Prayagraj Mahakumbh: UP Government Completes Land Allotment for Akharas, Shifts Focus To Conclave In Delhi And Mela Galleries

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government is doing an all-round preparation for the Mahakumbh, set to begin in Prayagraj on 14 January 2025 with Makar Sankranti and will conclude on 26 February 2025 with Mahashivratri.

Land allocation to Akharas

Over 100 'bighas' of land has been allocated to 13 Akharas. The Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) comprises 13 principal akharas, which include Nirmohi, Nirvani, Digamber, Mahanirvani, Atal, Bada Udasin, Nirmal, Niranjani, Juna, Avahan, Anand, Agni, and Naya Udasin.

The allocation was made on 18 and 19 November in consultation with saints of the Akharas. Seven Shaiv Akharas and three Udasin community Akharas were allocated land on Monday in the Mela area.

Thereafter three remaining monastic orders, all Vaishnav Akharas, were provided with land on Tuesday, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Vivek Chaturvedi, told ANI, asserting satisfaction of all Akharas.

Additional Mela Officer Chaturvedi stated that senior office bearers and saints from Shri Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhara, Shri Digambar Ani Akhara, and Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara participated in the process.

Mahant Murali Das, the president of Shri Nirvani Ani Akhara, expressed his contentment with the land allocation. He noted that the required land had been provided through a mutual agreement between the saints and the Mela administration. He also mentioned that preparations, such as fencing the area with tin sheets, would begin soon to facilitate upcoming activities.

After the allocations to the Akharas, the distribution process will continue for Dandi Bada, Acharya Bada, Khak Chowk Vyavastha Samiti, and Khalsa saints. This will be followed by allotments to religious and cultural organisations planning to establish camps in the Mela tent city.

Mahakumbh Conclave in Delhi

Meanwhile, the UP government is also set to host the "Mahakumbh Conclave" in New Delhi as a one-day promotional event, offering a platform to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Mahakumbh while inviting dignitaries and VIPs from India and abroad.

Officials announced on Tuesday that this event will take place at a five-star venue in the national capital to provide an immersive experience, showcasing UP's tourism potential, preparations for the Mahakumbh, and the state's vibrant folk arts and cultural legacy.

The highlights of the event will be:

1. Digital Display Zone: A large LED screen will feature animated depictions of the Kumbh Mela’s history, the lives of Naga Sadhus, and other religious themes.

2. 3D Models: Intricate displays will bring to life iconic scenes, including Triveni Sangam, Akshayavat, and Samudra Manthan. 14 gems found during the 'Samudra Manthan' will also be displayed.

3. Modern Innovations: AI chatbots and multi-language translator devices will enhance the experience for international visitors.

4. Tourism Packages: Digital presentations will offer a glimpse of travel and accommodation facilities, including a virtual tour of the tent city and hotel rooms for Kalpvas.

5. Digital Walk-Through: A 10-minute virtual tour will allow visitors to explore the Mahakumbh fairgrounds.

The event will culminate in a cultural evening showcasing UP’s folk music and dance, emphasising the spirituality and vibrancy of the Mahakumbh. Around 700 distinguished guests from across the globe are expected to attend, each receiving a specially curated souvenir symbolising UP's cultural richness.

Galleries at Prayagraj Mahakumbh

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday ordered the inclusion of 'Constitution gallery' and 'tribal gallery' among galleries to be set up at Prayagraj Kumbh to highlight the uniqueness of the Indian Constitution and UP's tribal culture.

The 'Constitution gallery' will hold discussions on the formation of the constituent assembly and will display the process of Constitution drafting through audio-visual means, while the 'tribal gallery' will feature Birsa Munda and the UP government's efforts for tribals in the state.

Other preparations

For the safety and convenience of the devotees, a high-tech control room is being set up and is expected to be ready within a week. Vivek Chaturvedi said that this control room is being designed by Bollywood's known art director Pawan Pandey.

The control room will host high-level meetings to ensure necessary arrangements for the devotees. Separate cabins of over 50 officers will also be set up in this control room to monitor security, administrative, medical and drinking water facilities at the Kumbh.