As Uttar Pradesh prepares for the Maha Kumbh 2025, authorities are bracing for a massive influx of 40 crore devotees, both from across India and abroad.
The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is undertaking extensive preparations on the ground to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the pilgrims.
One initiative for the massive fair that stands out is the introducing of the paying guest (PG) facility, encouraging local residents of Prayagraj to open their homes to devotees seeking affordable and simple accommodations with all the comforts of home.
This scheme aims to offer a warm, culturally immersive stay, relieving pilgrims from the high costs of hotels while providing them with quality facilities at reasonable rates.
Local residents interested in participating are being trained by the tourism department in hospitality, cleanliness, and best practices for interacting with guests.
Training modules cover everything from good behaviour to offering comfort and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for pilgrims.
To streamline the process, a toll-free helpline and a dedicated WhatsApp number have been set up to guide potential hosts through registration.
Currently, the tourism department has set a goal to establish the PG system in 2,000 local homes, with accommodations and food facilities available for devotees.
This number may expand, depending on demand. To register, homeowners simply need to submit a nominal fee of Rs 50 along with basic documentation, after which they will receive a verified licence valid for three years.
The scheme promises not only to ease the accommodation crunch but also to provide a steady source of income for local families. Hosts are free to set their own rent rates, with no interference from the government.
The Maha Kumbh is a 45-day religious event that is held once in 12 years. Slated to begin on January 14, 2025, the Maha Kumbh is spread across 4,000 hectares along the river bank. The event is being conducted on an estimated budget of nearly Rs 6,382 crore, of which over Rs 5,600 crore has already been set aside for the event and related projects.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.