The recently concluded Maha Kumbh will help India achieve the target of 6.5% GDP in the fiscal year 2024–2025, Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran said on Friday.
The organizers initially projected that 40 crore people would visit the Maha Kumbh. That translated to around 90 lakh people a day on average, or about one-fourth of India’s population, visiting a temporary region in just 45 days. It is possible that they spent up to Rs 2 lakh crore. Up to February 26, when it concluded on the occasion of Mahashivratri, 66.21 crore (662.1 million) people attended the Kumbh Mela, surpassing the government’s expectations.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General and industry expert claims that the Maha kumbh has produced an astounding amount of business, with an estimated Rs 3 lakh crore (USD 360 billion) in products and services. He pointed out that this makes the Maha kumbh one of the nation’s biggest economic gatherings.
Revenue Generation Through Tourism
The 2025 Mahakumbh was not only a colossal event but an event that has turned the fate of many families and even the India economy. The event spread over 45 days quickly and became an economic phenomenon, bringing in more than estimated revenue for the regional and national economies. The Maha kumbh of 2013 generated a whopping revenue of 1200 Crores, but as expected the revenue for 2025 has broken all the records bringing in an estimated revenue of 3 lakhs Crores.
The hospitality sector experienced a sharp increase, with hotels, guesthouses, and temporary tent accommodations all operating at full capacity. Retail businesses, transportation providers, and food sellers all benefited from the rise in tourists. The general economic impact spread beyond the city limits to nearby states and regions as a result of increased trade and commerce.
Infrastructure Development and Investment
One major contributor to the extensive wealth generated this year is the generous investment the government has made in ensuring the convenience of travelers. The glorification of the project, the maintenance of the roads, the construction of bridges, and the overall sanitation facilities were major attracter for the project this year.
As per reports, the government has invested approximately, 1200 Crores for road maintenance, airway connectivity and digital surveillance to ensure the safety and convenience of the pilgrims traveling from all over India for the prestigious celebration.
Employment Generation and Small-Scale Industries
The Mahakumbh has served as a catalyst for generating various employment opportunities, especially for the unorganized sector. Nearly 600,000 temporary jobs were created in the fields of sanitation, transportation, catering, security, and event organizing. For many local homes, the event was a significant source of income.
Small-scale enterprises including handicrafts, religious objects, and regional cuisines saw a sharp rise in demand. Craftspeople, traders, and shop owners made money from the copious amounts of foot traffic by offering products that were appealing to pilgrims and tourists alike. Supporting local crafts and providing a means of livelihood to impoverished people were made possible by this economic activity.
Marketing and International Attention
The 2025 event was massively advertised and even gained international attention and media coverage. This served as an excellent pathway for the recognition of Indian culture all over the world and increased global awareness.
Partnerships between the public and private sectors for sponsorships, advertising, and technological advancements also helped in the revenue-generating process. The development of unique packages and services by several e-commerce sites and travel agencies greatly enhanced the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Mahakumbh Effect
Large-scale operations in a variety of industries, including accommodation, food and beverage, transportation and logistics, and religious goods like puja samagri, were spurred by the Mahakumbh. The region saw a rise in economic activity in industries such as media, technology, healthcare, wellness services, handicrafts, textiles, and clothing.
Other significant holy sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi have seen an increase in pilgrim visitation in addition to Prayagraj, which has further boosted the local economy.
Despite being an event with such a massive crowd which needed careful management, the government has excelled in the management and adopting eco-friendly practices. Around 600,000 temporary jobs were also created by the event, providing a means of livelihood for numerous families from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Better infrastructure and an international reputation are examples of indirect benefits that are expected to have a long-term impact on the local economy.
