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The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, hosted at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is not only a monumental spiritual and cultural event but also a significant economic phenomenon. With millions of pilgrims, tourists, and participants gathering from across the globe, Mahakumbh catalyzes various economic activities and significantly boosts government revenue. In this article, we explore in detail the various economic dimensions of the Mahakumbh 2025, supported by examples and data.

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Overview of Mahakumbh 2025

The Mahakumbh is one of the largest religious congregations in the world, held every 144 years. The 2025 edition is expected to host over 400 million visitors, spanning 48 days. The scale of the event necessitates massive infrastructure development, logistics planning, and economic engagement, making it a hub for economic growth and government revenue.

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Economic Activities During Mahakumbh 2025

1. Tourism and Hospitality

The tourism and hospitality sector witnesses exponential growth during the Mahakumbh. Examples include:

• Hotel and Lodging Services: With an estimated 82 million daily visitors, local hotels, lodges, and temporary accommodations generate massive revenue. Luxury hotels, mid-range stays, and dormitory-style setups cater to a diverse audience.
  • Example: A standard mid-range hotel in Prayagraj charging INR 2,500 per night could generate over INR 7 crore in revenue if fully booked for 40 days.
• Transport Services: Increased footfall results in higher earnings for railways, airlines, and road transport operators.
  • Example: The Indian Railways introduced 200 special trains for Mahakumbh, generating ticket sales worth an estimated INR 150 crore.
• Travel Agencies: Customized Mahakumbh tour packages include accommodations, meals, and guided tours, providing employment and revenue.

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2. Food and Beverage Industry

The food industry caters to millions daily, offering a mix of traditional meals, snacks, and beverages. Temporary food stalls and restaurants experience record-breaking sales.

• Example: A tea vendor near the Sangam earns INR 10,000 daily, translating to INR 4 lakh in 40 days. Multiplied by hundreds of such vendors, this small-scale economy adds up to crores.

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3. Handicrafts and Souvenirs

The demand for religious and cultural items, such as rudraksha beads, idols, and brass utensils, spikes significantly.

• Example: Artisans from Varanasi and Khurja sell brass and ceramic items worth INR 100 crore during the event. The sale of branded Mahakumbh souvenirs alone is estimated to cross INR 200 crore.

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4. Event Management and Infrastructure Development

The scale of Mahakumbh necessitates large-scale event management:

• Temporary Tents and Shelters: The government sets up lakhs of tents for pilgrims, employing workers and contractors.
• Cultural Programs: The Mela features religious and cultural performances, boosting income for performers and event organizers.
  • Example: Over 5,000 artists are expected to perform, earning INR 20 crore collectively.

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5. Religious Activities and Donations

Temples and ashrams witness increased donations. These funds are often reinvested in community development and charitable activities.

• Example: The Akshayavat temple near Prayagraj reported donations worth INR 2 crore during the last Mahakumbh.

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6. Media and Advertising

The Mahakumbh is a global event, attracting media coverage and advertising revenue:

• Example: Sponsorship deals and advertisements on television and social media platforms are expected to generate INR 500 crore in revenue.

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7. Local Employment Generation

Temporary jobs in security, sanitation, and logistics are created on a massive scale. For instance:

• Example: The Mahakumbh 2025 is projected to create 10 lakh temporary jobs, with an average earning of INR 15,000 per worker over the event’s duration, injecting INR 1,500 crore into the local economy.

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Government Revenue During Mahakumbh 2025

The government earns revenue through multiple streams:

1. Tax Revenue

• GST: Goods and services sold during the Mela, from hotel stays to food items, are taxed under GST.
  • Example: Food vendors paying 5% GST on their earnings contribute an estimated INR 200 crore to the exchequer.
• Income Tax: Businesses profiting from Mahakumbh, such as hotels and transport companies, pay income tax, adding to government revenue.

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2. Licensing Fees

Temporary vendors and shopkeepers must acquire licenses from local authorities.

• Example: The Prayagraj administration issued over 50,000 vendor licenses, generating INR 25 crore in fees.

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3. Entry Fees and Service Charges

• Example: Entry tickets to cultural events and parking fees collected during the Mahakumbh contribute over INR 10 crore.

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4. Transportation Revenue

Increased use of public transport results in higher revenue for government-owned services:

• Example: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) earned INR 50 crore from additional bus services.

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5. International Revenue

Foreign tourists attending Mahakumbh contribute to foreign exchange reserves:

• Example: An estimated 50,000 international tourists spending an average of $1,000 each contribute INR 400 crore in foreign exchange.

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Impact on Local and National Economy

Boost to Local Economy

Local businesses, artisans, and service providers benefit immensely, creating a ripple effect across the economy.

Long-Term Benefits

Infrastructure developments, such as improved roads, sanitation, and public transport, benefit residents even after the event concludes.

Cultural and Economic Synergy

Mahakumbh serves as a global platform to showcase India’s rich heritage, boosting cultural tourism and enhancing India’s soft power.

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Conclusion

The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is more than a religious congregation; it is an economic powerhouse. The event highlights the potential of cultural and spiritual tourism to drive economic growth and government revenue. With meticulous planning and effective management, Mahakumbh 2025 not only uplifts the spiritual fabric of the nation but also serves as a shining example of how tradition and modernity can coexist to benefit society at large.