25 Days to Go for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh - No Free Rides, But Thousands of Special Trains Await!

 25 Days to Go for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh - No Free Travel in Trains: Debunking the Buzz!

 

The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivratri.

Do plan to visit.

A Historic Gathering

The Mahakumbh, set to commence on January 13, 2025, at the Sangam (confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati), will continue until February 26.

This religious pilgrimage, held every 12 years, alternates between Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik, and Prayagraj. This year’s edition is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe.

In a major setback to visitors/devotees planning to visit Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025, the Railways have clarified that there is no concept of FREE TRAVEL, i.e., money has to be paid to travel in the trains during the Mela period.

This is disappointing but in the larger interests, free travel is prohibited.

The clarification came via an Official Statement on 18^th December 2024.

Some articles were floating on social media, that free travel in Trains for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 is in the pipeline.

As this is not true, Railways decided to clarify via an official statement to minimise the damage of wrong perception.

Basically, there are two types of Rail Travel.

Type 01) UnReserved i.e No seat numbers are allotted, passengers can travel in Unreserved coaches. This is more popular in MEMU trains.

Type 02) Reserved i.e specific coach number / seat numbers are allotted. This is popular in long distance trains.

 

No Free Train Travel During Maha Kumbh: Indian Railways Clarifies

As the highly anticipated Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 approaches, Indian Railways has stepped in to address rumors circulating in certain media outlets about free travel for pilgrims. These reports, according to the Railway Ministry, are entirely baseless and misleading. Traveling without a valid ticket remains strictly prohibited under Indian Railways regulations and is a punishable offense. The ministry urges travelers to disregard such misinformation and abide by ticketing rules during the event.

Massive Arrangements for Seamless Travel

To manage the anticipated surge of pilgrims, Indian Railways is implementing comprehensive measures. From special holding areas and additional ticket counters to other passenger facilities, efforts are being made to ensure a smooth travel experience. Hundreds of "Mela Special" trains are set to operate between January 13 and February 26, 2025, facilitating transportation for devotees traveling to Prayagraj. These trains are strategically planned to cover various zones across the country, ensuring accessibility for pilgrims from all regions.

Infrastructure Upgrades to Support the Influx

Indian Railways has allocated Rs 933 crore for infrastructure development and passenger amenities ahead of the event. A total of 992 special trains, in addition to the existing 6,580 regular trains, will cater to the influx of visitors. The Railway Ministry has also introduced 174 longer rakes and granted additional stoppages to 140 passing trains, significantly enhancing capacity and convenience. Furthermore, a Rs 3,700-crore project aims to double railway tracks and improve operational efficiency within the Prayagraj division.

Record-Breaking Preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, beginning on January 13 and concluding on February 26, is expected to attract over six crore visitors to Prayagraj. With religious events like Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami taking place during this time, the railways anticipate an unprecedented demand for services. The completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor will also play a crucial role in diverting freight traffic, enhancing passenger train punctuality. This monumental effort highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to ensuring a safe and efficient travel experience for millions of pilgrims attending this sacred event.

 

 

The state’s comprehensive efforts reflect its commitment to making the Mahakumbh 2025 a memorable and inclusive celebration.

 

The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu religious pilgrimage and one of the world's largest religious fairs.

 

It's a time for devotees to bathe in the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and gain spiritual merit.

 

Some key dates for the 2025 Kumbh Mela include:

January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima - Monday

January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan) - Tuesday

January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan) - Wednesday

February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan) - Wednesday

February 4, 2025: Achla Saptami - Thursday

February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima -  Wednesday

February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan) - Wednesday

 

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times every 12 years in four different locations in India.

The location of the Kumbh Mela rotates between the four pilgrimages on sacred rivers.

Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts only.

The only Joy is ‘World Safe ePay Day’,  and

 ‘World Blouse Day’.

 

Safe and Stylish: Unveiling World SafeePay and Blouse Day Delights

 

The need for observing World SafeePay Day and World Blouse Day arises from the absence of dedicated global celebrations for these concepts.

 

World SafeePay Day aims to celebrate the joy of safe electronic payments in all financial transactions, representing an abstract celebration that highlights the significance of secure and efficient digital financial interactions. As the world increasingly relies on electronic payment systems, having a designated day for SafeePay emphasizes the importance of secure and reliable digital financial transactions.

 

On the other hand, World Blouse Day seeks to celebrate the joys of wearing blouses in a more lively and visually impactful manner. The concept involves a powerful display of togetherness, with millions of people stepping out wearing blouses based on a chosen theme. This display celebration not only promotes a sense of unity but also serves as a unique and creative expression of shared identity through clothing.

 

Link to the official statement @ https://pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=3&lang=1

 

 

 

 

 

 

27 Days to Go: How Thousands of Workers Are Turning Faith into Reality for Maha Kumbh 2025

27 Days to Go: Reclaiming Sacred Grounds – The Ganga’s Shift and the Battle for 4,000 Hectares

 

Only 27 days to go for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025.

As the deadline for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, thousands of workers are working multiple shifts to welcome the devotees and visitors.

'It’s a 24-hour mission'

Between the last Kumbh Mela in 2019 and the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Ganga River shifted approximately 200 to 500 meters to the right, washing away 3,200 hectares of land.

 

As the first rays of dawn touch the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj, thousands of workers begin their arduous task — shaping the sprawling grounds that will host the Maha Kumbh 2025.

Their mission: to transform reclaimed land into a divine city ready to welcome crores  of pilgrims.

 

Between the last Kumbh Mela in 2019 and the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Ganga River shifted approximately 200 to 500 meters to the right, washing away 3,200 hectares of land. To ensure the event's grandeur, authorities undertook a colossal reclamation project, restoring the lost land and adding 800 hectares more, totaling 4,000 hectares.

Please note that the original lost land has been restored for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025, and another 800 hectares have been added.

This is a massive restoration process, in which multiple infrastructure agencies are involved.

Any Plans to visit?

 

The core mela area is a Pop-up Tent City, so the infrastructure has to be built from the ground up.

"We are building something sacred," said Ramesh Yadav, a laborer. "When we see this land becoming a spiritual city, we feel like we are contributing to history."

 

Work has been relentless since October, with experts from the Irrigation Department collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, to channel the Ganga and create new ghats. "The erosion reduced available land significantly compared to 2019," said Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand. "Through dredging and channeling, we restored the banks, ensuring more space for pilgrims."

 

The Kumbh Mela brings together millions of devotees, ascetics, and seekers, all coming to partake in sacred rituals, the most significant being the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. This cleansing bath is believed to purify the soul, absolve sins, and guide one toward spiritual liberation.

 

The Maha Kumbh Mela, often celebrated as the largest spiritual gathering in the world, is a grand expression of devotion, faith and ancient traditions. Rooted deeply in Hindu mythology, this extraordinary festival is held once every 12 years across four sacred cities — Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj — each located along the banks of India’s holiest rivers: the Ganga, Shipra, Godavari and the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. 

 

The Kumbh Mela brings together millions of devotees, ascetics, and seekers, all coming to partake in sacred rituals, the most significant being the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. This cleansing bath is believed to purify the soul, absolve sins, and guide one toward spiritual liberation. The festival is not only a celebration of India’s deep spiritual heritage but also symbolises the universal human pursuit of inner peace, self-realisation, and collective harmony.

A Historic Gathering

The Mahakumbh, set to commence on January 13, 2025, at the Sangam (confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati), will continue until February 26.

This religious pilgrimage, held every 12 years, alternates between Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik, and Prayagraj. This year’s edition is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe.

 

The state’s comprehensive efforts reflect its commitment to making the Mahakumbh 2025 a memorable and inclusive celebration.

 

The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu religious pilgrimage and one of the world's largest religious fairs.

 

It's a time for devotees to bathe in the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to cleanse themselves of sins and gain spiritual merit.

 

Some key dates for the 2025 Kumbh Mela include:

January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima - Monday

January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan) - Tuesday

January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan) - Wednesday

February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan) - Wednesday

February 4, 2025: Achla Saptami - Thursday

February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima -  Wednesday

February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan) - Wednesday

 

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times every 12 years in four different locations in India.

The location of the Kumbh Mela rotates between the four pilgrimages on sacred rivers.

Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts only.

The only Joy is ‘World Safe ePay Day’,  and

 ‘World Blouse Day’.

 

Safe and Stylish: Unveiling World SafeePay and Blouse Day Delights

 

The need for observing World SafeePay Day and World Blouse Day arises from the absence of dedicated global celebrations for these concepts.

 

World SafeePay Day aims to celebrate the joy of safe electronic payments in all financial transactions, representing an abstract celebration that highlights the significance of secure and efficient digital financial interactions. As the world increasingly relies on electronic payment systems, having a designated day for SafeePay emphasizes the importance of secure and reliable digital financial transactions.

 

On the other hand, World Blouse Day seeks to celebrate the joys of wearing blouses in a more lively and visually impactful manner. The concept involves a powerful display of togetherness, with millions of people stepping out wearing blouses based on a chosen theme. This display celebration not only promotes a sense of unity but also serves as a unique and creative expression of shared identity through clothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kumbh Mela @2019 – Visitors can access WiFi Hotspots

          The administrative authority of Kumbh Mela 2019 : Prayagraj Mela Pradhikaran has released ‘Expression of Interest’, document for providing Wi-Fi hot spots in KumbhMela – 2019.

          Kumbh is one of the world's largest religious gatherings and is held on a rotational basis in either of the four riverside towns of Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. The MahaKumbh is held every 12 years at Prayag (Allahabad), with the Kumbh being organized every 6 years.

The last MahaKumbh took place in 2013 which was attended by an estimated 10 crore people over a two-month period. The next Kumbh is scheduled to be held in Allahabad in 2019.

The estimates for Kumbh 2019 is 12 crore visitors from all parts of the world.  Looking at the modern day dependence on internet services, good quality optical fibre wireless internet services is planned to be provided in the Kumbh Mela 2019.

Prayagraj Mela Pradhikaran proposes to appoint an agency to provide good quality and high speed wireless internet services inside the Kumbh Mela Area in every sector for the period of Three (3) months.

Draft Scope of Work

·       The PrayagrajMelaPradhikaran intends to engage a service provider who can supply, configure, install, operate, and maintain good quality wireless internet service inside the KumbhMela area to an agency for 3 months (January - March 2019). Agency may make revenue by collecting tariffs and advertisement. The Agency shall be responsible for following work:

·       Agency shall install sufficient supporting infrastructure to provide seamless wireless internet connectivity throughout the Kumbhmela area, these might consists of but not limited to optical fibre, access switches, wireless access points, security equipments etc.;

·       Agency shall install operate and maintain wireless internet services;

·       The service provider shall be bound to pay all taxes/liabilities imposed by the Government or

·       any other Competent Authority in respect of the right of license;

·       Agency shall ensure 24x7 wireless internet service for KumbhMela period;

·       Agency will ensure 100% power back up for supporting infrastructure;

·       Agency shall incur all the costs and tax liabilities related to this project;

·       The service provider would be responsible for maintaining the user and other records as required under the applicable law/regulations;

·                Provide free service for a limited time period each day and later on can be charged as per defined by the Authority; and

·                 The agency shall adhere to TEC, DOT, TRAI or any other relevant or applicable guidelines

A WiFi hotspot is simply an area with an accessible wireless network. The term is most often used to refer to wireless networks in public areas like airports and coffee shops. Some are free and some require fees for use, but in either case they can be handy when you are on the go.

WiFi hotspots are becoming very common in India now and majority of laptop users are familiar with WiFi hotspots.

Tips for a safe surfing experience

Tip 01) Pick up the correct network

Tip 02) Pick a secure network

Tip 03) Ask to connect

Tip 04) Be your own hotspot

Tip 05) Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)