Mahakumbh 2025 in numbers: Budget ₹7,500 crore, revenue ₹2,00,000 crore expected in 45 days
The mela, which is expected to draw around 450 million devotees over the course of 45 days, will likely cause an economic surge in the region
The Mahakumbh 2025, which began on January 13, is expected to garner ₹2 lakh crore in revenue, according to an estimate by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The Mahakumbh, which is expected to draw around 450 million devotees over the course of 45 days, will likely cause an economic surge in the region, especially related to the tourism and hospitality industry.
If every visitor spent ₹5,000 during their trip, the mela would easily reach the estimate of ₹2 lakh crore. The CIAT also estimated that ₹40,000 crore would likely be generated by the local hotels, guesthouses, and lodges that will be occupied during the festival.
The Uttar Pradesh government spent approximately ₹7,500 crore on religious events.
The Live Mint reported that helicopter services are likely to earn around ₹3.5 crore per day, catering to 7,000 pilgrims daily over 45 days at the cost of ₹5,000 per trip.
Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of the CAIT, said, “Mahakumbh will witness large-scale economic and trade activities. An estimate suggests that with an average expenditure of ₹5,000 per person during religious travel, the total spending will exceed ₹2 lakh crore. This includes spending on hotels, guesthouses, temporary accommodations, food, religious items, healthcare, and other services.”
Also Read: Mahakumbh 2025: Aerial footage shows massive crowds as 60 lakh devotees take holy dip on day 1
The CIAT estimated that the food and beverages sector would contribute ₹20,000 crore to the trade. Another major revenue source will be religious offerings and items such as incense sticks, lamps and idols, which can contribute another ₹20,000 crore to the trade.
Brands in Mahakumbh
Major brands across sectors display their products at stalls, set up resting camps for pilgrims, and distribute samples at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
Also Read: Mahakumbh 2025 facts: Why do Naga Sadhus lead sacred bath in first ‘Amrit Snan’?
Brands such as Dettol, Dabur, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, and corporate houses such as ITC and Reliance have been relying on the large crowds that the mela attracts and have come up with innovative ways to make themselves seen.
Pepsico, which owns beverages Sting and Mountain Dew, has installed a 30-foot-tall illuminated Mountain Dew bottle, electrifying the area for navigation and ensuring better visibility in the mela area. It has also provided 500 charging points, which is sponsored by its energy drink, Sting.
Other brands, like Reliance, have made ashram rest stops on the way to help devotees rest and gain positive exposure for their brands.
ABOUT THE AUTHORHT News DeskFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

E-Paper


