Ayodhya is preparing for an overwhelming influx of devotees during the upcoming New Year period, as thousands are expected to visit the newly constructed Ram Mandir.
With the first anniversary of the temple's consecration ceremony approaching on January 22 and the Maha Kumbh Mela set to begin in nearby Prayagraj, authorities anticipate a significant rise in visitors and have implemented enhanced security measures. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation has estimated that around 2.5 crore devotees will visit the town between January 13 and February 12.
For the Indian and Hindu diaspora in the UK, the Maha Kumbh Mela presents an opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots while sharing the richness of Indic traditions with a global audience. Several organisations are offering structured programs for diverse age groups and interests to make this connection possible.
One notable initiative is the Oxford Sanskrit Text Society’s 10-day study trip, which will be led by Prof. Diwakar Acharya, Spalding Professor of Eastern Ethics and Religions at the University of Oxford. Scheduled from January 17 to 27, 2025, the trip combines academic study with immersive cultural experiences. It is supported by the National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF UK), which is encouraging young British Hindus to participate.
The International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS) in London is also playing an important role by focusing on the sustainability practices of the Mela. Following the event, ICfS will host an exhibition titled "Kumbha and Sustainability" at its London centre to highlight the environmental management strategies of the Mela.
Participants on the Oxford Sanskrit Text Society's trip will engage with Hindu philosophy and Indic traditions through the study of ancient Sanskrit texts, guided by Prof. Acharya. The program also includes cultural immersion opportunities, such as witnessing sacred rituals and interacting with practitioners, providing a firsthand experience of the spiritual atmosphere of the Mela.
Various Hindu diaspora organisations and individuals will also participate in the month-long spiritual gathering.
Meanwhile, British historian Nick Booker is gaining attention online for a video in which he uses a sand model created on a Goa beach to explain the importance of the Kumbh Mela. In his caption, Nick mentioned his extensive research on Prayagraj and the Mela, including reading ancient texts like the Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. He also shared that he will be visiting Prayagraj during Makar Sankranti, offering insights into the Mela's significance in the lead-up to this important event.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be celebrated in Bhubaneswar
The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Saturday the details of the Government of India's flagship event, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025, which will take place in Odisha. The Ministry also noted that a large number of members from the Indian diaspora have registered to attend the program.
"The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held in partnership with the State Government of Odisha from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar. The theme of this PBD Convention is 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat'," the statement read.
Indian diaspora members from over 50 countries have registered to participate in the event. Prime Minister Modi will remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora.
Cllr Prerna Bhardwaj, Mayor of Gerrards Cross, will also attend the event. Speaking to Asian Voice, she said, "I am honoured to have received an invitation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to attend this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. As the first Indian-origin Mayor of Gerrards Cross, it is crucial to maintain strong links with the growing Indian diaspora and work together across borders to strengthen the relationship between Britain and India on a global platform."
