~ The landmark global event will explore innovative approaches and best practices of temple management, focusing on sustainable ecosystems, digitalization, and strategies to enhance temple-based economics ~
Prepare to be part of a truly sacred gathering as the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 unfolds! Taking place from February 17-19 at Asha Conventions in Tirupati, this distinguished event stands as the world’s largest forum dedicated to temple administration and management. Organized by Temple Connect in collaboration with the Anthyodaya Pratishthan, ITCX 2025 will unite Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain institutions, offering a powerful platform to network, innovate, and celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of temples. With hybrid participation from 1581 devotional institutions across 58 countries, the event will feature 111+ esteemed speakers, 15 workshops, and 60+ stalls, making it an essential experience for those committed to advancing temple tourism and management worldwide.
The ‘Mahakumbh of Temples’ – ITCX – is the visionary creation of Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect, a premier platform dedicated to documenting and digitalizing information about temples of Indian origin, and Prasad Lad, Chairman of the International Temples Convention & Expo and Chief WHIP of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. This monumental event seeks to elevate the spiritual experience of devotees while enhancing their convenience, aligning perfectly with its core theme of ‘engaging, empowering, and enhancing the temple economy.’ With an unwavering commitment to advancing the sacred temple ecosystem, this edition of ITCX promises to be a transformative milestone in temple tourism and management.
ITCX 2025 will facilitate global collaboration between temple leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, focusing primarily 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 diverse crucial aspects of temple management and pilgrim experience enhancement.
Topics span a comprehensive range of temple operations, from fund management and crowd control to sustainability and security protocols, with special emphasis on modernizing temple management through AI, digital tools, and fintech solutions. Key focus areas include langar and food distribution systems, waste management and recycling, sustainable energy practices, and legal compliance. The discussions will also cover essential community services such as medical aid, educational programs, and charitable initiatives—all aimed at creating more efficient and socially impactful temple ecosystems.
ITCX 2025 has garnered support from the Government of India through the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, and the Incredible India initiative, with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) joining as presenting partner. The convention is further strengthened by the backing of the Archaeological Survey of India and Tourism & Endowments boards from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and other such Indian states.
“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,“ said Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and ITCX. “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.”
“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 efficiency while preserving a temple’s legacy.” said Prasad Lad, Chairman of ITCX and Chief WHIP of Maharashtra Legislative Council.
“I’m excited to announce that ITCX 2025 features an innovative three-stage format designed to maximize learning and collaboration,” adds Meghaa Ghosh, Co-Curator & IP Director, ITCx and Founder & CEO, Fierce Ventures. “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.”
Tirupati, home to the iconic Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, stands as a devotional epicenter that draws millions of devotees each year. The city’s strong temple economy provides the perfect setting for key discussions during ITCX 2025. Notable sessions include a panel on Temple Education featuring Dr. Suresh Haware Ji, Former Chairman of Shirdi, and Dr. Uday Salunkhe Ji, Director of Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research. Another key panel will explore “The Power of Networking for Temples,” with contributions from the Trustees of Ashta Vinayak Temples (Maharashtra) and Shri Vishwajit Rane Ji, Minister for Health of Goa. Additionally, a session on the Legal Issues surrounding temples will be led by Advocate Vishnu Jain.
Case studies will be presented on The Journey of Vasavi Temples and Batu Caves amongst others. ITCX 2025 will also see the marquee launch of the ‘Smart Temples Mission’ and ‘Smart Temples Mission Awards’ that will recognise and felicitate the best temples from across the globe in 12 distinct categories.
Representatives from Jain Dharamshalas, leading Devotional Charities, Associations in the Hindu Temples of the United Kingdom, Anna Kshetra Managements, Purohit Mahasangha of various pilgrim locations, and Pilgrimage Promotion Boards will participate in this meet. Leading companies and organizations like ISKCON, Sri Mandir, Durlabh Darshan, Saraswat Chamber, Krystal Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd., ONDC, and Haldiram have collaborated with ITCX 2025 to facilitate temple management solutions.
The International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 will be graced by an esteemed lineup of dignitaries, guest of honours, and speakers. Among those expected to attend are Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Rajendra Arlekar ji, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala; Shri Mukunda C R ji, Saha Sarakaryavah of RSS; Shri Pramod Sawant ji, Chief Minister of Goa; Shri Nara Lokesh ji, Minister for Human Resources Development in Andhra Pradesh; Shri Vishwajit Rane ji, Minister of Health in Goa; Shri Rohan Khaunte ji, Tourism Minister of Goa; Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi ji, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Shri Yudhistir Govinda Das ji, Director of Communications for ISKCON India; Shri Milind Parande, General Secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad; Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh, Mewar of Udaipur; and Vishnu Shankar Jain, Distinguished Supreme Court lawyer.
Additionally, ITCX 2025 will be streamed live on the Temple Connect website and social media channels, ensuring global accessibility and engagement for all attendees.
About Temple Connect
Temple Connect is a one-of-its-kind initiative to document, digitalize and distribute content on and about Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh Temples all over the world. In the short span of its existence thus far, Temple Connect has served to bring together temples in far-flung corners of India as well as the International space on a singular online platform and create new awareness on the rituals enshrined in the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist scriptures. This has served to educate and inform devotees across all age-groups and accord a whole new dimension to their devotion.
About ITCX
The International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) is the world’s first event focused on the comprehensive management of temples globally, driven by Temple Connect – Divinity Worldwide. ITCX serves as a platform where temple leaders, trustees, and CEOs converge to discuss and exchange knowledge on Temple Economics, sustainable Temple Ecosystem practices, and strategic insights into Temple Management. Our mission is to enhance and fortify the entire temple economy by promoting sustainable initiatives, leveraging technology for optimal financial management, refining operational processes, and ensuring the overall upkeep of temple premises. ITCX also focuses on improving pilgrims’ experiences, advocating for hygiene, and promoting eco-friendly practices across the temple ecosystem. Together, we aim to elevate the temple experience for millions of devotees while securing the future of these sacred spaces for generations to come.
