The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is not just a religious event; it has transformed into a massive economic engine driving growth across Uttar Pradesh. With preparations in full swing to welcome over 400 million pilgrims, the event has become a source of livelihood and opportunity for artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs from all 75 districts of the state. Over its 45-day duration, this mega-event is expected to generate economic activity on a scale that rivals the GDP of some countries, with small-scale artisans and micro-enterprises alone securing orders worth Rs 10,000 crore.
“This is not just an event for the faithful; it’s an economic festival,†said Mahendra Goyal, Uttar Pradesh head of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). “The state government’s Rs 7,500 crore investment will generate at least? 25,000 crore in revenue and facilitate business worth Rs 2 lakh crore. It is a win-win for faith and the economy.â€
The demand for basic necessities such as groceries, edible oils, vegetables, dairy products, bedding, and hospitality services has surged. Entrepreneurs from districts like Kanpur, Varanasi, and Gautam Buddh Nagar are leading the charge, with key sectors like groceries expected to generate Rs 4,000 crore and dairy products contributing Rs 4,200 crore. Speaking about the influx of opportunities, Ravi Tiwari, a vegetable supplier from Kanpur, shared, “The orders I have received for the Maha Kumbh are more than what I usually supply in six months. This event is a game-changer for small businesses like mine.â€
Employment opportunities have also multiplied across various sectors. Neeraj Singhal, National President of the Indian Industries Association, remarked, “The demand for services such as hotels, restaurants, food stalls, air travel, railways, and road transportation has increased by nearly 80 times. Construction, security, sanitation, and healthcare services are employing over 10,000 workers and unskilled laborers, with many of them coming from districts like Kushinagar, Ballia, and Maharajganj.â€
Artisans and manufacturers have seen unprecedented demand for their products. The Small Industries and Manufacturers Association reported a significant rise in sales of food, worship materials, clothing, and souvenirs. Entrepreneurs from regions such as Unnao, Ghaziabad, and Mirzapur have directly benefitted. Rajeev Mishra, an artisan from Mirzapur, said, “This is the busiest we have been in years. Orders for clay ware and handicrafts have poured in, and we are working round the clock to meet the demand.â€
The infrastructure developed for the event has also brought economic benefits to districts like Meerut, Hapur, and Lucknow, where workers have been employed to build roads, ensure sanitation, and maintain utilities. Tourism, transport, and the sale of worship materials have further benefitted regions such as Mathura and Hardoi. Vinod Pandey, a hotel owner in Varanasi, noted, “We have been booked solid for months. The influx of pilgrims is not limited to Prayagraj only. After taking a dip at Sangam they are coming to Varanasi. This huge footfall has not only boosted my business but also created jobs for locals.â€
Additionally, major brands have tapped into the opportunities presented by the Maha Kumbh. A total of 82 Uttar Pradesh-based brands and 178 national brands have created 9,000 temporary jobs for youth. The tent city set up for the event alone has generated over 2,000 permanent positions.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 has proven to be a unifying force, not just spiritually but economically, with its impact felt in every corner of the state. As Ashok Kumar, a shopkeeper from Prayagraj, aptly said, “The Kumbh doesn’t just bring pilgrims; it brings prosperity.â€
