LUCKNOW: The Mahakumbh, an extraordinary gathering held every 12 years at Prayagraj, is set to receive a significant boost in its infrastructure and visitor services with the introduction of 30 “guiding” gates at key entry points. These gates, designed as information centers, will serve as critical navigational landmarks and support hubs for the millions of pilgrims and tourists expected to attend the sacred event from January 13 to February 26.
According to the official announcement, the 30 gates will be based on the themes of the ratnas (gems), drawing inspiration from ancient traditions and spiritual significance. Strategically positioned at important entry points throughout the sprawling mela grounds, these gates will not only help visitors navigate but also act as cultural beacons. This highlights the rich heritage of the city and the festival itself. In addition to their functional role, the gates will serve as symbols of the deep-rooted historical and cultural significance of Prayagraj and the Kumbh Mela.
Each of these gates will house an information center offering a range of services to assist pilgrims and tourists. These centers are designed to cater to the vast crowds, providing essential details such as accommodations, food options, religious rituals, and tourist attractions within the city. Special attention has been given to ensure that the information is available in both Hindi and English, making it accessible to a broader audience, including international visitors. Additionally, digital resources will be deployed to help pilgrims familiarize themselves with the city and the mela grounds.
Visitors will have access to printed guidebooks and lists of trained guides who can assist with various inquiries, including directions and information on rituals. Moreover, the centers will offer details about registered paying guesthouses, helping visitors find suitable accommodations in the bustling city during the peak festival period.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jaiveer Singh, emphasized that the gates are not merely functional elements but are designed to make a cultural statement about the place and its history. By integrating these gates into the infrastructure of the mela, the government is ensuring that visitors are welcomed in a way that reflects the spiritual and historical importance of the Kumbh Mela.
Singh also highlighted that all pilgrims, regardless of their financial capacity, will receive adequate support. He directed officials to ensure that assistance is not limited to high-end visitors but extends to those with limited means, emphasizing inclusivity in the mela experience. The government aims to create an environment where every visitor, irrespective of background, feels welcomed and supported.
With an anticipated influx of around 50 crore visitors over the festival period, the need for comprehensive support is crucial. The gates are expected to play a pivotal role in managing the massive crowds, offering critical assistance to those who may lose their way in the expansive mela grounds. Minister Singh noted that the primary objective of these initiatives is to ensure that every visitor has access to the necessary resources and guidance for a fulfilling experience at the Mahakumbh.
The tourism directorate will play a central role in facilitating this support, with employees assigned at the gates to provide up-to-date information about the mela and local tourist attractions. These personnel will also be responsible for the maintenance of the gates, ensuring that they remain functional and welcoming throughout the festival.
The information centers at the gates will be equipped to handle a variety of inquiries, including accommodations, food, religious practices, and transportation. Special care has been taken to ensure that visitors receive assistance in navigating the often overwhelming scale of the Kumbh Mela, which spans a large area and attracts pilgrims from across the country and the globe.
Singh also mentioned that the authorities would provide informational booklets in both Hindi and English to cover major tourist attractions in Prayagraj, allowing visitors to engage with the city’s rich history and cultural offerings. Digital resources, such as mobile apps and online guides, will complement these efforts, ensuring that pilgrims can easily access information through multiple channels.
In addition to general information, specific services related to religious rituals will be available. Trained staff at the gates will assist visitors in performing the various rituals associated with the Kumbh Mela, such as taking holy dips in the sacred rivers, participating in prayers, and other ceremonial activities. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to make the Kumbh Mela experience spiritually enriching and logistically seamless for the millions of attendees.
The introduction of these 30 guiding gates is a significant step forward in modernising the infrastructure of the Kumbh Mela while maintaining the festival’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural traditions. The gates are not only designed to facilitate the practical needs of the pilgrims but also to leave a lasting cultural legacy that highlights the historical and religious importance of Prayagraj.
By offering comprehensive support and services to visitors, the government is ensuring that the Mahakumbh in 2024 will be remembered not only for its spiritual significance but also for the high standard of care and inclusivity provided to all attendees. The gates, serving as both physical and symbolic entry points, will undoubtedly become a landmark feature of future Kumbh Melas, reflecting the ongoing evolution of this ancient festival in the modern era.
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