From installations across all the city’s intersections to a break dance of moustaches, the Mahakumbh will offer many spectacles even for those who are not religiously inclined.
Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, better known by his stage name 'Dukanji', will perform dances with his moustache- a feat for which he is also recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Tiwari has the unique ability to contort just his moustaches while his body remains still. He has been a fixture at other religious fairs as well but nothing at the scale of the Mahakumbh to which some 40 crore attendees are expected.
All of Prayagraj’s 26 intersections are being decorated with installations depicting various pages from Hindu mythology. This includes a likeness of Uchchaihshravas -- the horse which emerged from the churning of the ocean by the Devas and Asuras. Yet another installation will depict Srawan Kumar upheld as the ideal son in Hindu mythology. A third will depict Ma Ganga performing an 'arti'.
The world’s smallest Gita - a 160-page miniature which can be held between two fingers is among the other attractions of the Mahakumbh.
To promote the country’s cultural heritage, this Mahakumbh, which kicks off on January 13, will see an 18 acre pavilion managed by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Besides cultural performances, this pavilion will also host food and crafts from across the country.
While this Mahakumbh will have unprecedented security measures in place which will make massive use of Artificial Intelligence, special attention is also being paid to ensure the safety and comfort of female pilgrims. This includes the setting up of floating changing rooms which will enable females to change on the confluence of the rivers without going through the discomfort of having to reach the banks in their wet outfits.
Self-propelled jetties are also being fabricated to enable pilgrims to ride on to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and take a dip without any fear of slipping or falling. Once the jetty is anchored at the confluence; a pool-like space in its centre will open up allowing pilgrims to lower themselves into it for a 'snan' without having to step off it.