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Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Boosts Spiritual Tourism, Could Generate ₹2 Trillion 

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Maha Kumbh Mela is shaping up to be a financial powerhouse, with the travel and tourism industry riding a wave of growth. Renowned as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, it symbolizes India’s deep cultural and spiritual heritage. 

This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela promises to be a game-changer, with an estimated 400 million visitors flocking to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, over the next six weeks. Held every 12 years, the 2025 edition is particularly special, marking the completion of 144 years—a dozen 12-year cycles. 

Source: LiveMint

Spiritual Tourism: A Growing Trend

In recent years, spiritual tourism has emerged as a significant segment of the global travel industry. For many, travel is no longer just about leisure but also about seeking deeper meaning and connection.

According to a KPMG report titled “Sacred Journeys: Unfolding the Evolution and Growth of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism in India,” the spiritual tourism market in India is expected to continue its growth, reaching an estimated value of US$ 59 billion by 2028 with over 100 million people expected to be employed in this sector by 2030.

Religious tourism has become a key aspect of domestic travel in India, making up over 60% of all domestic trips. In 2022, 1433 million domestic tourists visited pilgrimage sites, while 6.64 million foreign visitors attended as well. This marked a significant rise from 677 million domestic visitors in 2021 and 1.05 million in 2020.

Source: Travtalkindia.com

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Source: Travtalkindia.com

Economic Impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela

According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the Maha Kumbh Mela has an estimated budget of ₹7,500 crore and is projected to generate a staggering ₹2 trillion in revenue. This projection is based on the assumption that each visitor will spend an average of ₹5,000 per day during the event.

Source: LiveMint

Breakdown of Revenue Streams Due to Maha Kumbh Mela

  • Hospitality Sector: The festival is expected to contribute ₹2,500 crore from hotel stays, accommodations, and related services.
  • Travel and Transportation: Revenue from travel is anticipated to reach ₹300-350 crore, reflecting the massive influx of domestic and international pilgrims.
  • Milk and Dairy Products: The sale of milk and dairy products is estimated to generate ₹4,000 crore, highlighting the demand for essential food items during the event.
  • Groceries and Vegetables: Revenue from vegetables and other groceries is projected to add another ₹6,000 crore, underscoring the importance of local markets in supporting the needs of millions of visitors.

Source: LiveMint

Maha Kumbh Mela Leads to Surge in Accommodation & Airfare Prices

This year’s event has created a surge in travel demand, prompting Tata Group-owned Air India to introduce daily flights between Delhi and Prayagraj for the entire duration of the festival. With limited travel options, one-way airfares to Prayagraj from Delhi and Mumbai have skyrocketed, increasing from around ₹6,000 to nearly ₹15,500. The surge in demand is also evident, with hotel bookings in Prayagraj soaring nearly 10 times compared to last year and flight bookings to the city rising by 65%.

Source: LiveMint

Extended Pilgrimage Circuits Boost Neighboring Cities

Travel agencies have reported a threefold increase in airfares to Prayagraj compared to last year. Varanasi, a prominent stop on the pilgrimage route, has also experienced a 15% rise in flight prices. 

Hotel booking platform Cleartrip revealed that accommodation costs in Prayagraj have jumped by 6%, while Ayodhya has seen a 19% hike. According to industry experts, hotel bookings in Prayagraj have soared nearly tenfold, reflecting the massive travel boom.

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. noted a 20-25% rise in expenditures compared to previous Kumbh Melas. While a significant number of customers are traveling to Prayagraj from within India, there is also strong interest from NRIs and international tourists eager to explore the Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayagraj circuit. 

In response to the growing demand, Thomas Cook has expanded its offerings to cater to this demand, providing packages that include two-to-five-night stays, guided tours, and spiritual activities such as yoga and meditation.

Source: LiveMint

Special Packages and Camps for Maha Kumbh Mela

To accommodate the overwhelming number of visitors, government and private organizations have stepped in with special packages and facilities. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced room and villa packages starting at ₹18,000-20,000 for double occupancy in tents set up on a portion of the 4,000 hectares of the mela grounds. 

Similarly, the Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (DJJS), a spiritual organization, has established a nine-acre camp in Prayagraj, expecting to host between 1.5 million and 2 million visitors.

Source: LiveMint

Maha Kumbh Mela Boosts Local Economies

Employment Opportunities

The economic ripple effects of the Maha Kumbh Mela extend beyond the immediate tourism industry. Local vendors, artisans, and service providers stand to benefit immensely from the increased footfall. From selling souvenirs and religious items to offering food and transport services, the event creates a plethora of income opportunities for the local population.

Challenges and Preparations

Infrastructure Upgrades

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and robust infrastructure. The government has already made significant investments to improve roads, bridges, sanitation facilities, and public utilities in Prayagraj. Temporary structures, including toilets and medical camps, are also set up to ensure the comfort and safety of visitors.

Managing the Crowd

With millions of people converging on Prayagraj, crowd management is a critical challenge. Advanced technologies such as drones and AI-powered surveillance systems are being deployed to monitor the crowd and ensure safety. Additionally, dedicated teams of volunteers and security personnel are on hand to assist pilgrims and manage emergencies.

The Role of Technology

Technology is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the experience of visitors to the Maha Kumbh Mela. Mobile apps and websites are developed to provide real-time visitors’ information on accommodation, and event schedules. Virtual reality experiences and live streaming options are also in place, allowing those unable to attend in person to partake in the spiritual festivities remotely.

Global Impact of Maha Kumbh Mela

The Maha Kumbh Mela’s influence extends far beyond India’s borders. The event draws significant international attention, showcasing India’s cultural and spiritual richness to a global audience. This not only boosts tourism but also enhances India’s soft power on the world stage. Foreign tourists attending the Kumbh often extend their stay to explore other spiritual destinations in India, such as Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya, further contributing to the country’s travel economy.

Sustainability Efforts

As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to grow in scale, ensuring its environmental sustainability has become a priority. Efforts are being made to minimize the ecological footprint of the event. Initiatives include the use of eco-friendly materials, efficient waste management systems, and promoting awareness about sustainable practices among visitors. The aim is to preserve the sanctity of the site while accommodating the massive influx of people.

Maha Kumbh Mela: A Divine Opportunity for the Travel Industry

The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a spiritual event; it is a monumental opportunity for India’s travel and tourism industry. As spiritual tourism gains momentum, the Kumbh Mela stands as a shining example of how cultural and religious heritage can drive economic growth and foster global connections. For travelers, it offers an unparalleled chance to experience the magic of faith, culture, and community on an epic scale.

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FAQ

  1. What is the impact of Maha Kumbh on spiritual tourism?

    The Maha Kumbh significantly boosts spiritual tourism in India. Millions of pilgrims visit, generating substantial revenue and employment. It showcases India’s rich spiritual heritage to the world.

  2. How much revenue can spiritual tourism generate?

    The spiritual tourism market in India is projected to reach $59 billion by 2028. The Maha Kumbh alone could contribute significantly to this growth, potentially generating over ₹2 trillion in revenue.

  3. What factors drive the growth of spiritual tourism?

    Factors like increasing interest in spirituality, wellness tourism, government initiatives promoting religious sites, and improved infrastructure contribute to the growth of spiritual tourism.

  4. Who are the key players in this sector?

    Key players include travel agencies, tour operators, accommodation providers, transportation services, and local communities that cater to the needs of spiritual tourists.

  5. How can India further capitalize on this growth?

    India can further capitalize on this growth by developing sustainable tourism practices, improving infrastructure at religious sites, and promoting responsible tourism to preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of these sacred places.

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I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.

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