Mahakumbh 2025: With over 66 crores people taking holy dip, grand confluence of faith and harmony concludes
New Delhi : Mahakumbh 2025 has concluded with Amrit Snan on February 26 (Mahashivratri); more than 66 crore people took the holy dip during the fest that started on January 13 this year, making the largest human gathering ever recorded. While it was completely a religious event, it turned out to be one the biggest economic engine for Prayagraj with transactions amounting to an estimated Rs 3 lakh crore (USD 360 billion). The impact was not just limited to Prayagraj, but also had its impact on the regions in 150 km radius.
The spiritual fervour at Mahakumbh saw participation from all 13 Akharas, who followed age-old rituals, marking their presence with grand processions and religious discourses. Millions of people took the holy dip at Sangam where sacred River Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers meet under the special star alignment that is believed to have occurred in a rare incident of 144 years.
Economical Impact of Mahakumbh 2025
There is no denial that the spiritual dimensions of the event were limitless, talking about the economic dimensions, it was no less. The state government is estimating a revenue of Rs 54,000 crore from the event, with around 60 lakh people benefiting from direct and indirect employment in tourism, hospitality, transportation, and local trade. With crores of people visiting Prayagraj for the holy dip, there was an unprecedented demand for accommodation, food services and religious merchandise.
Banking and Financial Transactions Skyrocket
To ensure financial convenience for pilgrims, 16 banks set up branches within the mela premises. These banks handled transactions worth Rs 37 crore, with the majority of deposits recorded at the State Bank of India (SBI).
An impact on global stage
While people from India were traveling length and breath to reach the place, the excitement was crossing the borders as well. Delegations from over 76 countries participated in the event. The King of Bhutan, along with ministers and dignitaries from various nations, took the holy dip at the Sangam. Over 50 lakh devotees from Nepal alone visited Prayagraj, while more than two lakh people from 27 other countries attended the sacred gathering. Laurene Powell Jobs, philanthropist and wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, also visited the Mahakumbh.
Joining them were famous celebrities from entertainment industry. Political leaders in India, including Prime Minister, President, Union Ministers were also seen taking the holy dip at Prayagraj.
Kudos to Uttar Pradesh Government
Uttar Pradesh government must received the praise for their unwavering planning and execution of the event to make it a successful one. Spanning 4,000 hectares and divided into 25 sectors, Mahakumbh Nagar was designed to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. The event’s infrastructure included:
•12 kilometres of paved ghats
•1,850 hectares of parking space
•31 pontoon bridges
•Over 67,000 streetlights
•1.5 lakh toilets
•25,000 public accommodations
The state government had provided Rs 7000 crores for the redevelopment of Prayagraj to handle the influx; adding to the same was Rs 15000 crores from the Central government.
