Prayagraj-Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of a new district in Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. The decision, made on Sunday, aims to enhance the management and administration of the grand religious event, which will commence on January 13, 2025. The new district, named Maha Kumbh Mela, will exist for four months, from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. With this addition, Uttar Pradesh now has 76 districts.

To accommodate the expected millions of devotees, the government is also planning a luxurious tent city. Located in Sector 20 (Arail) of the Maha Kumbh Mela area, this tent city will feature over 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents. The initiative, led by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC), is in partnership with six key organizations: Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era.

The project aims to provide high-quality accommodations for the anticipated 45 crore visitors from around the world. The tents will be designed to offer five-star hotel-like facilities, with four categories of accommodations: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory. Prices will range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per night, with additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 for extra guests (except for dormitories).

The tent city will be operational from January 1 to March 5, 2025, to cater to the massive influx of pilgrims. Visitors can book their stay through the UPSTDC website or the Mahakumbh app.

The luxury tents will come in various sizes, including 900 square feet for Villa Tents, 480 to 580 square feet for Super Deluxe Tents, and 250 to 400 square feet for Deluxe Blocks. They will be equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, double beds, sofas, writing desks, electric geysers, fire extinguishers, quilts, blankets, mosquito nets, WiFi, dining areas, and common sitting spaces. Guests will enjoy scenic views of the riverbank.

Along with accommodation, the tent city will offer guests information on yoga, cultural events, and notable religious and historical sites in Prayagraj and its surroundings.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is set to begin on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, 2025.