The third edition of the Kumbh Conclave is set to take place from October 25 to October 27, 2024, at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj. The event aims to generate awareness about the upcoming 2025 Maha Kumbh and promote it both nationally and internationally. MNNIT, in collaboration with its Innovation and Incubation Hub, is set to host the conclave, with additional support from the India Think Council. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department is extending its support to this grand event.
The conclave will bring together notable scholars, political figures, spiritual leaders, and dignitaries from India and beyond to discuss and highlight the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of the Kumbh Mela, with the goal of elevating its global profile ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh. According to Saurabh, Director of India Think Council, the three-day event will feature more than 10 technical sessions, focusing on various aspects of the Kumbh and India’s rich heritage. Scholars from across the country, as well as international participants, are expected to take part in these discussions, offering a diverse range of insights and perspectives.
The Kumbh Conclave is anticipated to attract a number of high-profile attendees, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The list of distinguished guests includes:
- M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India
- Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kerala
- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Bihar
- Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra
- Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan
- Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
- Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
- Jaiveer Singh, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture
These eminent figures will contribute to the discussions and deliberations aimed at making the 2025 Maha Kumbh a globally recognised event. Their presence is expected to draw significant media attention and further amplify the event’s impact, both at the national and international levels.
Focus on Innovation and Cultural Heritage
The conclave’s key objective is to emphasise the grandeur, uniqueness, and importance of the Kumbh, which is not only a religious gathering but also a monumental cultural event with deep roots in India’s spiritual heritage. With this in mind, more than 25 roadshows and roundtable conferences are being organised in various locations across India as part of the run-up to the conclave.
The discussions will also explore how technological innovations can be leveraged to enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors during the 2025 Maha Kumbh. This is in line with MNNIT’s Innovation and Incubation Hub’s role in hosting the event, as the institution aims to combine tradition with technology to create a more organised and sustainable event.
The conclave, which was first held in 2019, has since evolved into a critical platform for stakeholders from various sectors, including tourism, spirituality, culture, and governance, to come together and share ideas on how to make the Kumbh Mela a more globally appealing event. The 2024 conclave is expected to build on the successes of previous editions, with more in-depth discussions and wider participation from international scholars and practitioners.
As part of the build-up to the 2025 Maha Kumbh, the organisers are planning a series of roadshows and conferences across India. According to officials, these events will “highlight the grandeur, uniqueness, and importance of the Kumbh” to a wider audience, both within the country and abroad. The roadshows will not only raise awareness but also serve as platforms to engage with various stakeholders, including international tourists, spiritual leaders, and policymakers.
In total, over 25 locations across India have been earmarked for these roadshows, and the events are designed to generate excitement and anticipation for the Maha Kumbh. The focus will also be on the logistical and infrastructural preparations necessary for an event of this magnitude, including crowd management, sanitation, safety, and accommodation facilities for millions of pilgrims.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe. The 2025 Maha Kumbh, which is expected to see an even greater influx of pilgrims than previous editions, holds immense significance in Hindu tradition. The Maha Kumbh which is held every 12 years at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, is regarded as one of the most significant and auspicious events in Hinduism. Millions of devotees participate in the pilgrimage, seeking spiritual purification and divine blessings during this revered gathering.
The conclave’s goal of publicising the Maha Kumbh both nationally and internationally underscores the growing recognition of the event’s global appeal. By drawing in international scholars and media, the organisers hope to present the Kumbh Mela as not only a religious event but also a global spiritual phenomenon, with profound cultural, historical, and social implications.
The third Kumbh Conclave promises to be a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 2025 Maha Kumbh. With a rich array of sessions, prestigious speakers, and a strong focus on innovation and tradition, the conclave is expected to set the tone for a successful Maha Kumbh. By raising awareness and attracting global attention, the event aims to cement the Kumbh Mela’s place as one of the world’s most important spiritual gatherings. The involvement of MNNIT, India Think Council, and the Uttar Pradesh government ensures that this year’s conclave will be a well-organised and impactful event, laying the groundwork for an even grander Maha Kumbh in 2025.
