UP Tourism to Launch AR/VR Experience at Mahakumbh-2025

UP Tourism to Launch AR/VR Experience at Mahakumbh-2025

UP Tourism to Launch AR/VR Experience at Mahakumbh-2025


Allahabad, August 31, 2024 — The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is poised to unveil an extraordinary cultural village. “Sanskriti Gram,” is the name of the cultural village which will be there in Mahakumbh-2025. This unique initiative, set within the sprawling 5-acre expanse of the Mahakumbh Mela grounds, will bring the spiritual, cultural, and historical essence of the Mahakumbh to life through state-of-the-art augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

A Cultural Extravaganza

“Sanskriti Gram” is designed to be the cultural heartbeat of the 45-day mega religious fair. The village will host a myriad of events and exhibitions which will celebrate the essence of the Mahakumbh. It will provide visitors with an immersive journey that seamlessly blends age-old traditions with cutting-edge AR/VR technology. This fusion promises to offer an unparalleled insight into the spiritual and historical significance of the Mahakumbh.

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High-Tech Cultural Immersion

At the core of “Sanskriti Gram” will be its high-tech AR/VR experiences. Offering visitors a chance to traverse the Mahakumbh’s journey across various eras. Through 360-degree virtual tours, interactive touchscreen kiosks, and dynamic multimedia presentations, the ancient traditions of the Mahakumbh will be vividly brought to life, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Architectural Marvels and Craft Exhibits

In addition to the immersive AR/VR experiences, “Sanskriti Gram” will feature 20 meticulously curated stalls showcasing local handicrafts and traditional arts. The village will also include specialized zones dedicated to ancient heritage, mythology, historical artifacts, astrological science, and performing arts. These zones will host interactive workshops, allowing visitors to engage directly with India’s rich cultural legacy.

Grand Gates and Thematic Entrances

The Mahakumbh Mela grounds will be adorned with 30 grand gates, each inspired by profound spiritual themes such as Trishul, Swastika, Kalpvriksh, and Damru. These gates will not only serve as entry points but also as symbolic representations of the spiritual core of the Mahakumbh. Enhancing the visitor experience further, selfie points, lamp posts, and portable tourist information centers will be strategically placed at each gate.

Cultural Performances and Workshops

The village will host daily performances of classical and folk dance and music on the main stage. Alongside there will be theatrical shows, cooking demonstrations, and craft workshops. These events will allow visitors to deeply immerse themselves in the cultural richness of India. That will be turning “Sanskriti Gram” into a vibrant, living showcase of the nation’s heritage.

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A Vision of Tradition and Innovation

As per the UP government’s vision for a divine Mahakumbh-2025, “Sanskriti Gram” stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modern technology. With this, the UP Tourism Department aims to offer a new-age technology that not only honors the past but also embraces the future. The Mahakumbh-2025 is set to be more than just a religious event. It will be a cultural phenomenon that resonates with millions around the globe.

The High Stakes of AR-VR: Why Meta Is Losing Billions for Future Gains

The High Stakes of AR-VR: Why Meta Is Losing Billions for Future Gains

The High Stakes of AR-VR: Why Meta Is Losing Billions for Future Gains

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has made a significant commitment to the future of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), positioning itself as a leader in this emerging market. However, this bold vision comes with substantial financial risks. In its relentless pursuit to dominate the AR-VR space, Meta has reported staggering losses, with its AR/VR Reality Labs division losing close to $4 billion in the latest quarter alone.

The Financial Toll of a Future-Focused Gamble

Since rebranding as Meta, the company has been vocal about its ambitions to build the “Metaverse,” a digital world that blends virtual and augmented realities with the physical world. This vision requires enormous investments, not just in technology development but also in scaling a whole new ecosystem that could revolutionize how we interact online.

However, the financial toll of this venture has been heavy. Since June 2022, Meta has been losing money at a rate of more than $1 billion per month on its AR/VR aspirations. The Reality Labs division, responsible for developing these technologies, reported $440 million in revenue in the latest quarter. Yet, this revenue pales in comparison to the $3.85 billion overall loss the division recorded in the same period.

Meta’s financial reports have consistently shown these losses, and the company acknowledges that the trend will likely continue. “We continue to expect operating losses to increase meaningfully year-over-year due to our ongoing product development efforts and our investments to further scale our ecosystem,” said Meta CFO Susan Li during the Q1 earnings call.

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The Strategic Importance of AR-VR for Meta

Despite the financial losses, Meta’s commitment to AR and VR is a strategic move designed to secure its future in an increasingly competitive tech landscape. The AR-VR market is still in its early stages, but it is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Companies that establish a strong presence now could dominate the market in the future, much like how Facebook once dominated social media.

For Meta, AR and VR are more than just new technologies; they represent the next frontier of digital interaction. The Metaverse, as envisioned by Meta, could redefine online experiences, making them more immersive and interconnected. This potential has driven the company to invest heavily, even at the cost of significant short-term financial pain.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Meta’s journey into AR and VR is not without its challenges. The technology is still evolving, and widespread consumer adoption may take years. Additionally, the financial burden of sustaining such losses could strain the company’s resources, especially if the AR-VR market does not grow as quickly as anticipated.

However, the opportunities are vast. If Meta succeeds in its quest to lead the AR-VR market, it could reshape the digital landscape and secure its position as a tech giant for years to come. The company’s ability to innovate and create compelling AR-VR experiences will be crucial in determining the success of its Metaverse vision.

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So we can say that, Meta’s aggressive investment in AR and VR is a high-stakes gamble. While the financial losses are significant, the potential rewards could be transformative, not just for Meta but for the entire tech industry.