Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Friday to extend a formal invitation to the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. The iconic event, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, is expected to host a record turnout of 40 crore devotees, marking it as one of the largest religious gatherings in history.
‘Kumbhvani’ FM Channel Launched
As part of the preparations, CM Adityanath inaugurated ‘Kumbhvani,’ an FM channel dedicated to providing comprehensive updates on the Maha Kumbh. Operated by Prasar Bharati, this OTT-based radio service will broadcast at a frequency of 103.5 MHz from January 10 to February 26. It will air daily from 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM, delivering crucial information, event schedules, and devotional content to pilgrims and participants.
Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre Unveiled
Enhancing the spiritual and cultural experience of devotees, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre. Spanning 60,000 square feet in Sector 3 of the Kumbh Mela area, the state-of-the-art facility uses cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), holograms, and LED displays to narrate the divine stories of the Maha Kumbh, including the Samudra Manthan, Prayag Mahatam, and Triveni Sangam. Divided into 12 zones, the centre offers an immersive digital representation of the grandeur and spiritual significance of the event.
Economic Significance of Maha Kumbh 2025
The Maha Kumbh is poised to contribute significantly to the state’s economy. CM Adityanath highlighted its projected economic impact of ₹2 lakh crore, a sharp rise from the ₹1.2 lakh crore generated during the 2019 edition. This projection is fueled by the anticipated turnout of 40 crore pilgrims and tourists.
The Chief Minister also shared insights on the surge in religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, with over 16 crore devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and 13.55 crore visiting Ayodhya between January and September 2024. These numbers underline the growing spiritual and cultural significance of the state.
Preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025
The state government has undertaken extensive infrastructural and technological initiatives to ensure a seamless experience for attendees. The integration of FM radio services and digital experiences reflects the modernization of one of India’s oldest and most sacred traditions.
With global attention on the Maha Kumbh 2025, Uttar Pradesh is not only preserving its rich cultural heritage but also establishing new benchmarks for religious tourism and economic growth.
