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The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 officially commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 13, with more than 50 lakh devotees participating in the first holy dip at the Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Recognized as the world’s largest religious gathering, the event is set to last 45 days and is expected to attract approximately 40 crore pilgrims. The Mela, which occurs once every 12 years, will continue until February 26, 2025, covering an expansive area of around 4,000 hectares.
In preparation for this massive event, the Uttar Pradesh government allocated a budget of Rs 7,000 crore. To accommodate the huge influx of visitors, over 1,50,000 tents have been set up across the venue, along with 3,000 kitchens and 1,45,000 restrooms to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims. There are 99 parking lots, and the government has arranged for the operation of over 100 additional trains to supplement regular services. More than 40,000 police officers have been deployed for security, and sophisticated AI-enabled surveillance cameras will monitor the entire site continuously.
Economically, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is poised to make a massive impact. The Uttar Pradesh government has projected that the event could generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic activity. This projection is based on an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per pilgrim, with an expected 40 crore attendees. If the average spending rises to Rs 10,000 per person, the economic contribution could soar to Rs 4 lakh crore. Key sectors like food and beverages, religious items, transportation, and tourism are anticipated to see significant growth. The food and beverage sector alone is estimated to contribute Rs 20,000 crore, while religious items like lamps, incense, Ganga water, and idols could bring in another Rs 20,000 crore.
The Mela is also expected to be a major draw for international tourists, with over 15 lakh foreign visitors projected to attend. The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a dedicated “tent city” for tourists, offering facilities such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. Moreover, transportation-related services, including local taxis, interstate travel, and logistics, are estimated to generate Rs 10,000 crore, while tourism services like guided tours and travel packages will contribute an additional Rs 10,000 crore. Temporary medical camps, Ayurvedic products, and other services will also add to the economic impact.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, rotates across four cities: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik, and Prayagraj, with each event aligning with specific astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. The festival holds immense religious significance, drawing millions of pilgrims who come to take part in sacred bathing rituals known as Shahi Snans. These rituals are believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. With over 1.5 lakh tents, 3,000 kitchens, and 1,45,000 restrooms, the event's infrastructure aims to accommodate millions of pilgrims from all over the world and cater to their needs.