Mumbai: The "International Temples Convention & Expo" (ITCX) 2025, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to temple administration and management, is set to take place at Asha Conventions, Tirupati, from February 17-19, 2025. Organized by Temple Connect in association with Anthyodaya Pratishthan, ITCX 2025 will bring together Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain institutions to enhance global temple ecosystems while celebrating their rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Dubbed as the ‘Mahakumbh of Temples’, ITCX 2025 will feature hybrid participation from 1,581 devotional institutions across 58 countries, with an impressive lineup of 111+ speakers, 15 workshops & knowledge sessions, and 60+ exhibition stalls.
The event is spearheaded by Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect, and Prasad Lad, Chairman of ITCX & Chief Whip of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. This year’s edition revolves around the core theme: ‘Engaging, Empowering, and Enhancing the Temple Economy’, aiming to revolutionize temple operations with innovation, technology, and sustainability.
“ITCX is not just an event—it’s a movement to modernize temple management through innovation and sustainability,” said Giresh Kulkarni. “With India emerging as a global center for devotion and spiritual tourism, it is imperative to systematize temple operations, ensuring they remain hubs of spirituality and community development.”
Prasad Lad emphasized the event's alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of preserving India's spiritual heritage. “Temples are not just places of worship; they are cultural and economic powerhouses. ITCX aims to provide world-class governance models to temples, ensuring their legacy is preserved while enhancing their operational efficiency.”
ITCX 2025 will focus on progressive temple management, addressing various aspects beyond religious activities. Some of the key themes include:
Smart Temple Management: AI, digital tools, and fintech solutions for fund management and administration.
Sustainability & Environment: Waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy integration.
Security & Crowd Control: Advanced security protocols, crisis management, and legal frameworks.
Pilgrim Experience Enhancement: Food distribution (Langar systems), medical aid, and community welfare programs.
The event will feature panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, including:
Temple Education Panel with Dr. Suresh Haware (Former Shirdi Chairman) & Dr. Uday Salunkhe (Welingkar Institute of Management).
Networking for Temples Discussion featuring Trustees of Ashta Vinayak Temples & Shri Vishwajit Rane (Goa Health Minister).
Additionally, case studies on iconic temples like Vasavi Temples and Batu Caves will be presented.
A key highlight of ITCX 2025 will be the launch of the ‘Smart Temples Mission’ and the prestigious ‘Smart Temples Mission Awards’, recognizing outstanding temple temple management practices across 12 distinct categories.
ITCX 2025 has garnered significant government support, with backing from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and Incredible India Initiative, along with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
The event will witness participation from Jain Dharamshalas, Hindu Temple Associations from the UK, Devotional Charities, and Pilgrimage Promotion Boards. Leading organizations such as ISKCON, Sri Mandir, Durlabh Darshan, Saraswat Chamber, ONDC, and Haldiram have collaborated to provide innovative temple management solutions.
Prominent dignitaries expected to attend include: Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Mukunda C R, Saha Sarakaryavah, RSS, Shri Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for HRD, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister, Goa, Shri Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi, MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON India Director of Communications, Shri Milind Parande, General Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh, Mewar of Udaipur, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, Supreme Court Lawyer.
With a three-stage format including national leadership sessions, hands-on workshops, and the ‘Temple Talks’ series, ITCX 2025 promises to be a transformative event. “Our goal is to blend traditional wisdom with modern advancements, creating a robust temple management ecosystem,” said Meghaa Ghosh, Co-Curator & IP Director of ITCX.
Given Tirupati’s significance as a global spiritual hub and home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, it serves as the perfect setting for an event of this scale.
For those unable to attend in person, ITCX 2025 will be streamed live on Temple Connect’s website and social media channels, ensuring global engagement.
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