Three Must Have Mobile Apps For Kumbh Mela

As the 21^st century witnesses the progress of digital evolution, many of them have turned out to be high-tech in terms of spirituality and holiness due to the updated gadgets and applications.
Maha Kumbh Mela, held in Allahabad once in 12 years started its 2013 version on Monday, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.

It is one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world expecting millions of people from India as well as abroad. Since it is believed to be a biggest congregation in India, occasions can be tracked through smart Kumbh -2013 offered mobile apps.
Interestingly the apps include both free and paid ones, which promises to make the occasion all the more significant for attendees as well as those who couldn’t make it but wish to know the updates. KK Bhutani, an IT expert said, “At a time when millions are coming to Allahabad from all over the world, such apps become all the more vital and relevant.

 The list below includes the mobile apps dedicated for Kumbh Mela 2013, which are being downloaded in large numbers;

#3 Maha Kumbh Mela
A significant Android mobile app created by Mappso on January 2, 2013 which comes under the Lifestyle category. It enables the users to get all the relevant updates and freely download other apps related to Maha Kumbha Mela. It has a five-star rating with a file size of 3429kb. The app provides information regarding the history and origin of the fair, a glance into the rituals and ashrams as well as various tourist places in Allahabad. It avails the option of downloading from Google Play too.

 

#2 Kumbh Mela 2013 Festival Guide

An Android app which works in offline mode without Internet connection. It gives the most up-to-date information on the rituals, Dos and Don’ts, tips for a smooth travel, events and timings for the holy bath, contact and booking details, road maps, money matters and a lot more. It has a file size of 4.33MB. In short, it helps you know everything about Kumbh Mela 2013 at your fingertip.

 

#1 Maha Kumbh Mela 2013

An Android app created by Top Notch Developers on January 3, 2013 which operates best on Android versions; especially Android GingerBread versions. It has a file size of 352.77K and has a medium rating. Similar to the previous app, it provides all the updates related to the fair and can be downloaded for free.

India’s taxman catches up with elephants

India‘s taxman has finally caught up with the nation’s working elephants, with the owners of those working at temples, festivals or parties having to pay 12 per cent of their earnings in service tax.

In India's autumn wedding season the number of ceremonial elephants can being 
city roads to a standstill 
Photo: ALAMY

Elephants are deployed throughout India as ceremonial beasts at weddings, auspicious reminders of the elephant God Lord Ganesha at temples and Hindu festivals like the Kumbh Mela, and as exotic children’s rides at birthday parties.

In India’s autumn wedding season the number of ceremonial elephants can being city roads to a standstill. For many they are an affordable treat – toy shops offer them for under £25 per hire as an upgrade on a party camel.

They are however big business. In Kerala alone, revenues from its 700 working elephants are estimated at just under £30 million per year.

Throughout India’s 28 states, the figure is believed to be several hundred million pounds per year. During peak demand, the going rate can rise to around £300 per day.

Now the Indian revenue authorities want their share and have ordered all enterprises hiring out elephants to levy a 12.36 per cent service tax.

By Dean Nelson