The Uttar Pradesh state tourism department plans to establish a ‘Digital Kumbh Museum’ to highlight India’s cultural heritage and explore the mythological and historical significance of the Kumbh. As part of its efforts to harness religious and spiritual tourism potential, the Uttar Pradesh government is aiming for the global branding of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the largest pilgrim congregations in the world. A senior official stated that Maha Kumbh 2025 will represent both India and Uttar Pradesh to domestic and international tourists, emphasizing the need for visitors to leave with unforgettable memories. Comprehensive preparations are underway to ensure this goal is met.
Although primarily a religious event, the Kumbh has a significant socioeconomic impact. Uttar Pradesh is positioning the Maha Kumbh as an opportunity to leverage religious, spiritual, and cultural tourism for job creation, economic growth, and enhancing the state’s image as it strives to become India’s first $1 trillion economy. To achieve this, the government is employing traditional and modern communication strategies, including extensive use of social media, to showcase the event as a reflection of ‘Brand UP,’ encompassing culture, religion, economy, heritage, and tradition.
The UP Cabinet has approved plans to promote the Maha Kumbh through roadshows in prominent Indian cities and international locations such as the Netherlands, Thailand, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Partnerships with leading industry chambers like the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry aim to broaden the event’s scope. To accommodate the enormous influx of devotees, a 4,000-hectare tent city is being developed in Prayagraj, featuring 67,000 streetlights, 2,000 tents, and 25,000 public accommodations for tourists. The area will be equipped with 23,000 CCTV cameras and AI-based surveillance to enhance security along the banks of the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge.
The budget for Maha Kumbh has surged by 78%, from ₹4,200 crore for the 2019 Kumbh Mela to ₹7,500 crore for 2025. Over 380 developmental, infrastructure, and tourism projects have been launched to support the event. As one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, Prayagraj holds special significance, offering spiritual purification and salvation through rituals like the shahi snaan (royal bathing) performed by akharas (sects of Hindu ascetics). The sacred pilgrimage attracts people from diverse walks of life, including ascetics, seers, and ordinary devotees, seeking spiritual tranquillity and renewal.
The under-construction 594-km Ganga Expressway is expected to become operational before the event begins, improving connectivity. Additionally, more than 7,000 new buses will ferry pilgrims and tourists. The event aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader tourism strategy, which has seen a surge in religious and spiritual tourism following major projects such as the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi and the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya.
In 2023, Uttar Pradesh witnessed 480 million domestic and foreign tourists, a 50% increase from 2022. By 2028, annual tourist numbers are projected to reach 850 million. The state aims to grow its tourism sector’s gross value added (GVA) from ₹14,000 crore in 2022-23 to ₹70,000 crore by 2028. Investment proposals worth ₹1.5 trillion have been secured under the UP Tourism Policy 2022, focusing on ecotourism, rural tourism, medical tourism, fort tourism, and agri-tourism. The state is also improving infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions such as forts, temples, and riverbanks.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as a unique celebration of India’s rich culture and humanity, extending an invitation to global tourists to participate in this monumental event. He emphasized the opportunity for cultural exchange and the spirit of global unity that Maha Kumbh represents. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh echoed these sentiments, highlighting the event’s alignment with India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). Principal Secretary of Tourism Mukesh Kumar Meshram detailed plans for luxury accommodations, including villas, Maharaja tents, and Swiss cottages, as well as activities such as helicopter rides and water sports to enrich the visitor experience.
Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be not only a spiritual gathering but also a global showcase of India’s cultural depth and Uttar Pradesh’s tourism potential, setting new benchmarks in religious tourism and contributing to the state’s socioeconomic growth
Jaiveer Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Minister, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Mahakumbh-2025 is not just a spiritual gathering but a rare alignment that embodies India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). It will be a monumental event where diversity converges into unity.” He invited international visitors to witness the grandeur of this event, which will not only showcase India’s cultural depth but also set new global benchmarks in religious tourism.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism, outlined the infrastructural advancements being made in preparation for Mahakumbh. He shared that an ultra-modern tent city near the Parade Ground featuring luxury accommodations such as villas, Maharaja tents, and deluxe tents is under construction. Additionally, 1,600 Swiss cottages are being set up in Arail, along with 200 cottages in Jhunsi and another 200 at the parade ground to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Thrilling activities like helicopter rides and water sports will further enhance the visitor experience.
Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Minister, Jaiveer Singh, emphasized the transformative potential of Maha Kumbh 2025, calling it a unique convergence of spirituality, culture, and global unity. Describing the event as an embodiment of India’s ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), he invited international visitors to experience its grandeur. Singh highlighted how Maha Kumbh 2025 would celebrate India’s cultural richness and establish new global standards for religious tourism, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase the state’s heritage to the world.
Principal Secretary of Tourism Mukesh Kumar Meshram detailed the ambitious infrastructural preparations underway to ensure a world-class experience for visitors. A state-of-the-art tent city is being constructed near the Parade Ground, offering luxurious accommodations such as villas, Maharaja, and deluxe tents. In addition, 1,600 Swiss cottages in Arail, 200 in Jhunsi, and another 200 at the Parade Ground are being developed to host the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists. To enhance the overall experience, the state is also introducing thrilling activities such as helicopter rides and water sports, making Maha Kumbh 2025 not only a spiritual journey but also a memorable adventure for all attendees.
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