Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) collaborates with blockchain firm Chaincode Consulting to introduce NFT tickets based on Polygon at the annual religious festival, Maha Kumbh Mela. This initiative not only integrates railway ticketing with local history and culture but also offers a new digital experience to global participants.
Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival
Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees from India and around the world to bathe in the sacred rivers of Hinduism for purification rituals. The term “Kumbh” signifies a pot, symbolizing the mythical pot filled with nectar of immortality in Hindu lore.
According to Hindu mythology, a fierce battle ensued between gods and demons over the pot of nectar, which spilled at four sacred sites in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These locations are therefore considered sacred grounds for hosting the Kumbh Mela.
The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela in 2013 set a record with over 100 million attendees and was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year’s uniqueness lies in the festival coinciding with the 12th cycle of the Maha Kumbh after 144 years. Additionally, a rare alignment of the sun, earth, moon, and Jupiter occurs once every 144 years, adding to the sanctity and special nature of this year’s Maha Kumbh.
Maha Kumbh Mela unites devotees from around the globe
Indian Railways to welcome the religious festival with NFT tickets
IRCTC plans to offer NFT tickets to pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, marking the first integration of Indian historical culture with blockchain technology, digitizing the spiritual journey of millions heading to the festival.
As per Chaincode Consulting, the NFT tickets will be issued through Polygon and made available to travelers on the NFTtrace platform.
Global initiative bridging culture and technology
This NFT ticket initiative is not the first of its kind. IRCTC previously launched limited edition NFT tickets during the Holi festival last year, attracting global travelers.
Holi has also been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, drawing international figures like American actor Richard Tiffany Gere and the Dalai Lama. This year, Laurene Jobs, the widow of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, is also expected to participate in the festivities.
NFT tickets serve not only as credentials but also as cultural memorabilia
IRCTC states that issuing NFT tickets is not just a means of participation in the festival but also symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of innovation. It serves as a vital digital preservation method for historical and cultural records. Through blockchain technology, ticket data can be verified by the public and relevant authorities, enhancing transparency and security. In the future, IRCTC plans to promote the application of NFTs in other cultural events, leveraging technology for cultural preservation.
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