50 crore, still counting: How divine convergence in Maha Kumbh has turned into economic powerhouse

An aerial view of the Sangam area showing thousands of devotees gathering for the holy dip at Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

As Maha Kumbh 2025 enters its 34th day, the Uttar Pradesh government announced that over 54 lakh devotees have taken a holy dip at the Sangam till 10 am on Saturday, bringing the total number of devotees to an astonishing 50.11 crore. With over a week left before the event concludes on February 26, the Maha Kumbh is already on track to surpass all expectations, reinforcing its global stature as the largest religious gathering in human history.

"Maha Kumbh 2025 is a testament to the spiritual unity and resilience of our country. We have already exceeded our projected 45 crore pilgrims, and we now anticipate a final count of 55 to 60 crore by the event's conclusion," said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "This is not just a religious event; it's an economic and cultural milestone for the state."

Global benchmark in faith and unity

Since its beginning on January 13, the event has set an unprecedented global benchmark for religious and cultural unity. The scale of participation is staggering—surpassing the populations of most nations. Only China and India have populations that exceed the number of devotees who have already visited Maha Kumbh. Countries such as the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have fewer people than those who have immersed themselves in the sacred waters of Sanatan Dharma.

Key bathing days like Mauni Amavasya saw an overwhelming 8 crore devotees, with other significant days such as Makar Sankranti drawing 3.5 crore pilgrims. Even on weekdays, over two crore devotees bathed on January 30 and February 1, while Paush Purnima witnessed 1.7 crore devotees, reinforcing the scale and significance of the gathering.

"Maha Kumbh is not only a celebration of faith but also a vivid reflection of India's rich cultural heritage," CM Yogi said, underscoring how the gathering continues to attract global attention.

Religious leaders have hailed the unprecedented gathering as a "reawakening of faith" in Bharat. "This Maha Kumbh is not just the largest, but the most transformative in history," said Swami Avdheshanand Giri, the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. "The energy here is divine, and it is a clear sign that Sanatan Dharma is flourishing like never before."

The economic impact: Rs 3 lakh crore boost

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Maha Kumbh is proving to be a powerful economic driver. The Uttar Pradesh government has projected a massive Rs 3 lakh crore economic boost to the state's economy through this event. CM Yogi emphasized the profound economic transformation driven by the gathering, noting how it has sparked increased tourism, business activity, and employment.

"The Maha Kumbh is a beacon of economic growth for Uttar Pradesh," said CM Yogi. "The event has brought long-awaited recognition to religious sentiments that had been suppressed for centuries, simultaneously transforming Prayagraj into an economic powerhouse."

With nearly 50 crore devotees having already participated in the sacred dip, the event is providing a significant boost to local businesses, hospitality sectors, and services. This includes retail, transport, and food industries, all thriving due to the influx of pilgrims. The government has invested Rs 1,500 crore into infrastructure and logistical arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for visitors, generating returns that far exceed the initial expenditure.

Infrastructure and connectivity: A modern marvel

The logistical success of Maha Kumbh 2025 is being hailed as a major achievement. Over 40 regular flights now operate to and from Prayagraj, and the Indian Railways has introduced hundreds of special trains to accommodate the pilgrims. Improved road networks, bolstered by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari's approval of several road projects, have strengthened Prayagraj's connectivity, ensuring smooth travel for millions of devotees.

"The infrastructure investments have paid off exponentially," said CM Yogi. "Prayagraj's transformation, fueled by improved connectivity, is now a model for large-scale events globally."

A legacy of faith and growth

With 12 days left and one major bathing festival still to come, Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to surpass all previous records, reinforcing its reputation as the world's largest religious gathering. Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, the event stands as a living example of how large-scale religious congregations can drive economic and infrastructural development, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

As the sun sets over the Sangam, the convergence of millions of devotees signifies not only a religious awakening but also a new era of economic growth, cultural pride, and unity for Uttar Pradesh and India at large.