Maha Kumbh 2025 Draws Global Attention with International Tourism Initiatives
Reported By Amit Singh
Prayagraj, 26 February 2025: The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has emerged as a major international event, drawing foreign tourists, travel writers, and spiritual seekers from across the globe. The Uttar Pradesh government and the Ministry of Tourism have undertaken extensive efforts to enhance global participation, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen India’s position as a key destination for spiritual tourism.
International Participation and Tourism Initiatives
A delegation of British travel writers visited Maha Kumbh on February 25–26, 2025, exploring the religious, historical, and cultural significance of Prayagraj. To cater to international visitors, the government implemented special accommodations, guided tours, digital information centers, and cultural programs.
The delegation also toured Prayagraj Fort, Anand Bhawan, Akshayavat, Alfred Park, and the Sangam area, with additional trips planned to Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Lucknow to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual heritage.
Global Tourist Engagement at Maha Kumbh
Foreign pilgrims and tourists from South Korea, Japan, Spain, Russia, the United States, and other nations actively participated in Maha Kumbh rituals. Many engaged with local guides at Sangam Ghat to gain insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of the event.
An international visitor from Spain described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Several foreign devotees, sadhus, and sanyasis took part in rituals and the holy dip, embracing the festival’s deep spiritual essence.
Maha Kumbh’s Global Tourism Promotion Strategy
As part of the “Brand UP” vision, the Uttar Pradesh government positioned Maha Kumbh as a global cultural and spiritual tourism brand. Authorities collaborated with international tourism stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism and investment opportunities in the state.
Showcasing Maha Kumbh at International Tourism Fairs
Maha Kumbh 2025 was prominently featured at:
FITUR, Madrid, Spain (January 24–28, 2025)
ITB Berlin, Germany (March 4–6, 2025)
Special 40-square-meter pavilions were set up to highlight Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage, attracting a diverse international audience. VVIP lounges facilitated B2B and B2C meetings, ensuring global collaborations. Promotional materials in multiple languages helped connect with international tourists effectively.
Digital Maha Kumbh Engages Global Audience
The event’s official website recorded 33 lakh visitors from 183 countries in the first week of January. Traffic came from 6,206 cities worldwide, with India, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Germany leading in engagement.
The technical team managing the website reported a surge in international visitors exploring Maha Kumbh’s history, rituals, and significance. The digital platform ensured seamless access to information, allowing global tourists to focus on the festival’s spiritual aspects without logistical challenges.
Incredible India Pavilion and Tourist Services
On January 12, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism inaugurated the Incredible India Pavilion, a 5,000 sq. ft. immersive space at Maha Kumbh. The pavilion catered to:
Foreign tourists, scholars, researchers, journalists, and photographers
The Indian diaspora exploring cultural heritage
A “Dekho Apna Desh” People’s Choice Poll was launched, allowing visitors to vote for India’s top tourism destinations. Additionally, a toll-free Tourist Infoline (1800111363 or 1363) was introduced, operating in 10 international languages and Indian regional languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese, and Marathi.
Luxury Accommodations and Curated Tour Packages
To enhance visitor experience, the Ministry of Tourism collaborated with UPSTDC, IRCTC, and ITDC to introduce:
80 luxury accommodations at Tent City, Prayagraj (by ITDC)
Luxury tents for international tourists (by IRCTC)
Curated tour packages, promoted through Indian Missions and India Tourism Offices worldwide
A digital brochure detailing these offerings was circulated to attract global tourists to Maha Kumbh.
International Recognition for Maha Kumbh 2025
With these extensive initiatives, Maha Kumbh 2025 has firmly positioned itself as a global cultural and spiritual event, drawing international attention and reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s identity as a premier destination for religious tourism and international investment.
