Prasar Bharati Launches 'Kumbhvani' FM Channel for Maha Kumbh Coverage

Prasar Bharati's Akashvani introduced a new FM channel, Kumbhvani, on Friday to air disseminating information related to the Maha Kumbh-2025. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated this channel at the Circuit House during Day 2 of his Prayagraj visit. This was before the grand religious event began.

The UP government said in the statement, "Prasar Bharati has launched the OTT-based Kumbhvani FM channel to disseminate comprehensive information about the Maha Kumbh. Broadcasting at a frequency of 103.5 MHz, the channel will be on air from January 10 to February 26, operating daily from 5.55 am to 10.05 pm." 

CM Adityanath expressed great confidence that 'Kumbhvani' would prove very popular and would carry the spirit of the Maha Kumbh to distant villages, where many would like to attend but are unable to. He stressed the fact that this channel would be important in making information regarding the Maha Kumbh available to such remote communities.

"Such efforts would enable those in far-flung areas to experience and understand the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh," he said, noting the importance of live broadcasting.

Adityanath remarked that this initiative would allow people to pass on this sense of pride in this great event of 'Sanatan Dharma' to future generations. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Prasar Bharati for their efforts to launch Kumbhvani.

Adityanath mentioned that Akashvani was the pioneer for uniting people with folk tradition and culture. He recalled his childhood days when he used to listen to Ramcharitmanas and its broadcasts on Akashvani. As the years rolled by, for instance, Doordarshan brought in all its audiovisual technology, enabling people to see and hear these cultural stories.

He said that even though there were many private channels in the course of time, Prasar Bharti moved forward to adjust itself to the transforming media landscape. While recognizing the limitations of connectivity to reach people living in remote areas, Prasar Bharti launched the special FM channel Kumbhvani during the Kumbh festivities in 2013, 2019, and now again in 2025, so that even the farthest of the far-flung cities can feel the pulse of the Maha Kumbh.

"The Maha Kumbh is not merely an event but a monumental celebration of Sanatan Dharma's pride, glory, and unity," Adityanath remarked, describing it as "a grand confluence where the essence of Sanatan Dharma can be witnessed."     

Further, "Here, there are no barriers of sect, caste or gender. People from all walks of life gather to bathe in the same waters, united in faith, carrying the message of Sanatan pride to the entire world," he said.

He stated that this embodies the spiritual message of the Kumbh, a global gathering that represents harmony and inclusivity. The CM also emphasized the increasing interest of international visitors eager to explore the profound depths of spirituality by immersing themselves in the Maha Kumbh.

"It is a remarkable moment, and Prasar Bharati has beautifully captured its essence through Kumbhvani," he said.

Kumbhvani FM will broadcast live coverage of daily events and share religious stories related to the Mahakumbh, making the spiritual experience accessible to remote villages. Highlighting media's role in boosting cultural pride, he noted the surge in viewership when Doordarshan aired the Ramayana during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Furthermore, "Today, FM channels are immensely popular among the youth, and Kumbhvani will undoubtedly benefit from this trend," he added.

The event was also attended by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. L. Murugan, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantradev Singh, Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, Om Prakash Rajbhar, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, and Prasar Bharati Board Chairman Navneet Sehgal.