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.
Tripura to create, fill up 333 posts in various departments
The Tripura Government has announced plans to create and fill up 333 posts across multiple state departments. The decision was taken during a recent cabinet meeting and was revealed by Cabinet Spokesperson Sushanta Chowdhury at a press conference on Monday.
Explosions near Russian Consulate in France have signs of terrorist attack: Moscow
The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday stated that explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in France's Marseilles resemble a terrorist attack.
Air Force Base in Bangladesh attacked, several injured
In a major incident of lawlessness that is currently prevailing in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, several miscreants launched an ambush attack on an Air Force Base in Cox's Bazar on the southeast coast of the country.
Indian tech industry to hit $300 bn revenue in FY26, workforce to reach 5.8 mn in FY25
The Indian tech industry is projected to reach $300 billion revenue in FY26, a Nasscom report said on Monday, adding that in the current fiscal (estimated), the industry will add at least 126,000 net new employees, taking the total workforce to 5.8 million.
Telangana tunnel collapse: L&T teams with advanced equipment join rescue operation
Two teams of construction major Larsen & Toubro with advanced equipment on Monday joined the operation to rescue eight trapped workers from an under-construction tunnel, a portion of which collapsed on February 22 in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district.
Right time to invest in Madhya Pradesh: PM Modi at Global Investors Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Global Investors Summit here highlighting investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh and urging investors to tap available potential in the state.
Govt backs India Inc. bid to become major exporter of power equipment
India is on the path to becoming a major exporter of power equipment, with global players showing strong interest in the country’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal has said.
Sudha Murty nominates Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, PT Usha to keep up fight against obesity
Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty on Monday nominated Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Indian Olympic Association head PT Usha to advance the campaign against obesity launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.