LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has extended invitations to diplomats from 34 countries for participation in the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, to be held in Prayagraj. The event, scheduled to run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is expected to be one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees and international attention. The ambassadors and high commissioners from these countries will witness the grandeur and spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh.
Invitations have been sent to ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Mauritius, Cambodia, South Korea, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, France, Canada, Germany, and several others. This international representation is seen as a strategic move to showcase India’s cultural heritage and its capacity to organize such a massive event successfully.
The invitation of diplomats serves dual purposes. On one hand, it promotes religious and spiritual tourism by drawing global attention to the Mahakumbh Mela, and on the other, it strengthens diplomatic ties between India and the participating nations. The Uttar Pradesh government has been making concerted efforts to position the state as a hub for tourism, particularly religious tourism. Mahakumbh offers a significant opportunity to put these plans into action.
Special delegations of ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats are expected to observe the scale of the organization and management of this mammoth event. This initiative will not only help in promoting tourism in Uttar Pradesh but will also project India’s rich cultural and religious heritage on an international platform. By inviting these diplomats, India seeks to create long-lasting partnerships that could boost tourism in the state and the country.
To ensure the safety and security of the devotees, international dignitaries, and tourists attending the Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning an extensive security arrangement. More than 60,000 police personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order. These security forces will include officers from various ranks, ensuring a robust and layered security mechanism.
To manage the crowd, the police force will be complemented by modern technology, including CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and crowd control systems. Special quick response teams (QRTs) will be stationed at strategic points to address any emergencies or untoward incidents. In addition to this, police forces from neighboring states will also be requested to assist in maintaining peace and order during the festival.
The authorities have also made provisions for medical emergencies, with mobile healthcare units and ambulances being deployed across key areas. Special attention will be given to ensure the smooth flow of the vast number of devotees, estimated to be in the tens of millions, who will gather to take a holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
To manage the heavy influx of visitors, the Indian Railways will operate 1,000 special trains during the Mahakumbh. These “Mahakumbh Special” trains are being planned to cater to the massive number of devotees who will travel from across the country to Prayagraj. The trains will have additional stops at strategic locations to facilitate easier access to the Mahakumbh Mela.
The Railway Ministry has already issued a toll-free helpline number (1800-4199-139) for inquiries and assistance related to these special trains. Furthermore, efforts are being made to ensure that the journey to Prayagraj is as smooth and comfortable as possible for the pilgrims. Additional railway police and security personnel will be deployed at railway stations to handle the anticipated crowds, and the railway authorities will ensure hygiene and cleanliness across all the major stations en route to Prayagraj.
Bus services, too, are being enhanced to accommodate the devotees. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will operate hundreds of extra buses from various districts within the state to Prayagraj. Temporary bus stops and transit camps will be set up near the Mahakumbh venue for pilgrims’ convenience. Kuldeep Tiwari, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Lucknow division in Uttar Pradesh, stated that the upcoming Mahakumbh is expected to draw over 50 crore devotees, marking it as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in history.
Prayagraj is undergoing significant infrastructural development in preparation for the Mahakumbh. The government has allocated a substantial budget to upgrade roads, improve sanitation, and ensure the availability of clean drinking water across the region. Temporary accommodations in the form of tents and shelters are being constructed to house the millions of pilgrims who are expected to attend the festival. These accommodations will be equipped with basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, and electricity. To ensure cleanliness and hygiene, a large team of sanitation workers will be deployed to maintain the festival grounds.
Additionally, the state government is making special provisions for the elderly, disabled, and women devotees. Dedicated spaces and separate queues will be arranged for these groups to make their participation in the Mahakumbh seamless and comfortable.
The Mahakumbh Mela of 2025 is set to be a landmark event, drawing not just domestic but also international attention. With dignitaries from 34 countries attending, this edition of the Kumbh is likely to make headlines around the world, solidifying India’s reputation as a nation that celebrates its cultural and religious diversity on a massive scale.
