Kumbh VIP tent city’s selfie-seeker problem

A highlight of the ongoing mega Ardh Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, is the tent city created for the very first time by the authorities. The state-of-the-art 5000 tent city is situated in Arail, about a 10-minute drive from the sangam ghats, and has been in news for tents that are priced in excess of `30,000 per night. The city has been established mainly for VVIPs and foreign travellers. In the three-week run of the Kumbh, so far, the tent city – known as Indraprastham – has hosted names like PM Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath (and his entire cabinet), over a dozen ambassadors and diplomats, film and TV stars, and several foreign and Indian businessmen. Needless to say, with so many VVIP guests, the security is quite tight at the gates of Indpraprastham. However, the city’s popularity and extravagant design has meant that several tourists are often huddled at the gate, trying to gain entry to click pictures.

The VIP tent city, situated at Arail, hosting celebs and VIPs, is a big draw for visitors to the Ardh Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj (BCCL)

Guards posted at the gates find that half their time is spent fighting these selfie-seekers and their weird demands. “Throughout the day, people keep coming here. Most want to click selfies at the gate and that’s a headache for us because they keep standing there. We have to make sure the entrance is clear because there is so much VVIP movement happening at all times,” says a guard posted at the gate of the tent city. Another guard adds, “It’s not enough that people loiter even after we tell them not to stand near the gate but some argue that we allow them inside. Kehte hain andar ke interior ke photo leni hai. Arre bhai, koi tourist spot thode hi hai. When we stop them, they say ki mele mein sab kuchh sab ke liye open hona chahiye. Half our energies go in talking to people like these.”