BUDGET: 10 crore INR and above (USD1.48 million and above)
Project Overview
The “Kumbh Katha” Water & Laser Show at Kali Ghat, Boat Club, Prayagraj, is a state-of-the-art evening spectacle launched during Maha Kumbh 2025 and intended to run for five years. The 45-minute performance fuses storytelling, synchronised laser projections, swirling water screens, and immersive soundscapes. It visually brings to life the mythology and grandeur of the Tirtharaj Prayagraj and Maha Kumbh through dynamic narratives on water curtains, laser beams, and choreographed fountains.
Backed by a ₹22 crore investment from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism & Culture Department, the show is free to the public and runs daily. Project at Kali Ghat was inaugurated by UP minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, marking it as a key cultural draw amid the 400 million–person Maha Kumbh.
Despite operational challenges—dense fog, fluctuating river currents, and the complexity of deploying water-based projectors—our dedicated crew managed boat-access logistics and on-river rigging to ensure flawless execution. As a result, this running installation not only entertains but also educates, captivating pilgrims and tourists alike by connecting modern technology with ancient spiritual heritage. Over 200,000 viewers have already attended, making it a landmark attraction that celebrates India’s cultural legacy.
What did the client want to achieve?
The client aimed to create a world-class cultural attraction that would celebrate the spiritual and historical significance of Prayagraj and the Maha Kumbh. Their goal was to enhance the visitor experience through an immersive water and laser show that educates, entertains, and inspires. By blending cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling, they sought to highlight the legacy of Tirtharaj Prayagraj and the grandeur of Kumbh in a visually captivating manner. Additionally, the show was envisioned as a long-term public attraction—running beyond the 2025 Maha Kumbh—to promote tourism, reinforce Prayagraj’s identity as a spiritual hub, and offer a free, accessible spectacle for both pilgrims and tourists.
Scope of work your company was involved in
Our scope of work for the Kumbh Water Laser Show and Beautification Project encompasses the complete ideation, development, and execution of a world-class spectacle. This includes in-depth research, conceptualization, and creation of a captivating show concept that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology. We will craft a compelling script and oversee its seamless performance, engaging reputed voice-over artists (as approved by the Authority) to record narrations and developing an original musical score with recording, mixing, and remixing, along with special effects, ensuring perfect synchronization with the narrative. To deliver an immersive experience, we will integrate advanced audiovisual aids and procure and install brand-new, state-of-the-art hardware and software—including a high-quality sound system, lighting system, show control mechanisms, control room setup, wiring and cabling, as well as a diesel generator for uninterrupted power backup. Every element of the project will align with the approved design and concept, ensuring a transformative and memorable light-and-sound experience for Kumbh.
What Key Challenges were faced?
The project faced several challenges, primarily due to its unique on-river setup at Kali Ghat, Boat Club, Prayagraj. Installing projection and laser equipment directly in the Yamuna River demanded extensive planning and innovative rigging techniques, while unpredictable currents and wave patterns constantly threatened stability and alignment. Dense winter fog during the Maha Kumbh season further complicated the calibration of lasers and projections. Accessing the setup area via boats added to logistical difficulties, especially during periods of high footfall and fluctuating water levels, while ensuring electrical safety on a floating installation required custom waterproofing and rigorous monitoring. Moreover, the work had to be executed with zero intrusion into the river’s ecology and heritage surroundings, demanding sensitive operational practices.
Perhaps the most formidable challenge was the highly compressed 45-day timeline to complete the entire project—covering concept design, scriptwriting, filming, post-production, site development, hardware procurement, installation, testing, and the final execution of the live show. Coordinating multidisciplinary teams under these constraints required precise planning, rapid decision-making, and round-the-clock execution.
How were those challenges resolved?
To overcome the challenges of setting up a water and laser show in the Yamuna River, the team adopted innovative strategies. Custom floating platforms were engineered for secure installation of projection and laser equipment, ensuring stability despite river currents and waves. To counter dense fog, high-lumen projectors were used, and nighttime calibration trials optimised visuals for clarity.
Logistical access was managed with motorboats and rafts for safe transport of equipment and crew, while special waterproofing and insulation ensured electrical safety. All installations were non-invasive and eco-sensitive, adhering to heritage guidelines.
The compressed 45-day timeline was met through meticulous planning, parallel execution of design, scripting, filming, site development, and the deployment of multiple specialised teams working round-the-clock. Close coordination with local authorities streamlined permissions and crowd management, while on-site teams continuously monitored environmental factors for real-time adjustments. These combined efforts ensured the timely delivery and the smooth execution of a spectacular show.
How has your work helped the client
Our work has helped the client transform their vision into a landmark cultural experience that seamlessly blends spirituality, heritage, and technology. By developing compelling and emotionally resonant content rooted in Prayagraj’s sacred history and the grandeur of Maha Kumbh, we elevated the narrative depth of the show, turning it into more than just a visual spectacle—it became a medium of cultural education and spiritual reflection.
Through our seamless collaboration and adaptive approach, we addressed complex on-ground challenges and ensured timely, high-quality execution. The engaging storytelling and synchronised visuals have captivated lakhs of visitors, enhancing the city’s reputation as a spiritual tourism hub. The show’s success has generated positive public and media attention, validating the client’s investment and objectives.
Furthermore, the project’s long-term appeal positions it as a sustainable tourist attraction, with the potential to draw audiences even beyond Maha Kumbh 2025. Our work has thus empowered the client to deliver a high-impact public experience that celebrates India’s intangible cultural heritage while boosting regional tourism and civic pride.
What are you most proud of about the project?
We are most proud of our ability to bring the soul of Prayagraj and the grandeur of Maha Kumbh to life through a seamless fusion of storytelling, technology, and artistic vision. Despite the technical and environmental complexities of executing a large-scale laser and water show directly on the river, our team remained unwavering in their commitment and ingenuity. From scripting evocative narratives to adapting to real-time conditions, including fog, currents, and logistical constraints, every challenge was met with creativity and dedication.
What stands out most is the emotional impact of the show—witnessing audiences moved, enlightened, and inspired by the experience. The fact that our content continues to engage thousands of pilgrims and tourists daily, and will do so for years to come, is a testament to the lasting value we’ve helped create. Delivering a world-class spectacle rooted in India’s spiritual heritage, under such challenging conditions, remains a defining and deeply fulfilling achievement for our team.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/hXFv98NsSDs?si=FBiRM3SiJk4NnrPH
