The Mahakumbh-2025 will get a digital touch as the Tourism department has plans to construct a ‘Digital Kumbh Museum’, which will be built at the cost of Rs 60 crore.

“In addition to showcasing the culture of the country and the state, it will offer insights into the mythological and historical significance of Kumbh Mela,” a government spokesman said here on Tuesday.

The Tourism department has recently presented this proposal to the chief secretary.

According to the proposal, the ‘Digital Kumbh Museum’ will provide people with a modern Kumbh experience, as it will be equipped with facilities such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), and audio-video rooms.

“It will also feature various galleries with spiritual themes, including the Spiritual and Kumbh Mela Interpretation Gallery, Samudra Manthan Gallery, and Akhada Gallery,” the spokesman said.

The museum will provide facilities like a food plaza and souvenir shop, allowing visitors to purchase literature and products related to Kumbh Mela. Additionally, there will be facilities such as a cultural haat (Akshayavat), museum, gallery & theatre (Amrit Kalash), and a guest house.

According to the proposed outline of the ‘Digital Kumbh Museum’, the Sangam river will be showcased in the entrance lobby through digital projection. The three rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) will be displayed using three different colors based on animated fractal geometry, and static graphics will also be used. 

Following that, the interactive map of Prayagraj will be presented on a large screen in the Interpretation Gallery, which can be explored through touch interactions. Here, along with the history of Prayagraj, information about the modern city will also be provided. 

In the Samudra Manthan Gallery, the epic tale of ‘samudra manthan’ will be presented through floor projection.

The Akhada Gallery will showcase the Akhada culture prevalent in the country. It will have an interactive wall related to Shankaracharya, describing his journey.

In the Temporal City, there will be video walls, while in the ‘Triveni Sangam’ there will be a combination of floor, walls, and ceiling.

Regarding the preparations for Mahakumbh-2025, the Tourism department has proposed various other development works, including development and beautification of Bharadwaj Ashram, Dwadash Madhav Mandir, Nagvasuki Mandir, Dashashwamedh Mandir, Manakameshwar Mandir, Alopashankari Mandir, Padila Mahadev Mandir, temples along the Panchkoshi Parikrama Path, Koteshwar Mahadev, and Kalyani Mandir, a government statement said.

Additionally, there are plans for beautification and construction of Takshak Tirth, temples in the Karachna area, Akshayavat/Saraswati Koop/Patalpuri Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, floating jetty, and restaurant.

Other works, including facade lights at Rahi Ilawart Hotel, renovation and beautification of 18 new rooms, including the maintenance and beautification of three entrance gates, along the main routes for Triveni Darshan, are also part of the proposal.

The estimated cost of all these proposals, including the ‘Digital Kumbh Museum’, exceeds Rs 170 crore. In addition, there is an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore for various civil works, and Rs 18 crore for facade lighting-related works.

The spokesman said that the chief minister’s intention is to make the Mahakumbh-2025, to be held in Prayagraj, the most divine and grandest event ever. As per his vision, all kinds of civic facilities should be accessible to devotees from all over the country and the world coming to Prayagraj.