Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Tourists Expected at Maha Kumbh: Union Minister Shekhawat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 1.5 million foreign tourists from around 100 countries. The event, which will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is being positioned as a global spectacle, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Kalagram, a sprawling 10-acre cultural hub in Nagvasuki, Shekhawat described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest fair, embodying India's unity in diversity. The Kalagram will be one of the main attractions, offering visitors a glimpse of India's rich cultural tapestry through interactive exhibits, stage performances, and immersive experiences.

Key Highlights of Kalagram:

  • A grand entrance replicating the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • A showcase of the Char Dhams and the Eternal Kumbh Exhibition.
  • Seven regional cultural courtyards, each highlighting the diversity of India's traditions.
  • The Anubhuti Mandapam, providing a unique sensory experience.
  • Over 230 master craftsmen demonstrating traditional art forms.
  • Authentic Indian cuisines at state-specific food stalls.
  • Performances by more than 14,630 cultural artists.

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Shekhawat emphasized the efforts by the Ministry of Culture to give the Maha Kumbh global recognition, with preparations ensuring a seamless experience for the expected 45 crore devotees and tourists. Programs will be held across various venues, including Kalagram, Ganga Pandals, Jhunsi, Nagvasuki, and Arail.

For international visitors, a tent city has been established by the Tourism Ministry, offering amenities like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Additionally, air travel arrangements have been made for spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

Shekhawat remarked:
"The Maha Kumbh is more than a fair; it’s a confluence of faith and culture that attracts people from across the globe, showcasing India’s spiritual and cultural richness."

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises a 45-day celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and heritage, serving as a platform to present the country’s traditions and values to the world. With extensive preparations underway, the event aims to leave a lasting impression on both devotees and international tourists.


Emirates Marks 40 Years of Connecting India to the World

Emirates Marks 40 Years of Connecting India to the World

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Emirates celebrates four remarkable decades of connecting India to the world, marking its enduring partnership with the nation since the launch of its first flight on 25 October 1985. Over the years, the airline has evolved into one of India’s most prominent international carriers, offering seamless connectivity through Dubai and redefining global travel for millions.

In its 40-year journey, Emirates has carried over 24 million passengers between Dubai and Mumbai and 15 million passengers between Dubai and Delhi, operating more than 95,000 and 60,000 flights respectively. Across nine Indian gateways, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, the airline has flown a total of 92 million passengers, reflecting a shared story of growth, progress, and partnership.

Marking the milestone, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates, said,

“It is an incredible milestone to complete 40 years of serving India, a market that has been a cornerstone of our global operations. We are humbled by the continued trust that Indian travellers have placed in Emirates over the decades. From the very beginning, our promise has been to deliver world-class service, seamless connectivity, and a superior flying experience.”

He further added,

“India has always been an integral part of Emirates’ journey and success. Over the past four decades, our partnership with India has grown from strength to strength, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of connecting people and opportunities across the world.”

Strengthening Global Connectivity

For generations of Indian travellers, Dubai has served as a gateway to explore the world. Popular onward destinations from Mumbai and Delhi include New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Toronto, and other major global cities. Emirates’ “Fly Better” philosophy resonates strongly with Indian passengers through its regionally inspired cuisine, culturally relevant in-flight entertainment in nine Indian languages, and live coverage of major sporting events like cricket and golf.

Supporting India’s Trade and Exports

Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been a key player in strengthening India’s global trade network. Since 2020, it has transported over 700,000 tonnes of exports and imports, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other essential commodities, helping Indian businesses access global markets efficiently and reliably.

Charting the Path Ahead

Emirates continues to deepen its commitment to India through strategic investments, enhanced fleet, and service upgrades. The introduction of the A380 aircraft to Mumbai in 2014 and Bengaluru in 2022, the rollout of Premium Economy in major Indian cities, and the deployment of the latest A350 aircraft in Ahmedabad and Mumbai highlight the airline’s forward-looking approach.

As Emirates celebrates 40 years of connecting India to the world, it reaffirms its dedication to being a trusted global connector, linking people, cultures, and opportunities while supporting India’s continued journey of progress and prosperity.


SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2025

SpiceJet has expanded its winter schedule with the induction of five new leased aircraft, taking the total additions this season to ten. The latest inclusions comprise a reactivated Boeing 737 MAX, three Boeing 737s, and an Airbus A340 that was introduced earlier.

“These inductions mark another significant step in our fleet and network expansion strategy,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet. “The response to our new flights has been encouraging, and we remain focused on enhancing operations across both domestic and international markets.”

All five newly added aircraft have entered commercial service, increasing capacity across key routes amid growing passenger demand. The airline said it plans to more than double its operational fleet and triple its available seat kilometres (ASKM) by the end of November.

The expansion reflects SpiceJet’s continued efforts to strengthen its route network and provide additional travel options during the peak season, supporting its strategy to scale up operations and improve connectivity across markets.


Mumbai Airport Launches Winter Schedule 2025 with New Global Routes and Enhanced Passenger Experience

Mumbai Airport Launches Winter Schedule 2025 with New Global Routes and Enhanced Passenger Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has announced its Winter Schedule 2025–26, featuring an expanded network that connects the city to 129 destinations, including 60 international and 69 domestic routes. The schedule, effective from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, marks a significant step in strengthening Mumbai’s position as one of India’s premier global aviation gateways.

The new schedule introduces three new international routes, Copenhagen, Denpasar Bali, and Athens, expanding connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. This development also represents an 18 per cent increase in European operations, supported by new frequencies to London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Paris, enhancing long-haul accessibility from Mumbai.

With enhanced services across the Asia-Pacific and European sectors, the airport expects a steady rise in daily flight movements and overall passenger traffic during the winter season. Among international airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and British Airways remain the leading operators from CSMIA, while IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air dominate domestic operations. Collectively, these airlines will account for nearly 75 per cent of total flight movements throughout the winter schedule.

To ensure a smooth festive travel experience, the airport has expanded several technology-driven facilities such as DigiYatra-enabled e-gates, Self-Baggage Drop (SBD), and Self Check-in kiosks, all aimed at reducing queue times and improving passenger flow during peak travel periods including Christmas, New Year, and school holidays.

With this new schedule, Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, world-class infrastructure, and seamless passenger experiences. The expansion reflects the airport’s continuous effort to connect India’s financial capital with more global destinations while delivering efficient, technology-led travel for millions of passengers each year.

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