Maha Kumbh expected to give Rs 25,000 crore boost to Uttar Pradesh economy

Covering approximately 4,000 hectares, the Mahakumbh is projected to attract 40-45 crore pilgrims, making it the largest religious gathering in the world.

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is set to be more than just a spiritual event; it promises to be a major economic driver for Uttar Pradesh. Historical records from the 1882 Kumbh Mela show that the event cost Rs 20,228 to organise while generating Rs 49,840 in revenue, resulting in a net profit of Rs 29,612. This legacy of economic gain continues, with the upcoming Mahakumbh expected to generate Rs 25,000 crore in revenue for the state.

Covering approximately 4,000 hectares, the Mahakumbh is projected to attract 40-45 crore pilgrims, making it the largest religious gathering in the world. The event’s estimated budget stands at Rs 6,382 crore, with Rs 5,600 crore already allocated for event management and infrastructure development. In comparison, the government had spent Rs 3,700 crore in 2019 Kumbh Mela.

“Mahakumbh 2025 is not just a spiritual gathering; it’s a massive economic engine,” said Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. “Our focus is on enhancing infrastructure, tourism, and job creation while ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims.”

KV Raju, economic advisor to the UP government, claims that with expected crowd of 45 crore pilgrims Mahakumbh could generate not less than Rs 2 lakh crore.

Advisor to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and former IAS officer Awanish Awasthi did a quick maths to support the claim. "The worth of this financial activity could be an underestimation of the actual figure. If one pilgrim spends Rs 8,000 for Mahakumbh, the number would cross Rs 3.2 lakh crore going by the expected footfall," he said.

Experts, however, said that how much the state will benefit from this activity could not be gauged at this moment as much of the transaction would take place in an unorganised way and in small amounts (such as renting boats, transportation, food etc), but the certain thing was that individuals engaged in it would surely gain.

Kumbh Mela Nodal Officer Vijay Anand said that the Uttar Pradesh government is projected to earn over Rs 25,000 crore through taxes, rentals, and other charges from the event.

However, the total financial transactions at the mela site are anticipated to be significantly higher, ranging between Rs 2 lakh crore and Rs 3 lakh crore. "The earnings of small-scale vendors, such as tempo operators, rickshaw pullers, flower sellers at temple sites, those selling memorabilia, boat operators, and even hotels, will contribute significantly to the local economy. The entire ecosystem around the Kumbh Mela is expected to experience a massive economic boom," he added.

The experts are also of the view that the economic impact extends beyond Prayagraj, benefiting nearby religious hubs like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, and Vindhyavasini Dham, creating thousands of new jobs. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reports that preparations for the event have already provided employment to 45,000 families.

Local vendors and service providers are equally optimistic. Rajesh Tiwari, a street food vendor in Prayagraj, said, “The Mahakumbh is a blessing for small businesses like mine. We earn what we typically make in six months during this event.”

Similarly, Ramesh Kumar, a boat operator on the Ganga, shared his excitement: “With millions of tourists expected, our income will multiply. We are also receiving special training to enhance our services.”

The government is actively training service providers, including tour guides, street vendors, and drivers, through specialized programs conducted by the Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Agency in Lucknow and Prayagraj. “This training will improve our skills and help us provide better services to tourists,” said Neha Mishra, a trainee tour guide.

In a first, the temporary tent city at the Mahakumbh will be visible on Google Maps, thanks to a memorandum of understanding signed between Google representatives and the Mahakumbh Mela Authority. “We are committed to using technology to improve the pilgrimage experience,” said an official from the authority.

Infrastructure development is at the heart of the preparations. Major projects completed include a six-lane bridge over the Ganga and a Rs 275-crore four-lane railway overbridge, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic flow.

Even after Mahakumbh 2025 concludes, Prayagraj is expected to remain a tourism hotspot. “We believe that the infrastructure and global visibility created during the event will drive tourism for years,” said a senior tourism official.

Common people also see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I have attended several Kumbh Melas, but this time, it feels like the entire world will be watching,” said Meera Devi, a pilgrim from Bihar. “We come for spiritual fulfillment, but we can see how it benefits the locals as well.”

Mahakumbh 2025 promises not just spiritual enrichment but also lasting economic prosperity, creating a sustainable legacy for Uttar Pradesh and its people.