Ardh Kumbh Mela Allahabad 2019 seek participation from 193 nations, 6 lakh villages

A myriad of the Naga Sadhus, aroma of the incense sticks, hordes of devotees, chanting of hymns, etc. – this is just a glimpse of the Ardh Kumbh Mela; the entire event is much mightier, much enthralling. Inscribed in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival holds great importance for the Hindus. People from India and abroad actively participate in the event which is held rotationally at Haridwar and Allahabad between the two Purna Kumbh Melas i.e., after every six years.

The Ardh Kumbh Mela is all set to be held in Allahabad in 2019 at the Triveni Sangam (confluence of River Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) and as usual, the Fiesta will host the entire world this time as well. All efforts are made and no stone is left unturned by the Yogi Adityanath Government in UP to lure the ‘entire world’ to the forthcoming Kumbh Mela.

Diligent moves by the UP Adityanath Government to reach out to 193 countries worldwide may attract scores of tourists to the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019. Out of the 195 countries in the world, 193 are esteemed members of the UN while the remaining two (Palestine and the Holy See) are titled as the non-member observer states.

Invitations are being sent to the all the 193 countries by the Adityanath government. It is eyed that these countries will send their representatives to the Kumbh Mela which is revered as a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith on the Earth.

As per Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, the ambassadors or representatives of foreign countries would be welcomed in the Kumbh Mela in the second week of December. The initiatives of the Adityanath government to make the Kumbh Mela a huge success are favored by the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre. In order to showcase the Kumbh Mela to the world in a grand way, the Modi Government has also instructed all Indian ambassadors to portray the Kumbh Mela in the respective countries where they are posted.

Prominent national and international tour operators are being sought after for their help in this regard by the government. The seriousness of the BJP government at the state and Centre about their commitment to host a grand Kumbh Mela is quite apparent. Even, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is expected to visit Allahabad to monitor the preparations in October or November.

According to Anupam Srivastava, regional tourism officer, Allahabad, the preparations of the grand event will also be monitored by a delegation of ambassadors of foreign countries led by Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister. The delegation will ensure the good accommodation for their nationals during the Mela.

Adityanath told that apart from the foreign participants, the government will make sure that at least two people from every village in India mark their presence in the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019. Out of a total of 6 lakh villages in the country, the Adityanath Government is expecting participation of 12 lakh people in the mega fair.

Besides all these, in addition to the regular trains, the railways has proposed running 800 special trains from various stations of Allahabad. Moreover, Four big enclosures to house about 10,000 pilgrims have been constructed at the Allahabad Junction Railway Station. Interestingly, 1400 coaches of the special trains will be bearing the branding of the Kumbh Mela on vinyl wrapping.

Allahabad Kumbh Mela Bathing Dates – 2019

Diksha Khiatani

A writer by day and a tsundoku at night. Emerging from an Engineering background, Diksha is a travel freak and anxious to explore different cultures and religions. Inclined towards the off-beat places, she wishes to uncover the secrets on her Scooty (if possible). She always grabs some time to take a quick nap, listen to music, skating and eat a brownie.