The Union government’s decision on the weekend to take 70 New Delhi-based foreign missions to witness preparations for the Allahabad (or Prayag) Kumbh mela, is an attempt to showcase the mega meeting as a high point of Asian culture, which is what the mela was in the medieval era. The Prayag Kumbh of 2019, expected to attract 12 crore visitors, including 10 lakh foreign visitors, will be showcased like never before. 

....

By all accounts, the visitors had the time of their lives getting a peek into subterranean Indian culture, of which Kumbh remains a magnificent exposition, a point confirmed by the diplomats as well. The Modi government has plans to make this congregation memorable. Public welfare schemes will be launched personally by the Prime Minister and the Rs 4,200 crore needed to host the fair, will be shared equally between the central and state governments. There are elaborate plans to ferry people to the site of the pilgrimage, Triveni Sangam. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has set up four floating terminals and small ships will be deployed for the movement of pilgrims, in addition to other means of transport. That Allahabad or Prayagraj is gearing up for the big show, is an understatement. The UP government has banned all marriages in the Allahabad area between January and March, 2019, when the fair will be in full swing. The infamous chemical-belching tanneries of Kanpur have been asked to close shop for the period, so as to keep the water clean for devotees.

....