Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028 – Facilities for NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Pilgrims

Sarman Nagele

After return from London

‘Friends of MP (FoMP) UK’ chapter, formed by the Non-Resident Indian Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, recently submitted a memorandum to Mr Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India in London, United Kingdom, following discussions held with British-Indian community leaders on the occasion of the grand festival Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028.

This memorandum was submitted in the context of what was reported by senior Indian journalist, Founder Editor of MPPOST, and Consulting Editor of The Pioneer, Shri Sarman Nagele, in The Pioneer (Bhopal, July 3, 2026) and in MPPOST on July 9, when the aspirations of the diaspora were presented before Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India in the United Kingdom. On that occasion, he had assured that upon receiving a formal memorandum, the High Commission would consider appropriate action and leverage the experiences of facilitating the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.

Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028 will bring a large number of NRIs, OCIs, and foreign passport holders to Ujjain, including elderly individuals, families with children, and first-time visitors to India. Their safety and experience will depend on reliable information, simplified pre-departure preparation, and visible official support during the event.

Rohit Dixit, Founder of Friends of MP (FoMP) UK, on behalf of FoMP, requested the Deputy High Commissioner of India, through a memorandum, to establish a UK-based Simhastha Facilitation Program – a physical and online information channel operated by the High Commission of India (HCI) in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and community partners for interested pilgrims. This UK program could later serve as a practical model (template) for other Indian High Commissions.

Such as advance official information and registration: Publish a dedicated foreign-pilgrim information pack and a consent-based registration facility. This should include key dates, travel documents, OCI and visa guidance, accommodation details issued by event authorities, health precautions, insurance, connectivity, digital payments, and emergency contacts.

Any personal data should be collected and managed solely by appropriate official authorities or authorized delivery partners. Pre-departure information (briefings) and consular readiness: Organize joint webinars and select in-person briefings a few months before Simhastha, with participation from the High Commission, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and FoMP UK. Based on registered demand, the High Commission can also assess whether themed consular camps or additional appointment capacity would be helpful. Regarding a dedicated NRI and OCI facilitation zone in Ujjain: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, and the Government of Madhya Pradesh are requested to designate a clearly identifiable and signposted area within the Simhastha grounds to serve foreign pilgrims. Fairgrounds are already divided into sectors, and Prayagraj Kumbh included special provisions for international visitors; a designated area in Ujjain would give that provision a fixed address.

The following facilities could be brought under one roof: such as consular and documentation assistance, including support in case of lost passports or OCI cards; medical contact, first aid, and further referrals; family reunification, especially for elderly pilgrims and children separated in crowds; multilingual guidance, information, and verified announcements; safe seating areas, rest, and shade for long-distance travelers; support with connectivity, local transport, and digital payments; and a single point of contact linked to arrival assistance at Indore and Bhopal airports during key dates.

This should be proposed as a facilitation and security measure rather than a privileged area. Its necessity stems from unfamiliarity with the terrain, language, and procedures, as well as the special vulnerabilities of elderly individuals and first-time visitors traveling far from home, rather than any claim to priority at the ghats or during holy baths.

Support a controlled pilot enabling UK-resident pilgrims to complete identity verification before traveling, allowing them to arrive capable of making daily UPI QR payments without airport queues or reliance on cash. This request by FoMP is made based on test findings from the United Kingdom. A small implementation working group: Designate a nodal contact and convene an initial coordination meeting involving the High Commission, Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India), Government of Madhya Pradesh, and FoMP UK. This group can agree on priorities, responsibilities, and delivery timelines well before the main travel window.

FoMP UK has proposed to support the program on a non-commercial, community-service basis, subject to an agreed scope and official supervision: uniting the Madhya Pradesh and broader Indian community across the United Kingdom, providing community venues and volunteers for approved briefings and outreach, helping test official guidance with elderly pilgrims, families, and first-time visitors; disseminating verified information in English and Hindi through our community networks; and supporting an officially guided and accredited volunteer presence during the event where necessary.