MahaKumbh Mela 2025: A Spiritual and Hospitality Phenomenon

By Author

Published on January 15, 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, has returned to Prayagraj in 2025, drawing millions of devotees and curious travelers from around the world. This grand event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, is not only a celebration of faith but a remarkable opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industries, highlighting India’s potential to host monumental events that blend tradition and modernity.

A Spiritual Confluence at the Triveni Sangam

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set at the sacred Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—has captivated attendees with its deeply spiritual atmosphere and extraordinary rituals. The first Amrit Snan, held on January 14, witnessed an overwhelming participation of over two crore devotees, who flocked to the Sangam for a holy dip, marking the beginning of a series of sacred rituals.

This year’s event saw the participation of diverse groups, including the Naga Sadhus and Kinnar Akhara, who performed their holy dips with immense grandeur and reverence, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the Kumbh. Alongside local devotees, international spiritual leaders such as Yogmata Keiko Aikawa from Japan added a global dimension, highlighting the universal appeal of the festival.

The event’s spectacle extends beyond spirituality. Helicopters showered rose petals on devotees during the Amrit Snan, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. Additionally, the light and sound show, narrating the rich mythology of the Kumbh, has become one of the most popular attractions for attendees, further enriching their experience.

A Global Gathering

The Maha Kumbh Mela has always been a global event, drawing attendees from across the world. This year, notable personalities like Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, participated in the rituals, embracing the spiritual essence of the festival despite minor health issues. Her presence, along with other prominent figures from the business, political, and entertainment worlds, added to the significance of the event.

The festival is not only a gathering of devotees but also a confluence of cultures and nationalities, making it a unique opportunity for cultural exchanges. Religious heads, dignitaries, and representatives from the 13 akhadas continue to lead the festival’s ceremonies, ensuring the traditions are upheld while also catering to the diverse international crowd that attends the event.

Hospitality Sector Boost

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has had a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors. With millions of people descending on Prayagraj, the demand for accommodations has soared. Hotels, guesthouses, and makeshift campsites in and around the city are experiencing unprecedented demand, catering to visitors from all over India and the globe. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, every segment of the hospitality industry is benefiting from this massive influx.

The event also presents a unique opportunity for culinary tourism, as regional cuisines from Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India are showcased to cater to the diverse tastes of international and domestic visitors. Local vendors, food stalls, and restaurants are capitalizing on the opportunity, offering an array of traditional and fusion dishes to satisfy the festival’s attendees.

Moreover, the cultural and economic impact of the Maha Kumbh extends beyond just hospitality. The festival boosts local artisans, performers, and service providers, giving them a platform to share their craft and generate income. Vendors and craftsmen from all corners of India benefit immensely from the thousands of visitors attending the event, further bolstering the region’s economic growth.

Infrastructure Development and Future Growth

In preparation for the millions of visitors, significant investments have been made in infrastructure development. Roads, sanitation facilities, public transport, and security measures have been upgraded to ensure a smooth experience for attendees. These improvements benefit local communities and create a sustainable foundation for future growth in Prayagraj, ensuring that the city remains a key destination for cultural and religious tourism long after the festival concludes.

A Cultural and Economic Phenomenon

The Maha Kumbh Mela is more than just a religious event; it’s a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. The festival’s influence extends far beyond Prayagraj, with international media outlets covering the event and amplifying its global reach. This helps position India as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

The hospitality professionals managing the logistics of the festival—ranging from accommodation to cultural immersion experiences—play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. Their expertise ensures that the complexities of organizing such a massive event are addressed with precision, allowing attendees to focus on the spiritual and cultural aspects of their visit.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a testament to India’s ability to host events of monumental scale. Beyond its spiritual significance, it is a thriving hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and economic growth. As the world witnesses the grandeur of this celestial gathering, the hospitality and tourism sectors stand to gain immensely from this once-in-12-year event. The Maha Kumbh not only strengthens India’s position on the global map but also sets the stage for continued growth in the tourism industry, making it a landmark event for both spiritual seekers and industry professionals alike.

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.

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PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.

Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.

Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”

PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.

Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.