NEW DELHI: Hoping to attract more than 40 crore devotees from across the globe, UP govt and Union ministry of culture and tourism have joined hands to make ‘Maha Kumbh 2025′ in Prayagraj – cited as one of the world’s largest religious congregations – a showcase of the rich diversity of Indian culture. Plans are under way to deck up the cityscape for the 45-day fair with art installations, murals and decorations on the city walls.
Maha Kumbh Mela is a festival held every 12 years in Prayagraj, where millions of devotees come to the ‘Triveni Sangam’ to immerse themselves in the holy waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This symbolises the purification of the soul and, as believed, offers a path to attaining moksha or spiritual liberation.
The event, which will take place from Jan 13 to Feb 26, will tell the story of Maha Kumbh across Prayagraj through a wide variety of cultural performances and themed exhibitions. For instance, Archaeological Survey of India, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, museums, and archives are planning to jointly curate a predominantly digital exhibition on the theme of Kumbh’s tradition from various parts of the country, using manuscripts and photographs.
National School of Drama also plans to stage productions like Samudramanthan and other plays related to the Kumbh Melas. The culture ministry and UP govt will jointly organise cultural performances. The state govt proposes to set up a ‘Ganga Pandal’ with a capacity to seat 10,000 people, along with three more stages, each with a seating capacity of 4,000, at prominent locations. Celebrity, classical and folk artists from various states will participate. Additionally, 20 more stages for performances by artists are proposed.
Sahitya Kala Academy, along with other organisations, will showcase publications through book exhibitions, seminars and discussions. The Union and state govts also plan to screen cultural documentaries .