International Temples Convention & Expo Returns: Tirupati to host the ‘Mahakumbh of Temples’

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | February 12, 2025 | News

International Temples Convention & Expo Temple Connect Mahakumbh of Temples Fierce Ventures

The International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 is set to take place at Asha Conventions, Tirupati, from February 17 to 19. Organized by Temple Connect in association with the Anthyodaya Pratishthan, ITCX 2025 will bring together Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain institutions, offering a dynamic platform to network, strengthen, and modernize temple ecosystems worldwide while celebrating their rich cultural heritage. The event will witness hybrid participation from approximately 1,581 devotional institutions across 58 countries and will feature over 111 speakers, 15 workshops and knowledge sessions, and more than 60 stalls at the expo. 

Recognized as the ‘Mahakumbh of Temples,’ ITCX is the brainchild of Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and Prasad Lad, Chairman of the International Temples Convention & Expo and Chief Whip of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Elevating the devotee experience and enhancing convenience lies at the heart of this edition, aligning with its core theme of "Engaging, Empowering, and Enhancing the Temple Economy."

ITCX 2025 will facilitate global collaboration between temple leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, focusing on progressive temple management beyond religious or dharmic aspects. As a pivotal knowledge-sharing event, it will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses covering critical aspects of temple management and pilgrim experience enhancement. Discussions will span a comprehensive range of temple operations, including fund management, crowd control, sustainability, and security protocols, with a special emphasis on modernizing temple administration through AI, digital tools, and fintech solutions. 

ITCX 2025 has garnered significant support from the Government of India through the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, and the Incredible India initiative, with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) joining as the presenting partner. The event is further strengthened by the backing of the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tourism & Endowments boards from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and other Indian states.

Giresh Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect and ITCX said, "ITCX is more than just an event—it’s a movement aimed at revolutionizing temple ecosystems through innovation and sustainability. It is our commitment to nation building. As India emerges as the global epicenter of devotion and spiritual tourism, there is a pressing need to organize, empower, and systematize temple operations to make them future ready. By implementing smart management strategies, we can ensure they remain vibrant centers of spirituality, tradition, and community development.” 

Prasad Lad, Chairman of ITCX and Chief WHIP of Maharashtra Legislative Council said, “In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of preserving Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, ITCX aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modern governance. They are more than places of worship; they are cultural and economic powerhouses. We firmly believe that every place of worship - no matter how small or remote, deserves access to world-class governance models that enhance their religious, cultural, and economic significance. ITCX provides administrators and policymakers with the necessary tools to enhance ef iciency while preserving a temple’s legacy.”

Meghaa Ghosh, Co-Curator & IP Director, ITCx and Founder & CEO, Fierce Ventures said, "I'm excited to announce that ITCX 2025 features an innovative three-stage format designed to maximize learning and collaboration. We've carefully curated content across national leadership sessions, hands-on workshops, and our 'Temple Talks' series, where institutions can share their success stories in modernizing temple management. This format ensures we can address both traditional wisdom and contemporary challenges, from AI integration to sustainable practices, creating a truly comprehensive platform for temple ecosystem development.”