MahaKumbh Mela 2025: A Spiritual and Hospitality Phenomenon

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.

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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.


India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 30, 2025

India’s premier B2B travel networking event, India International Travel Mart (IITM), completed impactful editions in Chennai (16–18 July) and Bangalore (24–26 July) 2025, reinforcing its reputation as South India’s biggest travel exhibition and a catalyst for domestic and international tourism promotion.

Now in its 26th year in these cities, IITM brought together a diverse mix of tourism boards, DMCs, hotel groups, airlines, travel startups, and technology platforms. Over three days at each venue, the exhibitions enabled immersive trade engagement, destination showcases, and high-value networking opportunities.

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High-Profile Participation

The Chennai edition, hosted at Chennai Trade Centre, was inaugurated by Thiru T. Christuraj, Director of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries included:

  • Sri Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism

  • Smt. T. Devaki, Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of India

  • Sri Kamaleshwaran, President, SKAL International, Chennai

  • Sri Pankaj Ravish, General Manager, IRCTC

  • Sri Pawan Kumar Gupta, Vice President, SIMA

  • Sri Ashok Kumar P, Chairman, ADTOI

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The Bangalore edition, held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, was inaugurated by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh. Guests of Honor included:

  • Sri Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Sri Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh

  • Sri Vivek Acharya, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai

  • Sri Biswajit Routray, Additional Director, Odisha Tourism

  • Sri Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, UP Tourism

  • Sri Lokesh Bettaiah, VP, TAAI

  • Sri Niranjan Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI

  • Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO

  • Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, General Secretary, ABTO

  • Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI

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Industry Leaders Weigh In

Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“Both editions exceeded expectations in terms of participation, partnerships, and buyer engagement. The enthusiasm from India’s domestic and outbound tourism stakeholders is encouraging as we push toward broader industry resurgence.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“Chennai and Bangalore remain integral to India’s tourism landscape. The enthusiasm, scale, and trade engagement at IITM reaffirm its role as a strategic B2B platform.”

By the Numbers

  • 25+ Indian states represented

  • 20+ international tourism boards

  • 800+ exhibitors

  • Thousands of B2B meetings and interactions across both cities

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Why IITM Matters

For over 20 years, IITM has built a legacy as one of India’s most credible and business-focused travel trade shows. It uniquely connects travel products with decision-makers through:

  • Dedicated B2B focus

  • Themed pavilions: luxury travel, tech, sustainable tourism

  • Launchpad for destinations and services

  • South India’s largest travel trade shows

What’s Next?

Following Chennai and Bangalore, the upcoming editions of IITM promise more robust business opportunities:

  • Delhi: 24 – 26 September 2025

  • Mumbai: 9 – 11 October 2025

  • Pune: 27 – 29 November 2025

  • Hyderabad: 4 – 6 December 2025

  • Kochi: 8 – 10 January 2026

  • Kolkata: 12 – 14 February 2026

  • Ahmedabad: 12 – 14 March 2026

With an unwavering commitment to connect, collaborate, and catalyze tourism growth, IITM remains the gold standard for India’s travel trade engagement.

For more information, contact: +91 8040834100
Email: media@spheretravelmedia.com


Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2025

The long-awaited inauguration of the upgraded terminal at Thoothukudi airport has been widely welcomed by local industry bodies, who see it as a game-changer for the region’s industrial and cargo logistics landscape. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, the new terminal, alongside an extended runway and night landing facilities, marks a major milestone for southern Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure growth.

Industrial stakeholders have expressed optimism about the development, stating that the enhanced facilities will provide a significant boost to business operations, cargo movement, and travel convenience for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and the public from both Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. The airport’s strategic location between these two growing urban clusters adds further relevance to the upgrade.

D.R. Kodeeswaran, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thoothukudi, highlighted the city’s rapid emergence as a top investment destination in the region. He underlined several ambitious projects in the pipeline, including the outer harbour development of V.O. Chidambaranar Port, ISRO’s upcoming rocket launch site at Kulasekarappatinam, a new furniture park in the SIPCOT industrial estate, and the Vietnamese auto giant VinFast’s new manufacturing plant.

He also called for improved air connectivity to major cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi. At present, only IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from Thoothukudi, and Kodeeswaran emphasized the need for more airlines to consider operations to and from the region. Notably, the airport has already recorded a 15.2% growth in passenger traffic in 2024-2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting increasing demand.

Echoing similar sentiments, R. Edwin Samuel, Former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Thoothukudi, stressed the need to elevate the airport to international status to allow flights to international destinations like Male, Colombo and Dubai. He remarked that the timing of the terminal’s inauguration aligns well with Thoothukudi’s rise as a spiritual tourism hub and its growing relevance to regional industrial development.

He also added that as the SIPCOT hub in nearby Gangaikondan prepares to welcome several prominent companies, robust air connectivity would play a critical role in sustaining and accelerating the region’s industrial growth trajectory.


Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 27, 2025

There’s something about Israel that lingers in the heart long after the passport is stamped. Maybe it’s the golden light bathing ancient stone, or the electric energy of Tel Aviv’s sunset streets. Either way, travellers worldwide have spoken—and the latest Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings confirm it.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have both made it to the Top 10 Cities in the Middle East and Africa, as voted by the magazine’s global readership. Jerusalem proudly retains its third place, admired for its deep spiritual resonance and centuries-old heritage. Readers highlighted its cultural landmarks, immersive culinary scene, and a unique timelessness that makes it a city like no other.

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is climbing the charts—jumping from eighth in 2024 to fifth this year. This coastal city has been winning hearts with its vibrant street life, modern flair, and commitment to sustainability and design, particularly among younger travellers.

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For Indian travellers, the results strike a familiar chord. The rising interest in Israel reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that combine spiritual experiences, rich culture, and a globally relevant lifestyle.

In Jerusalem, time feels like it folds in on itself. The city offers more than religious symbolism—it offers living history. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect at the Western Wall, or take in breathtaking views from the Ramparts Walk. The Tower of David Museum adds a modern narrative through its Night Spectacular sound and light show, while the Mahane Yehuda Market bursts with flavours—think artisanal cheeses, local wines, spices, and sweets.

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Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it one of the most forward-looking cities in the region. Known globally as a vegan capital, it’s also a treasure trove of Bauhaus architecture—explored best at the Liebling Haus or on a stroll through Neve Tzedek, now reimagined as a hotspot for fashion, theatre, and art. Food lovers can indulge in everything from bourekas to gourmet vegan fare, while bicycle and Segway tours through Florentin and Rothschild Boulevard reveal the city’s street art and creative energy. Come evening, the rhythm shifts to jazz bars, speakeasies, and beachfront cafés, keeping the city alive well past sunset.

One standout factor in this year’s rankings is traveller confidence. Despite global uncertainties, Israel has emerged not just as a popular destination but as a trusted one—where safety, culture, food, and hospitality come together seamlessly.

This recognition is more than just a spot on a list—it’s a signal that Israel continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome with open arms.

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