Ayodhya, Varanasi, and other nearby religious hubs witness economic growth amid Mahakumbh 2025

Mahakumbh Nagar : The world’s largest spiritual gathering, Mahakumbh 2025, has not only reinforced India’s rich cultural heritage but has also set a new record in trade and economic impact. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the ongoing Mahakumbh has generated over Rs 3 lakh crore ($360 billion USD) in trade, making it one of India’s biggest economic events to date.

CAIT General Secretary and Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal emphasized that this milestone highlights the deep connection between faith and economy. He stated that the unprecedented scale of commercial activity during Mahakumbh demonstrates how spiritual tourism and religious gatherings contribute significantly to India’s economic growth.

Being organized in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, Mahakumbh 2025 was initially expected to attract 40 crore devotees and generate Rs 2 lakh crore in trade. However, due to the overwhelming enthusiasm across the country, the estimates have now risen to 60 crore visitors, pushing the projected economic impact beyond Rs 3 lakh crore.

Mahakumbh 2025 has led to a significant economic boost in various industries, including:

• Tourism, Hotels, and Accommodation Services
• Food and Beverage Industry
• Transport and Logistics
• Religious Items, Traditional Clothing, and Handicrafts
• Healthcare and Wellness Services
• Media, Advertising, and Entertainment
• Smart Technology, CCTV, Telecom, and AI-based Services

The economic impact was not limited to Prayagraj alone. Cities and towns within a 150 km radius also saw a surge in business activity. Additionally, religious hubs like Ayodhya and Varanasi witnessed an increase in pilgrims, further strengthening their local economies.

To ensure a smooth and well-organized Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government invested Rs 7,500 crore in road, flyover, and underpass development in Prayagraj.

Out of this, Rs 1,500 crore was specifically allocated for Mahakumbh preparations. These efforts have not only improved infrastructure and traffic management in Prayagraj but also benefited neighboring areas.