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 CM launches startup policy to empower youth
To empower youths, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday launched the ‘Tripura Startup Policy-2024’, under which financial support would be extended to entrepreneurs engaged in Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES).
Only Tripura tableau from NE to be displayed at R-Day parade
From the eight northeastern states, only the Tripura tableau will be displayed this year during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, officials said on Thursday.
Manipur on alert to prevent infiltrators from B'desh: CM Biren Singh
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that the state on its eastern side has been facing illegal infiltration problems from Myanmar, adding an alert is also being maintained in the state's western as well as southern regions to block the illegal entry of people from the neighbouring country.
Foreign cigarettes valued at 3.38 crore seized in Mizoram, one arrested
Foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 3.38 crore were seized from Tuichang bridge areas of Lawngtlai district in Mizoram and one person was arrested in this connection, officials said on Thursday.
Colorful rally of Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan dazzles in Agartala to mark Netaji’s birthday
Like every year, this year too, the colourful tableaus of Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan school here at Agartala rolled over the streets of the capital town and captivated all with its dazzling display of culture and heritage.
NCLAT stays CCI ban on WhatsApp, Meta evaluating next steps
Mark Zuckerberg-run Meta on Thursday said it welcomes the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to stay the ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp and will evaluate next steps.
Delhi elections: Parties scale up poll campaign, top leaders to address rallies
With less than a fortnight to go for Delhi Assembly elections, the electioneering is reaching a feversish pitch with top leaders of respective parties hitting the streets to woo the electorate.
I-T raids on leading Tollywood filmmakers continue for third day
The raids were also continuing on the leading production houses Mythri Movie Makers and Mango Media. The department has not yet come out with a statement about the searches but it is believed that it identified a mismatch between the revenues earned by some recent movies and the income tax paid.