Holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya comes with a price tag as accommodation costs soar exorbitantly

A view of devotees at the Sangam area during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. (Courtesy: X | @myogiadityanath)

Devotees planning to take a holy dip at the Sangam during Mauni Amavasya in Maha Kumbh on January 29 should prepare for steep expenses, as accommodation costs have surged dramatically. Private tents and hotels have increased their rates by nearly threefold for this auspicious occasion, drawing concerns about affordability for pilgrims.

Uttar Pradesh government estimates that around 10 crore people are expected to take a dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavsaya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a review meeting, asked the officials to prepare for 8-10 crore devotees who are expected to take the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.

Expecting unprecedented footfall, hotels, private tents, and temporary accommodations have dramatically hiked their rates, raising concerns among pilgrims about affordability.

Hotel rates, which had already gone up because of Kumbh from Rs 2,500-3,000 to the range of Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000, have spiked further to over Rs 22,000 for Mauni Amavasya. Similarly, private tent rentals have risen from Rs 15,000 to a staggering Rs 45,000 per night. For those seeking a luxurious stay, a special luxury cottage for three nights costs Rs 2.40 lakh, while the accommodations in Dome City costs up to Rs 91,000. These packages include essential amenities such as breakfast and meals.

Most hotels and private tents for Mauni Amavasya have already been booked, and the few remaining options are commanding exorbitant prices. At Hotel Milan in Civil Lines, rooms that typically cost Rs 7,000 are now priced at Rs 22,500. Sangam Serenity Tent City in Arail, where tent rates were Rs 15,000, now charges Rs 45,000 per night. Special cottages in the same tent city are being rented for Rs 2.40 lakh for a three-night stay.

In Dome City, the daily rent starts at Rs 35,000 and goes up to Rs 91,000 for upper-floor accommodations. These inflated prices extend to other hotels and tent cities as well.

"I checked for a room in Civil Lines," said Anjali Verma, a school teacher from Lucknow. "The price was Rs 22,500 for a night—completely unaffordable. It's heartbreaking because we wanted to perform rituals at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya."

IRCTC's tent city at Maha Kumbh has also joined the trend, with nightly rates ranging from Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. Notably, a minimum booking of three nights is mandatory for Mauni Amavasya, meaning pilgrims must spend at least Rs 54,000 to secure accommodation.

"Even IRCTC is asking for a three-night minimum booking. It's impossible for middle-class families like us," said Pradeep Tiwari, a government employee from Jhansi. "The government should intervene to control these prices."

Many devotees have expressed dismay over the exorbitant rise in accommodation costs. "I have been coming to the Kumbh Mela for years, but this time, it feels like a festival for the rich," said Suresh Mishra, a farmer from Kanpur. "A tent that used to cost Rs 15,000 is now Rs 45,000! How can a common man afford this?"

Rita Sharma, a homemaker from Varanasi, echoed similar sentiments. "We saved money all year to visit Maha Kumbh, but the prices have shattered our plans. Even basic accommodations are out of reach," she lamented.

Vinod Gupta, a small trader from Allahabad, added, "The spirit of Maha Kumbh is about inclusivity and devotion. With these rates, it feels like spirituality is being sold as a luxury."

The spiritual significance of Mauni Amavasya

Mauni Amavasya is considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Bathing at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati—on this day is believed to cleanse sins, purify the soul, and lead to salvation. Observing silence, meditating, and performing rituals on this day are said to bring mental peace and spiritual energy.

Given the spiritual importance, the Uttar Pradesh government anticipates that eight to ten crore devotees will participate in the holy dip this year. To accommodate the massive influx, extensive preparations are underway by the government and the fair administration. However, skyrocketing accommodation prices have become a major talking point.

Soaring accommodation costs and bookings

As Mauni Amavasya approaches, the sharp rise in accommodation costs raises questions about accessibility for the average devotee. While the government has assured comprehensive arrangements for the bathing festival, the affordability of these facilities remains a concern for many pilgrims hoping to partake in this spiritually significant event. "We hope authorities will step in to ensure that the essence of Maha Kumbh is not overshadowed by commercialization," said Sunita Devi, a retired school principal.