Mahakumbh to offer hotels, dharamshalas, and paying guest accommodations for devotees

Prayagraj : In preparation for the upcoming Mahakumbh, the Yogi government has launched extensive ground-level initiatives to prioritize the comfort and convenience of the millions of devotees expected to attend. A key component of this effort is encouraging Prayagraj residents to open their homes to devotees as paying guest accommodations, fostering a homely and welcoming atmosphere.

This initiative is already underway, with numerous locals registering through the Tourism Department to receive training in courteous service, cleanliness, and hospitality. To facilitate broader participation, a toll-free and WhatsApp number has also been introduced.

This arrangement provides devotees with affordable, homely accommodations compared to pricier hotels, while offering locals a source of income and employment.

Under CM Yogi’s direction, no effort is being spared to make the world’s largest cultural gathering truly memorable, with both local administration and community members playing key roles in extending warm hospitality to visitors from around the globe.

The Tourism Department has initially set a target of 2,000 homes offering paying guest accommodations, providing lodging and food options for devotees, with room to expand this number as needed.

Prayagraj’s Regional Tourism Officer, Aparajita Singh, explained that joining the paying guest scheme is straightforward. Local homeowners can easily participate in this major cultural event by filling out a challan form of just Rs 50 at the Regional Tourism Office. Applicants need to submit room photos and proof of municipal tax payments.

She added, “Once these documents are submitted, a simple verification process by the Tourism Department will follow. After verification, the department will issue a license allowing homeowners to provide paying guest accommodations. Licensed homes will be listed on the fair administration’s website and app, enabling tourists and devotees to find available accommodations.”

According to the Regional Tourism Officer, the license, valid for three years, covers two to five rooms per property. Licensed hosts receive special training from the Tourism Department, covering areas like guest service, interior upkeep, marketing, and security, as well as maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food arrangements.

A notable advantage of this scheme is that there’s no need to pay annual fees or taxes, to comply with hotel regulations or secure an NOC. Licenses are issued with just land documents and an affidavit, and homeowners can set their rental rates without intervention from the Tourism Department. So far, 50 houses have been registered, with many more in the process.

More information can be obtained on these numbers
Helpline -05322408873
WhatsApp number 9140398639