Prayagraj, India – Renowned spiritual leader, Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, has organized a special Shivir in Prayagraj during the auspicious Mahakumbh Mela. The Shivir is present at Plot 46, Sector 6 Naag Vasuki Road, Prayagraj from January 21st to 23rd, 2025, and February 4th to 7th, 2025. This Shivir is open to all the pilgrims who want to immerse themselves in spiritual activities.

This Shivir is organized under the guidance of Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi with an objective to connect with innerself and cleansing one’s soul by engaging in activities like morning Dip in the Sangam (confluence Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati), accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras. Throughout this spiritual journey, attendees can engage in various divine activities including Yajna (sacred fire rituals), yoga sessions, meditation, satsang (spiritual discourse), storytelling, and the Amrit Ganga Maha Aarti (grand worship ceremony).

As part of his commitment to serving humanity, Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj has also organized Bhandara (free community meal) and quilt distribution to the needy and Gau Pujan (cow worship) as a mark of reverence for all living beings.

Mahakumbh, a 45-day long spiritual event started with Amrit Snan on 14th January 2024 (Makar Sankranti) and will conclude on 26th February 2025. It is a time when followers of various deities come together under one umbrella showcasing the prowess of Sanatan Dharma.

Maharaj Ji believes that the event’s organization is flawlessly executed, showcasing a seamless blend of meticulous planning and spiritual devotion. He mentioned “This Mahakumbh is a rare celestial event that offers a profound opportunity for spiritual awakening and liberation. I would like to express my gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister hon’ Shri Yogi Adityanath ji and hon’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for their dedicated efforts in creating a world-class infrastructure for the Mahakumbh.”

The Mahakumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering; it is a cultural and social phenomenon that attracts millions of visitors from across the globe. Some of the prominent dignitaries and celebrities are also immersing themselves in the divinity of Mahakumbh. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the timeless traditions of India.

23rd January 2025: ITC Mangaldeep, India’s leading incense brand, is setting a bold precedent in devotional engagement by integrating cutting-edge 3D Augmented Reality (AR) technology to redefine spiritual experiences for the Maha Kumbh 2025. This innovative initiative offers devotees a virtual gateway to immerse themselves in the sacred rituals of the Maha Kumbh, bringing traditions like the Shahi Snaan (royal bath), Deep Daan (lamp offering), and Aarti (prayer ceremony) directly to their homes. By blending the timeless essence of faith with modern technology, ITC Mangaldeep not only enriches devotion but also broadens access to one of the world’s most revered spiritual gatherings.

Occurring once every 12 years, the rare and revered Maha Kumbh is the largest spiritual convergence on Earth, where over 400 million devotees are expected to unite in 2025 for a collective celebration of faith. Recognizing that millions may not be able to participate physically, ITC Mangaldeep’s AR-powered initiative bridges the gap, ensuring the transformative spirit of the Maha Kumbh reaches every corner of the world.

Through an exclusive AR experience, ITC Mangaldeep introduces a personalized devotional filter that allows users to create unique Maha Kumbh souvenirs. Devotees can virtually participate in the rituals, capture their spiritual moments, and share them with loved ones, spreading the divine energy beyond the sacred grounds.

Adding to this innovation, Mangaldeep is organizing a hybrid Deep Daan ceremony, where virtual offerings made by AR users are physically carried to the Ganges each week. This seamless integration of digital and physical realms creates a deeply personal connection, ensuring that the essence of the Maha Kumbh is experienced both individually and collectively.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Gaurav Tayal, Divisional CEO, Matches and Agarbatti Division, ITC, said, “The Maha Kumbh is more than an event; it is a profound confluence of faith, tradition, and, spirituality. At ITC Mangaldeep, we are honored to bring this sacred experience closer to millions who may not physically attend. Our AR initiative goes beyond bridging distances—it deepens the connection between tradition and innovation, ensuring the divine reaches all, irrespective of boundaries.”

ITC Mangaldeep’s initiative reaffirms its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and cultural preservation by blending ancient traditions with modern technology. By enabling universal access to the Maha Kumbh, the brand positions itself as a harbinger of transformative spiritual experiences, elevating the connection between devotees and the divine.

With this pioneering campaign, ITC Mangaldeep empowers audiences to engage with the Maha Kumbh like never before, offering a first-of-its-kind AR journey that captures the spirit of devotion in the digital age. This initiative is a testament to how technology can amplify faith and tradition, inspiring a new era of spiritual engagement.

Bangalore, India, January 23, 2025: ISACA, the leading global professional association dedicated to advancing careers in digital trust, has released its State of Privacy 2025 survey report, highlighting increasing stress levels among privacy professionals in India and worldwide. Despite progress in privacy staffing and strategic alignment, professionals continue to face mounting pressures amid a rapidly evolving compliance and risk environment.

The global survey, which gathered insights from over 1,600 professionals, including 126 from India, reveals that 53% of privacy professionals in India find their roles more stressful than five years ago, with 29% experiencing a significant increase in stress levels. The primary stress drivers include the rapid evolution of technology (76%), compliance challenges (67%), and resource shortages (57%).

The report highlights critical challenges in India’s privacy landscape, particularly in training and data security:

• Data Breaches & Leakage: 42% of respondents globally identified data breaches as a concern, compared to 49% from India.

• Lack of Training: 47% of respondents worldwide cited inadequate training as a major issue compared to 53% from India.
• Training & Awareness Gaps:
  • 49% of global respondents said privacy training is included in new hire programs, compared to 53% from India.
  • For global and India-based respondents, 6% of each reported no privacy training.

These figures indicate a pressing need for enhanced training and awareness programs in India to mitigate privacy risks effectively.

A Challenging Landscape

Indian respondents identified three primary challenges affecting privacy programs: a lack of competent resources (46%), managing risks associated with new technologies (40%), and unclear mandates, roles, and responsibilities (37%). Resource allocation remains a mixed landscape, as 44% of Indian respondents believe their privacy budgets are appropriately funded, while 36% globally perceive underfunding as a concern. Encouragingly, 51% of Indian respondents anticipate a budget increase in the coming year. There are some challenges that come with hiring , with 70% stating that expert-level privacy professionals are the hardest to recruit.

Additionally, privacy professionals struggle with compliance clarity, as only 37% of India-based organizations find it easy to understand privacy obligations, while 19% consider it difficult.

Respondents from India also provided insights into their most common privacy failures, listing lack of training or poor training (53%), data breaches (49%), not performing a risk analysis (43%) and non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations (43%) in the top three.

“As India’s digital economy expands, organizations must tackle skill shortages, evolving compliance demands, and emerging technology risks. Prioritizing continuous training, privacy awareness, and privacy by design is crucial to strengthening compliance, mitigating risks, and fostering long-term digital trust, positioning organizations for sustainable success in an increasingly data-driven world.” says RV Raghu, director, Versatilist Consulting India Pvt Ltd, and ISACA India Ambassador. Bright Spots

Despite these challenges, the research highlights several encouraging trends. While the median privacy staff size has seen a slight decline from the previous year, fewer respondents report understaffing in technical and legal/compliance roles, indicating some progress in workforce stabilization. Additionally, 81% of Indian respondents affirm that their privacy strategy aligns with organizational objectives, and 63% believe their boards of directors adequately prioritize privacy. Indian organizations are also demonstrating a strong commitment to compliance, with 89% leveraging frameworks or regulations to manage privacy and 69% enforcing documented privacy policies and procedures. Twenty-nine percent of Indian organizations believe they are unlikely to experience a material privacy breach in the next 12 months.

Privacy by Design as a Differentiator

The survey underscores the importance of privacy by design, with 76 percent of Indian respondents practicing this approach when building new applications and services. Enterprises that integrate privacy into the engineering process report:

The survey found that enterprises based in India that always practice privacy by design are more likely to:

• Have high confidence in their privacy teams (68% versus 48% total in India)
• Believe their technical privacy area is appropriately staffed (52% versus 45% total in India)
• Believe their boards of directors prioritize privacy (77% versus 55% total in India)

“When privacy is aligned with business objectives, integrated with a privacy by design approach, and viewed as both an ethical and compliance responsibility, organizations stand to gain tremendous value,” says Safia Kazi, ISACA Principal, Privacy Professional Practices. “Enterprises must prioritize and advance their privacy programs by leveraging emerging technology, frameworks, training, and best practices to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.”

Mumbai, January 23rd, 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, concluded the 7th edition of its flagship rural outreach programme, ‘Baroda Kisan Pakhwada’ on a high note. Through the fortnight-long initiative, the Bank connected with over 348,000 farmers across the country and cumulatively sanctioned agri loans of over Rs 3,300 crore. Through a combination of mega kisan melas, choupals, health camps and other drives, the Bank showcased its strong ties with the agricultural community.

As a part of the Baroda Kisan Pakhwada programme, Bank of Baroda organised outreach events across its 22 zones and 119 regions pan-India, with the ‘Baroda Kisan Rath’ travelling across the country to raise awareness and to share information on the Bank’s agriculture lending products & services as well as Government initiatives, such as lending schemes under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package, micro insurance, social security schemes etc. The Bank also felicitated progressive farmers, entrepreneurs and customers for their contributions to the sector.

This year’s theme focused on leveraging technology to empower Indian farmers and the Bank introduced two digital initiatives – the Digital Baroda Kisan Credit Card (BKCC) and Digital Gold Loan to facilitate seamless access of credit to farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “The success of Baroda Kisan Pakhwada underlines our unwavering commitment to India’s agriculture community. Through our digital initiatives like Digital BKCC and Digital Gold Loan, our aim is to simplify access to credit, making banking services more accessible and convenient for farmers. Through the Baroda Kisan Pakhwada, we have helped create a strong awareness on the range of offerings available with the Bank, thus empowering farmers to take advantage of financial schemes that will fuel their growth.”

23 January 2025: Summercool Group, the parent company of Summercool Home Appliances Ltd. and Thermocool Home Appliance Ltd., is proud to announce their strategic advertising initiatives with Indian Railway, Prayagraj city authorities, and Kumbh authorities, enhancing the brand presence during the sacred Mahakumbh Mela. By committing to the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” initiatives, Summercool Group embarked on an advertising initiative that reflects its dedication to innovation, community, and cultural heritage.

Summercool has partnered with Indian Railways for train body branding on local UP trains connecting Uttar Pradesh. The vibrant and engaging branding on these trains reaches thousands of passengers daily, fostering a sense of pride and support for locally manufactured products and manufacturers.

Along with that, the brand has showcased its brand advertisement on approx 500 boats at Kumbh Mela, providing a convenient way for pilgrims to reach Sangam Ghat for the sacred bath. Furthermore, massive advertising hoardings have been placed at all entry and exit locations of Kumbh Mela, as well as across Prayagraj city, to maximize exposure and ensure the brand’s presence during the pilgrimage.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CMD, Summercool Home Appliances Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to be a part of this holy Mahakumbh Mela to connect with a diverse and vast audience of India coming from different regions and places. The Mahakumbh, recognized as one of the largest human gatherings globally, offers a unique platform for businesses like us to connect directly with millions of people as their customers. Our marketing initiatives during kumbh align with the government’s vision of promoting and supporting locally manufactured products and contributing to India’s economic growth. By supporting PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives, we are not only enhancing our brand presence but also encouraging consumers to choose homegrown solutions and support them.”

Summercool Appliances has been a trusted name in Uttar Pradesh for years, offering an array of affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient home appliances designed to cater to the evolving needs of every Indian household. With this campaign, the brand underscores its mission to blend tradition and technology, providing sustainable and innovative solutions.

Nagpur, January 2025: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, partners with Marg ERP, a prominent player in integrated business applications, to provide simplified business banking solutions to small and medium enterprise (SME) customers. The aim is to seamlessly bring accounting and banking solutions at one place, and ensure that customers don’t need to toggle between accounting and banking applications.

This collaboration empowers Axis Bank current account holders to connect their Business accounts directly with Marg ERP software, creating a unified platform for managing all banking transactions such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and more. Axis Bank current account holders can simply log in to Marg ERP, select the necessary bills, and process payments through their connected Axis Bank account.

With this connected banking solution, businesses can automate their banking processes, enhance fund-flow control with real time account balances, manage payments and reconciliation, and enjoy a wide range of features directly from their ERP system.  This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces accounting errors, as transactions are automatically fetched from the ERP. Real-time visibility of bank balances and transaction statuses on the accounting software enables swift decision-making.

With the key features of the Axis Bank-Marg ERP Integration, customers can:

• Simplify the work of reconciling payments into bank accounts with Auto-Bank Reconciliation
• Initiate real-time direct payments through Marg ERP software via different payment options like NEFT, RTGS, IMPS and Intra bank fund transfers
• Schedule recurring payments as per the business requirements
• Stay updated on the status of payments with integrated banking options
• View the bank statement; download and organize reports to make informed business decisions
• Automate Ledger Entry

On the partnership, Vivek Gupta, President & Head – Wholesale Banking Products, Axis Bank commented, “This Partnership with Marg ERP is a testament to Axis Bank’s unwavering commitment to serve our SME clients better by harnessing cutting-edge technology and delivering integrated, customer-centric solutions. With secure and seamless integration of banking functions with Marg ERP, we are making it simpler for our customers to manage their financial operations with high efficiency and agility, while making quick well-informed decisions on growth. This initiative is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to significantly improve the digital experience of our clients.”

Commenting on integration, CMD & Founder Thakur Anup Singh from Marg ERP said, “This tie-up with Axis Bank is a milestone for B2B businesses across the region as it provides them with advanced digital banking solutions that will streamline their business operations. The partnership is well aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digitalization and drive economic growth. This collaborative effort, focusing on a simple, integrated business and banking offering, is expected to bring positive outcomes for regionally headquartered MSMEs, from major centres to the more remote districts.”

Reflective of Axis Bank’s commitment to innovation and digital excellence, this partnership equips businesses with advanced digital tools at no extra cost.

23rd January, 2025 : Absolut, as part of its long-standing commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking biases, announces the launch of its latest campaign, UNLABEL, BORN COLOURLESS. The campaign builds upon the brand’s long-standing commitment towards breaking biases, a journey that began with the ‘Born Colourless’ campaign in 2018. UNLABEL BORN COLOURLESS encourages individuals to look beyond labels and stereotypes, and instead, focus on getting to know people for who they truly are. By asking individuals to move beyond judgments and casting labels, Absolut aims to foster a more open-minded and accepting world, where everyone can thrive without the constraints of preconceived notions.

Absolut has partnered with White Label to bring this powerful message to life through a series of four compelling films. The campaign features four powerful films that aspire to spark a movement, encouraging people to look beyond labels.

Featuring personal stories from influential voices, the campaign highlights real experiences of being misjudged based on name, age, gender, profession, or background. While Ankush Bahuguna shares his journey of breaking stereotypes around men and makeup, Sunny Leone challenges the ‘item girl’ label by showcasing her life as a successful entrepreneur and a mother. Navtej Singh Johar redefines masculinity beyond traditional norms, and Deepa Malik proves that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Through these narratives, UNLABEL reinforces the idea that we were all BornColourless—without labels or biases.

Commenting on the association, Pulkith Modi, General Manager – Marketing, International Brands at Pernod Ricard India, said, “We live in a world where people are often defined by labels based on race, gender, and societal expectations. At Absolut, we believe in a world where everyone is free to express their true selves, unburdened by these constraints. The UNLABEL BORN COLOURLESS campaign calls for a shift towards inclusivity, it is a call to action, encouraging people to look beyond assumptions and stereotypes, and to celebrate individuality and authenticity. We are thrilled to partner with such inspiring voices to bring this message to life.”

Rohit Tugnait, CEO, White Label, (a unit of White), added, “There’s a reason we’re called White Label – it’s because we believe that sticker value is just not as important as the value of the content we create. The brief from Absolut resonated with this belief system. The UNLABEL films inspire people to think beyond preconceived notions, to think beyond the sticker value of labels applied to different types of people – we love this! It’s why making these films was not just incredibly fun, it was something we, as a team, could also cherish.”

by Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO Bajaj Allianz Life

India’s economic growth presents immense opportunities for the insurance sector to enhance financial resilience. Anticipated income tax cuts in the upcoming budget could boost disposable income, driving higher life insurance penetration.

With the elderly population (50+) projected to grow by 22% in the next six years, incentivizing pension product is imperative.

Aligning tax deduction of life insurance annuity products with the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and addressing the issue of tax on principal component on annuity products can evolve retirement needs effectively.

We urge the government to introduce separate tax deduction for term insurance and extending the tax deduction on life insurance premium under new tax regime as well. These measures will empower individuals to build robust financial safety nets and advance the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, thereby fostering long-term financial security and inclusivity.

by Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance.

“Health insurance has emerged as a crucial safety net for Indian families, shielding them from unexpected medical expenses. According to the IBEF report, India is the 4th largest general insurance market in Asia and the 14th largest globally. Data from IRDAI’s annual reports reveals that health insurance has grown steadily at approximately 25% annually over the past three years, highlighting its importance in protecting households.

As India advances toward financial inclusivity and universal healthcare, Budget 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to further strengthen the health insurance sector. Anticipated policy measures include enhancing accessibility, simplifying tax benefits, and encouraging innovation in insurance products. Initiatives such as Bima Sugam, designed to achieve the goal of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047, are expected to receive regulatory and fiscal support to address the protection gap. Additionally, the budget is likely to focus on expanding access in underserved regions through government-private partnerships, targeted subsidies, and advancements in digital infrastructure. By fostering a conducive ecosystem, Budget 2025 can empower insurers to contribute to a healthier, more secure India, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

by Srikanth Kandikonda – Chief Financial Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance.

With the Hon. Finance Minister presenting the Union Budget in a few days, the health insurance sector stands at a pivotal moment where policy reforms could significantly transform the landscape of healthcare accessibility and coverage in India.

Healthcare costs are rising significantly and expected to double in six years, we urge the government to implement measures that can help make healthcare more affordable for all Indians. For a healthier Bharat, the outlay for healthcare spend has been proposed to be increased to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025 as per the National Health Policy. While India’s out-of-pocket expenditure has seen a decline from 64.2% 2013-14 to around 40% in 2021-22 as per the national health accounts estimate, we are still working towards our mission of achieving Universal Health Coverage. Hence, we request the government to increase outlay for public healthcare spend during this budget, as this is the need of the hour.

Given the rising healthcare costs and the need for higher sum insured cover, the government should reduce tax burden by increasing the limits under Section 80D of income tax for premium paid for health insurance to Rs 50,000 for all and Rs 1 Lakh for senior citizens. This is crucial for achieving the government’s vision ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ and would substantially reduce the financial burden on families investing in their health and financial wellbeing.

23 January, 2025: Taneira, a TATA product has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, a strategic initiative designed to reinforce its core promises of Trust, Authenticity, Purity, Craftsmanship, Diverse Indian Weaves Under One Roof. The campaign features the legendary Usha Uthup, well-known for her deep love for sarees, alongside the graceful Mrunal Thakur. Together, they bring alive the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting the textile heritage of the country while empowering consumers to make informed choices. The campaign highlights the timeless elegance of handwoven sarees and the stories they carry, reaffirming Taneira as the ultimate destination for those seeking sarees unequivocally rich in both tradition and trend.

The film unfolds within a vibrant Taneira store, where Mrunal Thakur is seen draping a stunning pure silk saree and seeking the ‘expert’ opinion of Usha Uthup. What follows is an interaction laced with playful exchanges that are a slice of everyday life and resonates with every ardent saree shopper. Their conversation adds a touch of charm while addressing common concerns that many consumers have, from choosing the right fabric to gauging the authenticity of a saree. Through a series of delightful moments, the film underscores the unique qualities of Taneira Sarees, such as pure silk credentials, proudly certified with the Silk Mark tag, to their intricately handwoven designs crafted by master artisans from across the country. It brings to life the enduring allure of these pieces while reassuring consumers that Taneira offers transparency, authenticity, and craftsmanship they can trust.

Sharing her thoughts on this campaign, singer Usha Uthup expressed, “For me, sarees are not just a part of my attire, they are a part of my personal identity. Taneira’s commitment to preserving the art of saree weaving while embracing contemporary design interpretations mirrors my own values of celebrating cultural legacy and individual expression. It is truly special to be involved with a brand that celebrates the timeless beauty of sarees, while making them accessible to women who value both style and meaning in their wardrobe.”

At the heart of the narrative lies the breathtaking ‘Mor design’ Banarasi saree, adorned with over a hundred intricately woven peacocks. This masterpiece spotlights Taneira’s ability to bring unique yet timeless designs to life through unmatched craftsmanship of India’s weaving traditions.

Uthup added, “This partnership feels like a natural extension of my long-standing love for sarees and my passion to support artisans whose craft deserves to be cherished and shared with the world”.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said “At Taneira, our goal is to offer authenticity with transparency, all at a price that reflects value, while telling the stories of the hands that painstakingly bring each piece to life. We are dedicated to celebrating the seamless blend of heritage and modernity, and this campaign embodies that vision by bringing to life the rich legacy of Indian textiles at the heart of what Taneira represents. It has been an honor to collaborate with a legend like Usha Uthup and the very gracious Mrunal Thakur to tell this story and inspire a deeper connection with the artistry behind every Taneira saree”.

Speaking about the association, actress Mrunal Thakur said, “It has been my pleasure to be a part of this campaign with Taneira and a living legend, Usha Uthup Ma’am. Over the past year, my collaborations with Taneira have been truly enriching. Not only have I been privileged to experience their differentiated designs, but also the diverse crafts they embody. Every collaboration has deepened my appreciation for the sarees and stories they tell. This campaign perfectly captures that journey and feels incredibly meaningful as it aligns with my own fashion philosophy”.

Puneet Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South – “Taneira set out to showcase its value propositions to both new saree enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. We asked ourselves some tough questions: Can a brand withstand the scrutiny of the most knowledgeable customers—those who might know as much, if not more, about sarees than we do? While Mrunal has long been the elegant face of Taneira, the real triumph was bringing on the iconic Usha Uthup, the undisputed goddess of sarees in India. This dynamic duo infused our story with charm, entertainment, and emotion, offering a compelling spin on the essence of our value propositions.”

23rd January 2025: Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and the Hare Krishna Movement are currently participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the World’s largest spiritual gathering, held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Millions of devotees, visitors, sadhus and saints of different sects will converge at the sacred confluence of the three rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

In this 45-day grand event, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir aspires to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of everyone visiting Kumbh Mela. Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Hare Krishna Movement are actively contributing to this once-in-12-year festival of faith and culture through various devotional, spiritual and social initiatives on the sacred land of Prayagraj.

Talking about the Maha Kumbh Mela, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, President – Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Vice Chairman & Co-Mentor- Hare Krishna Movement said, “Kumbh Mela this year is called Maha Kumbh Mela. Once in 12 years comes a Purna Kumbh Mela and 12 such cycles later, Kumbh Mela that comes is called Maha Kumbh Mela. So. this Maha Kumbh Mela is coming after 144 years. Hence, it is a very special Kumbh Mela.”

He added, ”In 1971, Srila Prabhupada (Founder – Acharya of the Worldwide Hare Krishna Movement) personally participated in the Kumbh Mela and invited devotees worldwide to join him. He considered it a wonderful opportunity in distributing Krishna consciousness. So, this year too, we are having Bhagavat Katha, Harinaam Sankirtan, Distribution of books like Bhagavad Gita and very importantly – Profuse Prasadam Distribution. You will be able to participate in all these festivities. Do come and join us.”

Key Initiatives and Services by Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

1. Annadan Seva: One of the significant services, through Annadan Seva, we aim to provide over 20,000 nutritious and fresh meals daily to all the pilgrims and sadhus.
2. Blanket Distribution: Free blankets will be distributed to the pilgrims, saints and visitors to protect them from freezing cold weather.
3. Book Distribution: Distribution of Vedic literatures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and others to spread the spiritual wisdom to all the visitors and pilgrims.
4. Pravachan / Spiritual Discourses: Daily discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam will be conducted by the senior devotees on a daily basis to inspire and encourage the visitors towards spiritual enlightenment and knowledge.
5. Nagar Sankirtan and Shobha Yatra: Daily processions will be organised where the Deities will be taken around on a palanquin accompanied by sankirtan and devotional prayers.

Facilities at Mahakumbh Mela by Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

1. Katha Hall: A spacious Katha hall where spiritual discourses are held will be facilitated, which can accommodate 1000 people at a time.
2. Temple Hall: A temple where Deities will be worshipped with Sankirtana, arati and other pujas.
3. Mega Kitchen: The well-equipped mega kitchen with trained staff, who will prepare and serve more than 20,000 meals everyday.
4. Food Distribution Hall: The Food Distribution or Feeding Hall is planned to accommodate 1,000 people per batch with clean water and sitting facility.

The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Hare Krishna Movement Camp is located at Sector 6, Near Nag Vasuki Temple, Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj.

Important Dates

13 January, 2025: Paush Poornima

14 January, 2025: Makar Sankranti

29 January, 2025: Mauni Amavasya

03 February, 2025: Basant Panchami

04 February, 2025: Achala Saptami

12 February, 2025: Maghi Purnima

26 February, 2025: Maha Shivratri