Multilingual services at Prayagraj Junction to assist pilgrims during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela | Representational Image
Mumbai: Don’t be surprised if you hear announcements in Marathi at Prayagraj and other major nearby railway stations during 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela (festival). To accommodate millions of pilgrims from across the country, the North Central Railway (NCR) has introduced several innovative measures, including multilingual announcements, digital kiosks and advanced ticketing solutions.
Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer of NCR, said, “To cater to the diverse crowd expected during the Kumbh Mela, we have prepared announcements in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Assamese, and Kannada. This initiative ensures clear communication for pilgrims from across the country.”
According to Tripathi, these announcements will be broadcast across key areas of the railway premises, such as waiting rooms, city-side exits, and other passenger circulating areas at four major stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Chheoki, Naini, and Subedarganj.
Digital Kiosks for Real-Time Information also in Marathi
To further enhance the experience, digital kiosks are being installed at Prayagraj Junction, Chheoki, Naini, and Subedarganj stations. These kiosks will provide crucial information in multiple languages, including Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi. “Pilgrims can access details about auspicious bathing schedules, routes to the Sangam, local tourist attractions, passenger amenities, and other updates through these kiosks,” said an official.
Free Pocket Booklets in Marathi Too
For additional support, NCR will distribute free pocket booklets containing essential information, such as auspicious bathing dates, directions to the Sangam, and nearby tourist attractions. These booklets will be available in Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati, and several other regional languages.
QR Code Jackets for Easy Ticketing
To reduce queues, railway staff will wear jackets with embedded QR codes during the Mela period. Pilgrims can scan these codes to book general tickets via the UTS mobile app, simplifying the ticketing process.
Seamless Travel Experience for Pilgrims
With these proactive measures, the NCR is committed to providing a hassle-free journey for millions of devotees heading to Prayagraj. A senior official stated, “Our multilingual approach and digital advancements aim to minimize confusion and enhance accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers.”
The Maha Kumbh Mela (festival ) is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of devotees from across India and beyond. It is celebrated every 12 years at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 26.
The festival holds profound significance in Hinduism, as it marks a momentous occasion in the cosmic calendar, tied to the revolution of the planet Jupiter. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the Kumbh Mela washes away sins and brings spiritual renewal, helping them break free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Aside from the ritual of bathing in the sacred rivers, the Mela is also a hub for spiritual discourses, devotional music, and the worship of deities. Saints and religious leaders from across the country gather to share wisdom, and various spiritual practices and rituals are performed throughout the festival.
The Kumbh Mela is not only a religious occasion but also a cultural phenomenon, blending spirituality, tradition, and community in an unparalleled way. For millions, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that holds the promise of divine grace and personal transformation.
