Prayagraj reaps a spiritual and economic windfall in Mahakumbh

As the Mahakumbh progresses, Prayagraj stands as a beacon of India’s cultural and economic vitality.

Prayagraj’s ongoing Mahakumbh has brought not only pride but also a significant economic boost to the city. The arrival of crores of pilgrims and tourists has fueled a remarkable surge in business across multiple sectors, including hospitality, food, woolen clothing, blankets, quilts, mattresses, and electronics, which have reported a 30-40 percent increase in sales.

Retail and wholesale businesses are experiencing unprecedented growth. Even at this early stage of the Mahakumbh, sales have risen two- to three-fold. According to the Uttar Pradesh chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), daily essential items required by devotees during the event are projected to generate a turnover of over Rs 17,310 crore.

Mahendra Kumar Goyal, President of the UP Chapter of CAIT, revealed that puja items alone are expected to generate business worth Rs 2,000 crore, while the flower trade during the 45-day mela is estimated at Rs 800 crore. Groceries, including wheat flour, sugar, tea, and spices, are expected to contribute Rs 4,000 crore, while edible oils add another Rs 1,000 crore. Vegetables are anticipated to bring in Rs 2,000 crore, and household goods such as beds, mattresses, and bedsheets will account for Rs 500 crore. Milk and dairy products are projected at Rs 4,000 crore, heaters and blowers at Rs 50 crore, firewood at Rs 50 crore, and plastic jerrycans for carrying Ganga Jal at Rs 60 crore. The hospitality sector is set to reach Rs 2,500 crore, travel services including car rentals and e-rickshaws will contribute Rs 300 crore, and boatmen services and miscellaneous items will add another Rs 50 crore and Rs 300 crore, respectively.

Shiv Shankar Singh, General Secretary of the District Business Association in Prayagraj, reported a 20-25% growth in retail business until the Makar Sankranti Snan. This includes increased sales of FMCG products, automobiles, CCTV cameras, cables, and food items. Traders anticipate further growth on Mauni Amavasya. Kadir, District President of the Business Board, highlighted a doubling of sales for food items, grains, puja materials, clothes, blankets, mattresses, electronics, and tent fabrics as the Mahakumbh progresses.

Dry fruits have emerged as a key item, heavily used in prasad, sweets, and offerings during the Mahakumbh. Abhishek Mittal, a local wholesaler, revealed that around 250 tonnes of dry fruits are expected to be consumed during the event. Initial consignments, including 120 tonnes, have already arrived in early January. "We’ve planned phased supplies to maintain freshness and meet demand," he said. Special storage facilities have been arranged to preserve the quality of dry fruits, with vacuum-sealed packaging protecting them from moisture and pests. "We’ve sourced the best-quality products from across India and abroad," Mittal added.

Key sources include almonds from California, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, makhana from the Mithila region in Bihar, cashews from Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka, raisins from Nasik and Sangli in Maharashtra, and Bikaner in Rajasthan. Chironji is being sourced from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while pistachios are being imported from Iran, Turkey, and the USA. Dates, a key item for prasad and offerings, are arriving in bulk from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran via Delhi.

Traders are employing efficient logistics strategies, including bulk orders and reliable transportation partnerships, to avoid delays. KK Verma, a Prayagraj wholesaler, said, "Our logistics plan ensures timely arrival of stocks." Sadhus and devotees have also lauded the preparations. Sadhu Gopal Das, a veteran of many Kumbh events, said, "The meticulous planning ensures that everything we need is available and of the best quality. The traders have truly risen to the occasion."

As the Mahakumbh progresses, Prayagraj stands as a beacon of India’s cultural and economic vitality. This confluence of faith and commerce not only uplifts the city’s economy but also underscores its role as a hub of spiritual and business activity, setting new benchmarks for future events.