Relive the spiritual extravaganza of the Kumbh Mela 2019 through our highlights section. The Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj, unfolded as a grand tapestry of devotion, culture, and divine energy. The Kumbh Mela, 2019 at Prayagraj was set up over 3200 hectares around Sangam and transformed the area into the biggest ephemeral city of the world.
Major Attractions 2019
Kalagram
During Kumbh 2019, one of the major attractions was the creative hub known as Kalagram. Situated in sector 20, Arail of Prayagraj, Kalagram provided visitors with a glimpse of Indian art and culture. Thirteen pavilions, each with a unique design and appearance, were constructed in this village. In addition to the pavilions of all seven cultural centers displaying various stalls to exhibit state-specific crafts, eight other pavilions were present. These included the Vedic Exhibition Gallery by the Indira Gandhi National Cultural Academy (IGNCA), an Exhibition on Maha Kumbh by the Allahabad Museum, a Government of India Exhibition by TRIFED, a Live Portrait Symposium by Lalit Kala Academy (LKA), an Exhibition of academy Books by Sahitya Academy (SA), and an Exhibition on Mohandas to Mahatma by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. These exhibitions showcased different varieties of art and craft in Kalagram.
Cultural Events
The Government of Uttar Pradesh mobilized the state cultural departments for exhibiting the rich and diverse cultural heritage that India possesses during the Kumbh Mela 2019. Five cultural Pandals were featured for displaying a series of cultural events ranging from musical performances to traditional and folk dances on a daily basis from January 2019 onwards. The Ganga Pandal served as the mega structure among all the pandals for hosting all the major events. Additionally, the Pravachan Pandal and four convention centers, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, were created to host various spiritual events.
Waterways
Prayagraj was always important due to its river and waterways connectivity since centuries. The Government of India made a very positive approach to revive this important mode. In procedure to that, well-placed IWT terminals were made by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (www.iwai.nic.in) at Sujawan Ghat, Old Naini Bridge, Saraswati Ghat, and Quila Ghat. These terminals were used to run CL Kasturba (Semi Cruise of IWAI) for pilgrims and tourists to take a joy-ride in one of the most ancient river routes of India.
Laser Light Show
To enhance the experience of the large influx of pilgrims, patrons, domestic, and international tourists expected to visit the Kumbh Mela 2019, the Government of Uttar Pradesh made provisions for a Laser Light and Sound Show that was operational from December 2018 onwards at the Prayagraj Fort Wall.
Thematic Gates
The 2019 Kumbh Mela also witnessed over 25 temporary thematic gates which marked the approach roads to the Mela Area and entrance to various sectors in the Mela Area. The Government of Uttar Pradesh adopted an innovative solution to increase the aesthetic value of the Kumbh Mela by designing and producing over 25 temporary thematic gates that were strategically placed. Each gate had its own identity, strongly rooted in the local context and deeply inspired by the culture, tradition, and socio-religious factors. Vernacular construction methods were used, and above all, practicality and reusability were taken into consideration.
360 degree virtual reality experience Kumbh 2019
Ahead of the Digital India campaign, visitors and pilgrims were all set to witness a whole new digital experience of a 360-degree virtual reality world during Kumbh 2019. Ten stalls facilitating the pilgrims with this experience were specially set up at prime locations in the Kumbh Mela area. At these stalls, visitors and pilgrims could watch Kumbh 2019 videos and experience as if they were physically present in those events, using a special VR headset. These stalls showed videos of major events such as Peshwai (Grand procession of Akhadas), auspicious bathing days (snaan), Ganga aarti, and multiple special footage from this grand festival of faith and harmony.
Peshwai (Praveshai)
Out of all the major festivities during Kumbh, "Peshwai" held a significant place. Peshwai was the local dialect for the word "Praveshai," which denoted the grand procession carried out to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela by welcoming people from all around the world. In this procession, saints arrived in Kumbh along with their groups on elephants, horses, and lavish carriages with bands. In addition, to welcome the procession of Akhadas and to further enhance its grandeur, a large number of people provided their services as attendants and showered petals of flowers on the passing procession. The atmosphere during Peshwai was that of festivity and enthusiasm.