond road and ghat improvements, decorative elements are being added to various parts of the city, and significant efforts are being made to enhance the overall aesthetics of Prayagraj.
TT Bureau: Which departments are involved in the preparations?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Several departments are actively involved, including:
- Urban Development
- Irrigation
- Environment
- National Highway Authority
- PWD
- Tourism
- Culture
- Transport
- Medical and Health
Each department has prepared detailed action plans to ensure the smooth execution of the Mahakumbh 2025.
TT Bureau: How are environmental concerns being addressed?
Mukesh Kumar Meshram: Environmental sustainability is a top priority for Mahakumbh 2025. The administration has taken measures to reduce waste, promote biodegradable materials, and limit the use of disposable items. The emphasis on digital signage is another step towards reducing environmental impact.
Read more – Today’s Traveller Interviews
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