The Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj, a significant spiritual event held once every 144 years, is expected to generate over Rs 3 lakh crore (USD 360 billion) in business through goods and services, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, stated that the event is one of the largest economic drivers in India.
Running from January 13 to February 26, the Mahakumbh has drawn millions of devotees over six weeks, making it the largest human gathering in the world. Khandelwal emphasized that the festival has firmly intertwined faith with economic activity, benefiting local businesses across multiple sectors.
Local trade has seen a notable surge, with the demand for Mahakumbh-themed products such as diaries, calendars, jute bags, and stationery witnessing significant growth, driven by effective branding efforts. Khandelwal had initially estimated that the event would attract 40 crore people, leading to business transactions worth around Rs 2 lakh crore. However, due to overwhelming participation, the number of attendees is now expected to reach nearly 60 crore, pushing the total business turnover beyond Rs 3 lakh crore.
This massive economic activity has provided a significant boost to Uttar Pradesh’s economy and created new business opportunities across various sectors. Key industries benefiting from the Mahakumbh include hospitality and accommodation, food and beverages, transport and logistics, religious attire, puja samagri (worship materials), handicrafts, textiles, apparel, healthcare, wellness services, media, advertising, entertainment, civic services, and technology sectors such as telecom, mobile, AI-based technology, and CCTV equipment.
The economic impact of the Mahakumbh extends beyond Prayagraj, with towns and cities within a 150 km radius also experiencing a rise in business activity. Additionally, pilgrim destinations like Ayodhya and Varanasi have seen increased footfall, as devotees visit these places for darshan and worship, further stimulating local economies.
Khandelwal highlighted that the Mahakumbh is set to positively influence India’s trade, commerce, and cultural landscape, establishing a new economic benchmark for years to come.
The Uttar Pradesh government has invested Rs 7,500 crore to improve Prayagraj’s infrastructure, including flyovers, roads, and underpasses. Of this, Rs 1,500 crore was specifically allocated for Mahakumbh arrangements, ensuring the event’s smooth operation and accommodating the millions of visitors.
