The largest gathering of humanity on Earth – Mahakumbh, which is expected to draw around 400 million people, is estimated to generate trade worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore, according to the traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The mega religious gathering this year in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is expected to boost local and the state economy with goods and services worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore anticipated to be supplied from Delhi to Prayagraj and nearby towns, the confederation said.
Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General, CAIT said sectors such as railways, air transport, and roadways are also projected to earn substantial revenues from Mahakumbh.
“Mahakumbh will witness large-scale economic and trade activities. An estimate suggests that with an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person during religious travel, the total spending will exceed Rs 2 lakh crore. This includes spending on hotels, guesthouses, temporary accommodations, food, religious items, healthcare, and other services,” said Khandelwal.
As per CAIT’s estimates, accommodation and tourism are expected to generate Rs 40,000 crore trade; Rs 20,000 crore by food and beverage market; Rs 20,000 crore by religious items and offerings such as oil, lamps, Ganga water, idols; Rs 10,000 crore by transportation and logistics; Rs 5,000 crore by handicrafts and souvenirs; Rs 3,000 crore by healthcare services; Rs 1,000 crore by IT and digital services; Rs 10,000 crore by entertainment and media; and more.
In order to promote tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the state government is showcasing Maha Kumbh 2025 at prestigious international tourism trade fairs in Madrid, Spain, and Berlin, Germany. The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), scheduled for January 24–28, 2025, and the ITB Berlin Fair from March 4–6, 2025, will host thematic pavilions dedicated to Maha Kumbh and Uttar Pradesh’s cultural legacy, according to the government.