Maha Kumbh Mela, dubbed the largest gathering of humanity in the world, is expected to bring more than 40 crore people to Prayagraj.The Maha Kumbh Mela began at Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj this morning, with more than 50 lakh people so far taking the first holy dip at Sangam, the point where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
Dubbed the largest gathering of humanity in the world, the millennia-old Kumbh Mela is expected to bring over 40 crore people to Prayagraj during the 45-day-long event, which is more than the population of the US and Russia.The event, being held after 12 years, has been set up at around 4,000 hectares of open land and will continue till February 26. It is expected to give a massive boost to the economic growth of Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state in India, which allocated around Rs 7,000 crore budget for the mega event.
Maha Kumbh Projected To Earn Up To Rs 2 Lakh Crore
Maha Kumbh 2025 is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for Uttar Pradesh. According to estimates, the event may generate Rs 2 lakh crore if each of 40 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000.The news agency IANS, citing industry estimates, said the average expenditure per person could rise to even Rs 10,000 and the total economic impact could reach Rs 4 lakh crore. It is also expected to boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1 per cent.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Prayagraj’s Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2019 contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state’s economy. The “ardh” or half Kumbh Mela in 2019, had attracted about 24 crore pilgrims.
“With an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth,” he told a news channel recently.Mr Adityanath, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), described the Maha Kumbh as the world’s largest temporary city, which may accommodate between 50 lakh to one crore devotees at any given time.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the food and beverage sector, including packaged foods, water, biscuits, juices, and meals, is estimated to add Rs 20,000 crore to the overall trade.
The Traders’ body also said that religious items and offerings, such as oil, lamps, Ganga water, idols, incense sticks, and religious books, are another major area of economic activity, contributing an estimated Rs 20,000 crore.Transportation and logistics, including local and interstate services, freight, and taxis, are expected to account for Rs 10,000 crore, while tourism services, such as tour guides, travel packages, and related activities, are likely to contribute another Rs 10,000 crore, the CAIT said.
Temporary medical camps, Ayurvedic products, and medicines could bring in Rs 3,000 crore, while sectors like e-ticketing, digital payments, Wi-Fi services, and mobile charging stations are expected to see business worth Rs 1,000 crore. Entertainment and media, including advertising and promotional activities, are projected to generate Rs 10,000 crore in trade, the CAIT said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the start of Maha Kumbh as a “very special day” for crores of people who “cherish Indian values and culture”.
“Maha Kumbh 2025 commences in Prayagraj, bringing together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India’s timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he posted on X this morning.
“I am happy to see Prayagraj abuzz with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings. Wishing all pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay,” he said.Mr Adityanath also described it as a confluence of cultures and a message of unity in diversity.
“The world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering ‘Maha Kumbh’ is starting today in the holy city of Prayagraj. All the revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, to meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are heartily welcomed,”
Leave a Reply