Prayagraj: Preparations for Mahakumbh Mela 2025 are progressing at full speed, with the government focused on providing VIP facilities for visitors, especially non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign tourists.
Mahakumbh is a major religious and cultural event held every 12 years at four prominent pilgrimage sites in India — Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees, the authorities are implementing a range of services and special arrangements.
Dedicated centres for NRIs and foreign tourists
To cater to the needs of NRIs and foreign visitors, dedicated NRI and tourist centres will be set up at the venue. These centres will provide services such as multi-language assistance, travel guides, and local information. There will also be special welcome centres to ensure that guests feel comfortable upon arrival.
Visitors can access online booking and registration services through a dedicated website and mobile app, where they can book accommodation, pilgrimage packages, and other online services in advance.
VIP accommodation and transportation
Mahakumbh 2025 will offer luxury accommodation options to make the stay of NRIs and foreign tourists more comfortable. Special luxury tent cities and resorts will be available, featuring air-conditioned tents with modern amenities and personal security.
Transportation services are also being improved. The Prayagraj airport, which began operations two years ago, will offer night landing facilities and flight services from major cities during the event. Visitors can also avail shuttle buses and helicopter services from the airport to nearby areas. For local travel, luxury buses and taxis will be exclusively available for NRIs and foreign tourists.
Multi-language assistance and digital experience
To assist visitors, multi-language guides proficient in languages such as English, French, German, and Japanese will be present. Information centres will also have multi-language signage to help visitors navigate the site.
A major highlight of the event will be the digital experience, which will offer a virtual tour of the Maha Kumbh, allowing attendees to explore key aspects like the ‘Samudra Manthan’ through virtual reality. Additionally, there will be a digital museum, QR-based passes for easy access, and multilingual digital signage for better navigation. Google Maps integration will help visitors avoid confusion and ensure they can easily find their way.
Cultural and spiritual programs
In addition to the religious significance of the event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore India’s rich culture and spirituality. Cultural and spiritual centres will showcase exhibitions and workshops on topics like Indian culture, yoga, meditation, and the significance of the Kumbh Mela. Networking events will also be organized, offering NRIs and foreign tourists the chance to interact with locals and the NRI community.
Special stalls will be set up to showcase traditional Indian cuisine and local handicrafts, allowing visitors to experience the best of India’s culture.
Security arrangements
In terms of security, advanced measures will be implemented. The event will have a seven-tier security system, with dedicated arrangements for foreign tourists to ensure their safety. A toll-free helpline will also be available to assist visitors in emergencies.
Parking will be another important focus. The event will feature 101 smart parking facilities with a capacity to accommodate 5 lakh vehicles daily. Parking areas have been expanded, with the total parking space increasing from 1,103.29 hectares in 2019 to over 1,867.04 hectares in 2025. The parking areas will be monitored through an Integrated Control Command Centre.
For added convenience, digital Lost & Found centres will be set up in the mela area, equipped with AI tools and social media platforms to help reunite lost visitors with their belongings. Additionally, there will be 328 AI-enabled cameras to monitor the area, ensuring enhanced safety.
Cashless payments and currency exchange
Cashless payment options will be available for tourists, and authorized currency exchange centres will be set up to facilitate easy currency conversion for foreign visitors.
Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a grand event with a perfect blend of spiritual, cultural, and technological experiences. With these special arrangements, NRIs and foreign visitors can expect a seamless and memorable experience.
