The once-in-a-lifetime festival symbolizes spiritual cleansing and unity for millions of people worldwide.
Indian Railways has partnered with blockchain firm Chaincode Consulting to issue non-fungible token (NFT)-based train tickets for passengers traveling to the MahaKumbh Mela, a historic Hindu festival and pilgrimage held once every 144 years.
According to an announcement on January 13, the companies have selected the Polygon blockchain to mint the NFTs, citing its scalability, faster transaction speed, and low gas fees as critical factors for the initiative.
Celebrating Culture with Blockchain Innovation
The collaboration marks the first time Indian Railways is tapping blockchain technology to enhance a cultural event of this magnitude. The MahaKumbh Mela, celebrated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in India.
The event sees millions of pilgrims travel to bathe in the sacred waters, believing the act purifies them of sins and paves the way for salvation.
The festival is rooted in deep cultural and spiritual traditions and is recognized globally. The country hosts a related event, the Kumbh Mela every 12 years and is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In the past, prominent figures such as actor Richard Gere, film director David Lynch, and the Dalai Lama have attended the celebrations. The upcoming MahaKumbh Mela in 2025 will see attendees from around the world, including Laurene Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
By issuing NFT train tickets to this year’s event, Indian Railways aims to modernize the pilgrimage experience while celebrating India’s cultural heritage.
New NFT Tickets Available on NFTtrace
India’s adoption of blockchain technology aligns with the country’s openness to innovation in the crypto economy. Indian Railways previously experimented with blockchain by recording train ticket purchases on the Hyperledger blockchain and using smart contracts to ensure traceability.
However, for this new venture, the Polygon blockchain was chosen for its reputation for environmental sustainability and ability to handle high transaction volumes efficiently. According to the announcement, the personalized NFTs minted through Polygon’s platform will ensure transparency, traceability, and reliability for millions of travelers. Authorities and the public can verify the authenticity of the tickets on the blockchain, providing an added layer of security.
As part of the collaboration, the NFTs will be available on Chaincode Consulting’s NFTtrace platform, which specializes in real-world asset (RWA) traceability. The companies said that the digital artworks will not only serve as train tickets but also as digital souvenirs commemorating the travelers’ spiritual journey.
“By partnering with IRCTC and leveraging the Polygon blockchain, we are enabling a digital-first experience that complements the spiritual and traditional significance of the Mahakumbh while introducing a new level of engagement through NFTs,” said Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting.
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