From Rs 200 to Rs 2 lakh: What a trip to Maha Kumbh can cost you, depending on your pocket

Devotees take a holy dip at Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (PTI Photo)

The Maha Kumbh, known as the world’s largest religious gathering, is not merely a spiritual event but also a vivid portrayal of economic diversity. Pilgrims from all walks of life converge here, and their expenses can range from Rs 200 to over Rs 2 lakh, depending on their financial circumstances and lifestyle choices.

For some, the Kumbh is about surrendering to faith and embracing simplicity. For others, it is about blending spiritual fulfillment with comfort and convenience. Yet, regardless of the expenditure, every pilgrim walks away with a profound experience and a heart full of faith.

For many pilgrims, the Maha Kumbh is an opportunity to demonstrate devotion, irrespective of financial constraints. Ram Bishnoi, a 72-year-old devotee from Datia, Madhya Pradesh, epitomizes this ethos. “The Kumbh is not about what you spend; it is about what you give – to the Ganga, to the akharas, and to your faith,” said Bishnoi, who stayed in a free community tent and relied on bhandaras (community kitchens) for food.

Ram Chandar, a farmer from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, shared a similar story. Traveling to Prayagraj in the general class of a train, he saved money by walking 18 kilometers to the mela grounds. “Faith is my ticket to the Kumbh,” Chandar said with a smile. “I only spent Rs 20 on tea. The rest of my needs were met by the kindness of bhandaras and the blessings of Ganga Maiya.”

Chandar estimates his total expenditure to be less than Rs 100, though he sets aside extra money for offerings to sadhus and for purchasing flowers and diyas for his rituals. “The blessings I receive here are priceless,” he added.

After a long silence, he says: “I spent around Rs 200 in this visit… kuch jyada kharchcha ho gaya.”

For the middle-income group, the Kumbh is a spiritual journey balanced with moderate spending. Sudhir Sharma, a businessman from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, attended the Kumbh with his wife, spending over Rs 25,000 on accommodation, food, and local travel.

“I chose a hotel in Sobatiya Bagh, about 5 kilometers from the mela grounds. At Rs 7,500 per night, it was worth it for the comfort,” Sharma explained. “While we avoided bhandaras, we enjoyed meals at local restaurants. A thali here costs around Rs 350, and the flavors are authentic and homely.”

Sharma believes the experience was worth the money. “The Kumbh is not just a pilgrimage; it is a celebration of India’s cultural and spiritual grandeur. Seeing millions of people united in faith is awe-inspiring,” he said.

For affluent pilgrims, the Maha Kumbh offers an opportunity to experience spirituality in opulence. Hema Chabbaria, a businesswoman from Surat, Gujarat, spent over Rs 2 lakh during her Makar Sankranti visit.

“I stayed in a luxury tent city. The dome-like tent, with its plush interiors and private amenities, cost Rs 1.2 lakh per night,” Chabbaria shared. “It was a seamless experience with gourmet meals, guided tours, and personal assistants to navigate the mela grounds.”

For Hema, the blend of comfort and devotion made her trip memorable. “It’s not just about luxury; it’s about connecting with the divine while being mindful of your own needs. The Kumbh allows you to do both,” she explained.

Tour operators have tailored packages to suit a range of preferences and budgets. Basic packages start at a few thousand rupees, offering shared accommodations and simple meals. Premium packages, however, can exceed Rs 40,000 per night.

Hotels in Prayagraj charge between Rs 16,200 and Rs 33,983 per night. Air-conditioned tents with private bathrooms are available for around Rs 20,000 per night. Luxury camps, such as Divya Kumbh Retreat and Prayag Samagam, offer high-end experiences costing Rs 20,000–Rs 40,000 per night.

“The Kumbh has something for everyone,” said Ravi Prakash, a tour operator from Lucknow. “From free community tents to five-star accommodations, we make sure every pilgrim finds their way to the Sangam.”

Travel costs also vary widely, depending on the mode of transportation, fluctuating fuel prices, and taxes. “Pilgrims need to budget for emergencies or additional services like vehicle use, but the journey is always worth it,” Ravi added.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is a confluence of humanity, where millions gather, each bringing a unique story of faith, culture, and financial standing. The mela grounds are a vibrant mosaic, offering free tents, community kitchens, luxury accommodations, bustling streets with shops, and food stalls.

“This place is a microcosm of India,” said Renu Singh, a visitor from Kanpur. “Where else would you find billionaires standing shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers, united by the simple act of taking a holy dip?”

Whether a pilgrim spends Rs 200 or Rs 2 lakh, the common thread that binds them all is unwavering faith. The financial aspect pales in comparison to the spiritual significance of the event.

As Ram Chandar aptly puts it, “The Kumbh is not about how much money you have. It is about how much faith you carry in your heart.”

From the humble tea stalls to lavish dome-like tents, the Maha Kumbh remains a melting pot of humanity, where devotion transcends wealth and unites millions in a shared spiritual journey.