In preparation for the Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government is hosting the Kumbh Summit across all 18 divisions of the state. Starting in Lucknow from Tuesday, the event will run until December 14, culminating in Prayagraj. The event is set to feature a wide range of participants, including local artistes and schoolchildren from across the state, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and engage in the cultural celebrations. Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, UPs Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the summit would feature a wide array of events, including the Kumbh Abhinandan Roadshow, Bal-Yuva Kumbh, Kala-Sanskriti Kumbh, Kavi Kumbh, and Bhakti Kumbh. The roadshow was flagged off from GPO Park in Lucknow by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. The roadshow travelled from GPO Park to Gomti Ghat via Sikandarbagh Marg, ending at Marine Drive near 1090 crossing. Additional programs will also take place in Lucknow on October 9. The Uttar Pradesh State Lalit Kala Academy will oversee painting and photography competitions. The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy will handle classical and semi-classical singing, dancing, and instrumental competitions. Besides, cultural and spiritual heritage exhibitions will be organised by the Archaeology department, the Uttar Pradesh State Archivist, and the Uttar Pradesh Museum Directorate. Similarly, Bhartendu Natya Academy will host drama competitions, while the UP Folk and Tribal Culture Institute will manage competitions for folk art and rangoli. The Tourism, Charitable Work, Information/Public Relations departments will arrange special exhibitions, tours, and shows related to the Kumbh, whereas the Archaeology Directorate will conduct an open quiz on the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kumbh. The culture minister further shared the plans to engage schoolchildren with the ideals and traditions of Kumbh by coordinating with the Secondary and Higher Education department. This will involve participation from universities, degree colleges, inter-colleges, and other educational institutions. Additionally, over 12,600 artists have registered online to take part in the events. The Jhansi division summit will take place at Bundelkhand University on October 11-12. In Varanasi, the summit is set for October 14-15 at Banaras Hindu University, while the Chitrakoot division summit will be at Shri Ram Bhadracharya University on October 17-18. The summit will conclude at the North Central Zone Cultural Centre in Prayagraj on December 13-14. Meanwhile, coordinators have been assigned for the upcoming Kumbh Summit at the divisional level. Assistant director of the Culture Directorate Dr Rajesh Ahirwar will coordinate the Lucknow division. Director of the UP Folk and Tribal Culture Institute Atul Dwivedi will serve as the coordinator for the Jhansi division. Director of UP Sangeet Natak Academy Dr Shobhit Kumar Nahar will coordinate the Varanasi division.

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