New Delhi:
The Maha Kumbh Mela started this morning at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh with over 50 lakh people taking the first holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers.
The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, also called the largest gathering of humanity in the world, is expected to bring over 40 crore people to Prayagraj, which is more than the population of the US and Russia.
Devotees take a holy dip in Sangam during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The event, which is being held after twelve years, is set up on approximately 4,000 hectares and will continue until February 26. It is expected to give a huge boost to the economic growth of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, which has budgeted around Rs 7,000 crore for the 45-day mega event.
Maha Kumbh is expected to earn up to Rs 2 Lakh Crore
Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore of economic growth for Uttar Pradesh. According to estimates, the event can generate Rs 2 lakh crore if each of the 40 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000.
News agency IANS, citing industry estimates, said average expenditure per person could rise to as much as Rs 10,000 and the total economic impact could reach Rs 4 lakh crore. It is also expected to increase both nominal and real GDP by more than 1 percent.
A drone shot of the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh 2025
Photo credit: PTI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Prayagraj's Ardh Kumbh Mela contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy in 2019. The “ardh” or half Kumbh Mela had attracted around 24 crore pilgrims in 2019.
“With an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is expected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth,” he recently told a news channel.
I think I can, if I understand correctly, I think it's right
'अनेकता में एकता' का संदेश देता महाकुम्भ-2025, I think I got it right done I think it's good#एकता_का_महाकुम्भ pic.twitter.com/kZt5xtBItW
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 13, 2025
Mr Adityanath, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), described the Maha Kumbh as the world's largest temporary city, which can accommodate between 50 lakh and one crore devotees at any time.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the food and beverage sector, including packaged food, water, biscuits, juices and meals, is estimated to add Rs 20,000 crore to the total trade.
The traders' association also said that religious items and offerings, such as oil, lamps, Ganga water, idols, incense sticks and religious books, are another important area of economic activity, with an estimated contribution of Rs 20,000 crore.
Photo credit: AFP
Transport and logistics, including local and inter-state services, freight and taxis, are expected to account for Rs 10,000 crore, while tourism services, such as tour guides, tour packages and related activities, are likely to contribute another Rs 10,000 crore, the CAIT said.
Temporary medical camps, ayurvedic products and medicines could fetch Rs 3,000 crore, while sectors like e-ticketing, digital payments, Wi-Fi services and mobile charging stations are expected to see a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore. Entertainment and media, including advertising and promotional activities, is expected to generate Rs 10,000 crore in business, the CAIT said.
PM Modi calls start of Maha Kumbh “very special day”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the start of Maha Kumbh as a “very special day” for millions of people who “cherish Indian values and culture”.
“Maha Kumbh 2025 begins in Prayagraj and brings together countless people in a sacred confluence of faith, devotion and culture. The Maha Kumbh embodies India's timeless spiritual heritage and celebrates faith and harmony,” he posted on X this morning.
“I am happy to see Prayagraj bustling with countless people coming there, taking the holy dip and seeking blessings. I wish all the pilgrims and tourists a wonderful stay,” he said.
Pilgrims take a dip in the sacred waters of Sangam
Photo credit: AFP
Mr Adityanath also described it as a confluence of cultures and a message of unity in diversity.
“The world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering 'Maha Kumbh' begins today in the holy city of Prayagraj. All revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, meditate and take holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are warmly welcomed,” he said in a post on
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times in twelve years and rotates between four holy places in India: Haridwar (Uttarakhand) on the banks of Ganga, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) along the Shipra, Nashik (Maharashtra) near the Godavari and Prayagraj on the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
Each event corresponds to specific astrological positions of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, and marks the holiest time in Hinduism.
During the month-long event, many pilgrims take a dip in the river. These sacred bath rituals, also known as Shahi Snans or Amrit Snans, are believed to purify their souls and wash away their sins.
Photo credit: AFP
This year, the following dates are expected to attract the most crowd: January 14, which is Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan), January 29 – Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan), February 3 – Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan),
February 12 – Maghi Purnima and February 26 – Mahashivratri (last Snan).
Preparations for Maha Kumbh
This year, the Maha Kumbh Mela has around 1,50,000 tents to accommodate the visitors and is equipped with 3,000 kitchens, 1,45,000 toilets and 99 parking spaces.
More than 40,000 police officers are on guard to ensure safety and control crowds.
Photo credit: PTI
Surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence AI capabilities have also been set up to ensure continuous monitoring.
Indian Railways has added nearly 100 trains to make 3,300 journeys carrying festival goers, in addition to regular services to Prayagraj.
According to Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, more than 15 lakh foreign tourists are expected to visit the Maha Kumbh.
The Ministry of Tourism has set up a tent city offering facilities such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Panchakarma to accommodate them, he said.
