Rare Indian festival embraces NFT ticketing
Held every 144 years, Hindu celebration puts train travel on the blockchain
Indian Railways is planning to issue non-fungible token (NFT)-based train tickets for the MahaKumbh Mela, a Hindu festival held once every 144 years.
This initiative, developed in partnership with blockchain firm Chaincode Consulting, incorporates blockchain technology to streamline the experience for millions of travelers.
The NFT-based tickets will be minted on the Polygon blockchain, chosen for its scalability, efficiency, and low transaction costs. These features make Polygon a practical option for managing a large-scale project.
Alok Gupta, CEO of Chaincode Consulting, stated, “By partnering with IRCTC and leveraging the Polygon blockchain, we are creating a digital-first approach that complements the cultural and traditional significance of the Mahakumbh while introducing a new dimension through NFTs.”
The MahaKumbh Mela is an event that draws millions of participants from India and abroad. To support this massive influx, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is adopting blockchain-based technology to improve the ticketing process. These NFT tickets serve as digital passes and as personalized mementos reflecting India’s cultural heritage.
The NFT tickets will be available through the real-world assets (RWAs) and traceability platform NFTtrace. They can be verified on the blockchain, enhancing transparency and security. Indian Railways has previously used the Hyperledger blockchain to maintain ticket records and employed smart contracts to manage traceability.
Cultural and global significance
The IRCTC platform handles approximately 1.2 million train ticket bookings daily, and this NFT initiative is expected to attract global interest. The MahaKumbh Mela is a culturally significant event that has welcomed notable figures such as actor Richard Gere, director David Lynch, and Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama
Its related event, Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Laurene Jobs, widow of Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs, has also announced plans to attend the 2025 pilgrimage, further emphasizing the festival’s international appeal.
Indian Railways aims to use this initiative to highlight the cultural heritage of cities like Lucknow and Delhi while providing a secure and efficient ticketing solution. This project demonstrates how blockchain technology can integrate with cultural traditions to offer a more streamlined and modern experience.
